Base officials hope to begin water treatment

Authorities at Cannon Air Force Base hope to begin pumping and treating PFAS-contaminated water in the southeast corner of the base in March.

The news came during a virtual Zoom meeting Tuesday.

Air Force Civil Engineering spokesman Chris Gierke said efforts to begin the process earlier were thwarted by supply chain difficulty in obtaining needed parts for the processing machinery.

The last of the parts are expected this coming January.

The session began with Cannon Deputy Wing Commander Col. Jeff McMaster acknowledging the improper release of PFAS chemicals at the base in July.

“We are working on continued transparency and cooperation,” McMaster said.

PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals, have been linked to potential health risks. PFAS from military firefighting foams have polluted groundwater not only at Cannon and surrounding areas but at other military bases around the country.

Gierke reported on “remedial investigation” at Cannon.

“How big is the impact around Cannon Air Force Base? We’ve taken extensive soil, surface water and groundwater samples,” Gierke said.

Gierke reported on drilling for samples and having monitoring wells around Cannon.

In addition to having a pump and treat station in the southeast corner of the base, Gierke looks to have another such operation in the northern part of Cannon soon.

Gierke said $73.2 million has been spent on investigation and cleanup so far at Cannon.

Gierke said the next public update is planned for May 13.