The U.S. Air Force announced a public comment period for a proposed cleanup of groundwater contaminated with PFAS, the so‑called “forever chemicals,” at Air Force Plant 44 near Tucson International Airport. Residents have until Nov. 20, 2026, to submit written comments on the plan, which could cost $19.5 million over 30 years if granular activated carbon is used, or $22.8 million if ion‑exchange technology is selected.

Air Force 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 into a storm drain that feeds the Fire Engine Wash Outfall, part of the larger Tucson International Airport Area Superfund site. A 2020 site inspection detected PFAS in nearby soil and groundwater, prompting the current engineering evaluation.

The proposed treatment would add PFAS removal to an existing groundwater system that already handles volatile organic compounds and 1,4‑dioxane. The Air Force is testing both granular activated carbon—similar to a Brita filter—and ion‑exchange methods to determine which, or which combination, will be most effective. After the comment period, the Air Force will review feedback and select a cleanup alternative, documenting the decision in an Action Memorandum.

Community leaders emphasize the importance of the comment period. Yolanda Herrera, co‑chair of the Unified Community Advisory Board, urged residents to “hold the government’s feet to the fire” and voice concerns before a final decision is made. Herrera, a longtime clean‑water activist on Tucson’s south side, highlighted the decades‑long struggle with groundwater contamination in her neighborhood, noting that her family’s well was once contaminated.

Paloma Beamer, a University of Arizona professor of environmental health sciences, said public comment periods give residents a chance to weigh risks and benefits, though she warned that the technical language of the proposals can be challenging for laypeople. She called for clearer explanations of the public‑health implications of PFAS exposure.

Comments can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Roger McCready, AFCEC/CZRC, 2145 Monahan Way, Building 28, Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433. Project documents are also available for review at the Valencia Public Library, 202 W. Valencia Road, Tucson.

What’s next: After Nov. 20, the Air Force will compile public input and issue an Action Memorandum outlining the chosen treatment method. Residents can continue to monitor the process through the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s online Administrative Record, where the February engineering evaluation (Record No. 13164) will be posted.

Sources: azluminaria.org