wurtsmith air force base – public meeting · 4/25/2017  · •the primary source of pfass at...

WURTSMITH AIR FORCE BASE – PUBLIC MEETING

Robert DelaneyRemediation and Redevelopment Division (MDEQ)

April 25, 2017

PFAS Use in Different Industries2

PFAS Use in Different Industries3

• The primary source of PFASs at Wurtsmith are attributed to AFFF* use.

• Prior to the invention of AFFF, Protein Foam was widely used – but not as effective.

• The Fluorine and Carbon bond is a very strong chemical bond, which makes PFASs resistant to heat, oxidation and reduction.

• PFASs stay in the environment for a very long time (i.e. very difficult to remediate and remove).

PFASs at Wurtsmith4

* - Aqueous Film Forming Foam

1967 – USS Forrestal fireProtein Foam

134 sailors died,161 sailors injured 196 lives saved out of 200

1978 – DC-10 Crash LAX3M AFFF

Why AFFF?5

• The terminology of these compounds has evolved:

PFCs (Perfluorinated Compounds) - Used by Regulators and DOD

PFASs (Poly-and Perfluoroalkyl Substances) - Used by Industry and Academia

Terminology Evolution: PFCs vs. PFASs

PFASs

Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base7

Conceptual Contaminant Migration8

Drinking Water Sampling – June 20169

Approximate Extent of PFAS Contamination 10

(ng/L or ppt)

Background PFAS Concentrations11

DRAFT

PFAS Fingerprinting

Non-AFFF PFASs

Other PFASs

PFHxS

PFOS

12

PFOA

PFAS Fingerprinting - Groundwater13

(ng/L or ppt)

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(ng/L or ppt)

MDEQ Geological Services Unit – Field Investigation

DRAFT

MDEQ – Paleo Channel Investigation15

MDEQ – Paleo Channel Investigation16

DRAFT

MDEQ Plume Delineation RI Work Plan17

(ng/L or ppt)

1985 P&T Capture Areas18

Questions?

Robert DelaneyMDEQ - RRD

517-284-5085

To obtain a copy of this presentation, please send an email request to:

DELANEYR@michigan.gov

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