The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed an agreement on September 20 with Tucson Airport Authority addressing the threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Tucson aquifer.
PFAS chemicals, often referred to as forever chemicals, originating from the Tucson International Airport Area (TIAA) Superfund Site are threatening the water quality of the drinking water system managed by Tucson Water, the city’s water department. The agreement being announced today will help ensure the protection of the aquifer and address groundwater contamination.
"It is essential that Tucson residents can continue to rely on groundwater as a safe source for drinking water," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "This agreement demonstrates the Tucson Airport Authority's commitment to share responsibility for protecting public health, and our recognition that such a commitment must be backed up by action."
The agreement, known as an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent, requires Tucson Airport Authority to determine the nature and extent of PFAS contamination that the authority is responsible for at the TIAA site, and whether cleanup action at or around the airport property is needed.
If so, the authority must evaluate cleanup options to prevent, mitigate, and respond to the release or threatened release of PFAS at or from airport property. This agreement further motivates Tucson Airport Authority to cooperate with others who are not parties to this agreement, such as Tucson Water and the U.S. Air Force, to prevent and mitigate impacts from PFAS.
More information about PFAS and the Tucson Airport Authority can be found here.
NGWA has long been an industry leader in providing PFAS research, education, and resources to the public and scientific communities. Click here to visit the resource center, which features updated top-10 fact sheet, a position paper, and more.