Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
The Air Force Civil Engineering Center has begun installing groundwater monitoring wells as a part of the remedial investigation to aid in determining the extent of potential per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances in groundwater from Cannon Air Force Base.
According to a news release from the Cannon public affairs office, the AFCEC began collecting soil and groundwater samples to identify potential PFAS contamination both on and off the base. Local landowners near Cannon provided property access allowing contractors to take water and soil samples needed to define the extent of PFAS substances in ground water.
The samples provided the data needed to determine the ideal locations for the installation of groundwater monitoring wells.
According to a Cannon news release:
The first groundwater monitoring well was installed on the air base this month, with another 12 scheduled for installation throughout the year. The data collected from monitoring wells will help the AFCEC determine potential future full-scale response efforts.
In addition to the groundwater monitoring wells, an ongoing pilot study initiated by a $16.6 million Department of the Air Force-awarded contract in May 2021, will filter and return water to the aquifer.
As part of the pilot study, a water treatability and aquifer test was completed to aid in the design of the pilot study. Construction will begin once the design phase is finalized. The data collected in the pilot study and ground water monitoring wells will determine the full-scale PFAS mitigation interim response.
