Air Force awards soil sampling contract

The Department of the Air Force has awarded a nearly $150,000 contract to sample soil below a fire training pond for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, according to a news release from Cannon Air Force.

The sampling is part of an on-going response to a release of about 7,600 gallons of water containing the substances into Cannon’s lined pond in July.

 “Cannon AFB is committed to taking the appropriate and necessary action to protect our Airmen, their families, and our community partners,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Johnston, 27th Special Operations Wing and Cannon AFB commander. “We will continue to work expeditiously as we responsibly and appropriately respond to this release.”

The newly contracted sampling team is expected to begin extracting samples below the release location within the coming week, the news release stated.

Data gathered from the samples will provide officials with information needed to shape future actions, said Michael Ackerman, Air Force Civil Engineer Center Regional Environmental Coordinator.