Cannon reports improper handling of PFAS

The Air Force is investigating the release of about 7,000 gallons of water containing per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or “PFAS,” into a “compromised” lined retention pond at Cannon Air Force Base.

“We understand the concerns of our community, our Airmen, and their families,” said Cannon Commander Col. Robert Johnston in a base news release issued Friday morning.

“Please know that we are working expeditiously to address the affected area. We are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future.”

The rinsate, or water containing PFAs, was improperly deposited into the retention pond at the base’s fire-training area between July 9 and July 15, the Cannon news release stated.

Also from the news release:

• Cannon officials began investigating the incident in early August when leadership was notified.

• After removing the rinsate and associated sediments, Cannon contracted an independent third party to inspect the liner on Aug. 23, which revealed the liner was compromised in several areas with tears of various lengths. Upon discovery of the compromised liner, the New Mexico Environment Department was notified of the inadvertent release on Aug. 24.

“Cannon drinking water wells are upstream of the deposit area and are not affected by the release. Air Force Civil Engineer Center does not anticipate any off-base wells will be impacted by the release,” the news release stated.

“Any potential impacts to groundwater from this release would be captured by the existing groundwater pump and treat system that is part of the pilot study on the southeast boundary of the installation.”   

Cannon officials on Friday declined to answer questions from The Eastern New Mexico News.

“Col. Johnston … has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the improper deposit, and it is underway. We have released all the information we have at this time and we will provide updates as additional information becomes available,” said Jozlin Molette, chief of Cannon’s media operations.

The news release stated the rinsate had previously been removed from emergency vehicles as part of DAF’s effort to eliminate legacy PFAS-containing Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) from its inventory.

Once notified, Cannon leadership immediately recovered the liquid remaining in the lined retention pond. The base also had the sediments removed from the pond, officials said in the news release.

The recovered liquid remains stored in authorized containers at Cannon AFB pending proper disposition.

The Department of the Air Force notified the New Mexico Environment Department of the inadvertent release on Aug. 24.

“The impacted area will be sampled and fully characterized to inform any necessary corrective measures,” the news release reads.

In addition to an investigation into the cause of the improper deposit, Johnston has appointed a task force to “examine and review all current environmental compliance training, policy and procedural guidance to ensure strict adherence to applicable requirements moving forward,” the release stated.

Finally, Johnston ordered all waste chemicals containing PFAS currently on the base to be moved into a centralized secured area, inventoried and scheduled for proper disposal.

DAF is expected to update community members during the next PFAS quarterly public meeting scheduled for Nov. 12.

The Air Force began notifying public agencies about possible PFAS contamination at Cannon in 2018.

Highland Dairy owner Art Schaap was forced to destroy more than 3,500 cows and close his operation after PFAS chemicals were discovered in the water he used for feed crops and was consumed by the cattle.

Those who live near the base can have their blood tested for PFAS by calling 575-575-7327 to schedule appointments between Sept. 12-18 and Oct. 3-9