In 2009, Antea Group was requested to investigate locations where Class B aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting had been used at an airport. Our team was tasked with the assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) source, nature and extent in soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater for this confidential client.
Solution
The assessment was approached in two iterative stages: desk top and if necessary media sampling. The desk top assessment included site reconnaissance and fire staff interviews to learn more about the site background and PFAS containing material use. Desk top study also included research on existing data on groundwater, geology, and nearby wells in the area. Findings were presented in a site investigation summary report of potential source PFAS locations and potential receptors.
Based on these findings, soil and groundwater sampling for PFAS were initiated. Upon completing a State accepted work plan, on-site sampling began in 2009. Off-site groundwater samples were also collected for PFAS analysis from the city’s observation wells near their municipal well field, near the airport. Antea Group use a laboratory qualified for Method 537 and a modification of that method for media other than groundwater.
Result
PFAS were identified at the airport in the soil, groundwater, and at nearby municipal wells at concentrations above the state limits for PFAS criteria for drinking water, and fate and transport monitoring and investigations at the site are ongoing.
This whitepaper provides readers with an overview of the wide range of manufactured products that contain PFAS and highlights some of the latest regulatory requirements for sampling, investigation, and discovery of PFAS compounds.
