National Guard investigates PFAS contamination in Tucson groundwater | Local news

In 2019, an Air National Guard spokesman told the Star that the base had gradually stopped using PFAS-containing foam over the past 2½ years.

Last week, Kozachik suggested that the city first build its own sewage treatment plant and then deduct the construction costs from the Air Force. The Arizona Air National Guard is part of the Air Force and has state and federal missions.

The city decided to do something similar in 2011 to remove an industrial solvent called 1,4-dioxane from south-facing groundwater that had been contaminated through the use of Air Force contractors and TCE.

The US $ 20 million dioxane processing plant on the TARP site was built in 2013. The Air Force agreed to reimburse the city for $ 17 million in 2016.

Roadmap described as unacceptable

Kozachik said of the Guard’s reply last week, “You are walking so slowly with this thing. We have levels of 13,000 (PFAS) parts per trillion out there. We are closing our TARP facility and they are suggesting that we take another three years to investigate is an appropriate response.

“This is madness. This is unacceptable. It’s not a partnership, ”said Kozachik.

Tucson Water said, “Time is obviously of the essence. Ultimately, in consultation with the city manager, the mayor and the council, we decide whether the ANG (Air National Guard) plan is acceptable, what legal remedies we have and whether there are alternatives. “

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