Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) released the names of more than 30 DoD installations and National Guard facilities where interim per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cleanup actions are underway or will start in Fiscal Year 2024. These efforts will mitigate further PFAS plume migration or ongoing impacts to groundwater from on-base PFAS source areas and build on the Biden-Harris Administration's commitments to protect public health and the environment.
"We remain committed to taking care of our people and the surrounding communities and ecosystems. Implementation of these interim actions to clean up PFAS is another step in the right direction for protecting public health and the environment," said Dr. William LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
DoD issued guidance last year directing the Military Departments to renew focus on initiating interim actions to address PFAS, where appropriate. The Department follows the federal cleanup law ("CERCLA") as it addresses its PFAS releases and is prioritizing cleanup in communities with the highest risk of exposure. PFAS are a large class of chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment and certain PFAS are linked to human health risks. Interim cleanup actions can include removal of soil "hot spots" and installation of groundwater extraction systems.
"We appreciate the effort put forth by the Military Departments to make the tangible progress these announcements represent," said Brendan Owens, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, "but at the same time, we acknowledge there is more work to do. I look forward to building on these efforts as we continue our commitment to the communities in which we serve."
The DoD installations and National Guard facilities where interim actions are already being taken or will be initiated in Fiscal Year 2024 are listed on DoD's PFAS website. Interim actions can be taken at any point in the cleanup process, and the Department expects to take additional interim actions as more information becomes available from our investigations at over 700 installations and National Guard facilities.
DoD's focus on PFAS cleanup is demonstrated by through policy and guidance issued by DoD's PFAS Task Force, direct action at installations, ongoing research efforts, investments in technology, and meaningful community engagement. The Department is committed to protecting public health and the environment in our military communities and will continue to accelerate PFAS cleanup efforts nationwide in accordance with federal law and in partnership with regulatory agencies and affected communities.
