Cannon Air Force Base Deals with PFAS Toxins Spill
Military Probing 7,000-Gallon Contaminant Leak at Cannon Air Force Base
In an unexpected turn of events, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico is currently grappling with a spill of approximately 7,000 gallons of water containing firefighting chemicals. These harmful substances are known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS, which have been in use worldwide, especially in consumer products and firefighting foam, since the 1950s and the 1970s respectively.
Despite ongoing investigations, the full extent of PFAS's harm to human health remains unclear. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization classifies a type of PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), as carcinogenic to humans, and another type, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
The unfortunate incident occurred during the transition to fluorine-free foam, a move initiated by the Department of Defense in 2023, when Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, became the first Air Force base to adopt the improved firefighting solution. At Cannon, the contaminated water, known as rinsate, had been removed from emergency vehicles, but a spill took place during this process.
It's crucial to emphasize that for comparison, a typical Olympic swimming pool contains nearly 44 times more water than the spill at Cannon Air Force Base, demonstrating its relatively small scale. However, the potential consequences of PFAS exposure cannot be ignored.
The rinsate ended up in a lined retention pond at the base's fire training area, and it wasn't until early August that base officials discovered the leak. The contaminated water was removed from the pond and stored, followed by an examination by an independent third party on August 23rd. This inspection revealed several areas where the liner was compromised and torn.
The affected area does not include drinking water wells, but the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center anticipates no off-base wells to be affected either. Base commander Col. Robert Johnston ordered an investigation into the incident, and a task force has been appointed to scrutinize and review all environmental compliance policy and procedures to ensure stricter adherence to regulations moving forward.
In a statement, Col. Johnston expressed understanding and concern for the Cannon community, Airmen, and their families, stressing their commitment to addressing the issue and preventing such incidents in the future. Samples will be taken from the affected area for analysis, and if any PFAS seep into the groundwater, it will be captured by an existing pump and treat system at the base's southeast boundary.
The spill at the Cannon Air Force Base is the latest development in the ongoing PFAS saga at the base. Accumulated PFAS from firefighting training areas and other sites on the base have polluted the underlying Ogallala Aquifer, creating a plume of contaminated groundwater extending at least 2.5 miles off base. PFAS contamination has impacted off-site wells used for irrigation, dairy, and domestic water supply, causing various economic and health issues, including the euthanization of several thousand cows on one dairy farm.
As of now, the state of New Mexico is still in court, requesting the federal government reimburse the costs of cleaning up PFAS contamination, which includes $850,000 spent disposing of thousands of PFAS-contaminated cow carcasses. The long-term health effects of PFOA and PFOS in humans are significant and wide-ranging, involving cancer risk, organ damage, endocrine disruption, immune impairment, developmental issues, and neurological effects (see Enrichment Data section for more detailed information).
- The Department of Defense, understanding the potential harm of PFAS, initiated a transition to fluorine-free foam in 2023.
- The space-related industry, with its extensive use of science and technology, may not be immune to the concerns surrounding PFAS, given their presence in various consumer products and firefighting foam.
- In light of the PFAS contamination issue at Cannon Air Force Base, federal funding for defense, military, and space force initiatives could potentially be diverted to address the environmental impact and health risks.
- The environmental science community has been closely monitoring the impact of climate-change and PFAS contamination on groundwater resources and ozone depletion, both of which can affect air quality and the overall health of the environment and its inhabitants.
- The energy sector, particularly oil and gas, might face scrutiny if they are found using products containing PFAS in their drilling or extraction processes, as these chemicals have been linked to various health issues and are harmful to marine life in water bodies.
- The financial industry could potentially face reputational risks, as investments in companies or industries that contribute to PFAS pollution could be deemed harmful to consumers, investors, and the environment.
