Residents of Tucson’s south side have until November 20 to review and comment on a proposed cleanup of groundwater contaminated with PFAS, the so‑called “forever chemicals,” at Air Force Plant 44 near the airport.

Public comment process

Yolanda Herrera, a longtime clean‑water activist and co‑chair of the Unified Community Advisory Board, urged locals to “hold the government’s feet to the fire” by submitting written comments. The board, formed in 1995, gives community members a voice in remediation efforts.

Comments can be mailed or submitted online, and project documents are available for review at the Valencia Public Library, 202 W. Valencia Road, Tucson.

Proposed treatment options

The Air Force is evaluating two methods to remove PFAS from the Fire Engine Wash Outfall area: granular activated carbon, similar to a Brita‑style filter, and ion‑exchange technology. The carbon option is estimated at $19.5 million over 30 years, while ion exchange would cost about $22.8 million.

Both approaches would be added to an existing groundwater treatment system that already handles volatile organic compounds and 1,4‑dioxane.

Background

Plant 44, built in 1951 and now operated by Raytheon, used firefighting foam containing PFAS on its fire trucks from 2007‑2015. After training exercises, the foam‑laden runoff was washed near a storm drain that fed the Fire Engine Wash Outfall, leading to soil and groundwater contamination detected in a 2020 inspection.

Community concerns

Herrera, a fifth‑generation Tucsonan, recalls a contaminated well on her family’s street and stresses the need to protect future generations. “I want to make sure my grandchildren are not impacted,” she said.

University of Arizona environmental health professor Paloma Beamer highlighted the importance of public participation but noted the technical language can be a barrier for many residents.

Next steps

After the comment period, the Air Force will compile feedback into an Action Memorandum, which will be posted online through the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Administrative Record.

Local officials and community groups encourage residents to take advantage of the comment window to ensure the cleanup reflects the concerns of those who have lived with the contamination for decades.

Original reporting: Arizona Luminaria — read the source article.