PFAS Investigation at Federal Facilities

Efforts to Address PFOA and PFOS in the Environment

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is committed to the protection of groundwater resources of the state and the public health and safety of our residents. With the emergence of concerns regarding Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS), DEP has been coordinating with the Department of Defense (DOD) on investigation of the use of and historic discharges of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and its related chemicals which include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Investigative work for AFFF source areas at DOD facilities in Florida is in the early stages with some preliminary sampling completed to confirm PFOA and/or PFOS presence and some sampling to be completed at suspected AFFF potential release areas. DEP will continue to work closely with DOD, as well as other federal facilities, in order to investigate and mitigate for PFOA and PFOS introduced due to use of AFFF or other sources, with an emphasis to identify and protect drinking water resources.

The Department of Defense provides access to bottled water or other alternative water supply to any affected well owner whose test results exceed the established Environmental Protection Agency Health Advisory Level.

Useful Links

• Jan. 23, 2019 Letter from DEP to the Department of Defense
• June 6, 2019 Response Letter to DEP from the Department of Defense
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency PFAS webpage
• Department of the Air Force PFAS webpage
• Department of the Navy PFAS webpage
• Naval Air Station Jacksonville PFAS Drinking Water Investigation
• Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Saufley Field PFAS Investigation
• Naval Air Station Whiting Field PFAS Drinking Water Investigation

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