TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, Interim City Manager
FROM: Brian D. Martin, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
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Investigation of the past use of fire-fighting foam containing forever chemicals and its impacts at Salem-Willamette Valley Airport and Salem Fire Station 6.
Ward(s): Ward 2
Councilor(s): Councilor Nishioka
Neighborhood(s): SEMCA, SESNA
Result Area(s): Good Governance; Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure; Strong and Diverse Economy.
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SUMMARY:
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The City is investigating the past use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, also called fire-fighting foam (AFFF) containing PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and its potential impacts at Salem-Willamette Valley Airport and Salem Fire Station 6.
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ISSUE:
Inform City Council about the initial investigation into the past use of AFFF foam containing PFAS at the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport and Fire Station 6.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information Only.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
A recent environmental site assessment performed at the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport as part of a development project indicates that PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are present in the soil in at least one area of the property. The attached fact sheet details what we’ve learned about PFAS so far on the Airport property, including a map showing where PFAS was found in the soil, referred to as Area 2, and the two areas of focus for further investigation work (Attachment 1: PFAS at Salem Willamette Valley Airport Fact Sheet).
Proactive Approach to Airport Soil Testing:
Compelled by the findings at the Airport development site, the City has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the presence of PFAS at other locations at the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, including locations that have historically been used for firefighting foam testing and training, like the Salem Fire Department’s Station 6 on-site training area (Area 1) and the site of the one 2015 flight crash that required the use of foam (Area 3). These proactive steps will allow the City to better understand the risk and exposure in the areas and will help us take steps to further ensure the safety, health, and well-being of Fire department staff, as well as Airport employees, tenants and prospective developers.
PFAS in Aircraft Firefighting:
PFAS chemicals are used in many commercial products designed to resist heat, water, and oil, such as water-resistant clothing, food packaging, and nonstick cookware. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has required the use of one such PFAS-containing substance in mandated training and testing: aqueous film-forming foam, also called fire-fighting foam. Until September 2024, the Salem Fire Department had used this foam during its required training exercises at the Airport, particularly at the Salem Fire Department’s Station 6 training area.
Next Steps: Soil and Groundwater Samples to Learn More
To better understand the presence of PFAS at the Airport, including the Fire Station 6 training area, over the coming months, we will:
• Test soil and groundwater samples taken from areas where firefighting foam was used
• Evaluate potential exposure risks to fire department and Airport personnel
• Assess possible environmental impacts, potential risks to human health and the environment associated with any identified impacts, and appropriate measures to address those potential risks
• Update City Council, the Fire Department and firefighters, the Airport Advisory Commission and Airport tenants, and developers of new airport projects through regular communications
• Communicate with our community through City channels such as social media, the website, the newsletter, and Council meetings and media
• Coordinate with DEQ and EPA to appropriately respond to the investigation’s findings as the PFAS regulations develop
BACKGROUND:
Growing awareness of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) or "forever chemicals" is increasing throughout the United States. PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s because of their useful properties. There are thousands of different PFAS compounds, some of which have been more widely used and studied than others.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), for example, are two of the most widely used and studied chemicals in the PFAS group. PFOA and PFOS have been phased out of use in the United States and replaced with other compounds in recent years.
One common characteristic of concern of PFAS chemicals is that many are resistant to breaking down in the environment and, over time, can build up in plants, animals, and the environment.
While the science behind this emerging global issue is still being studied, Salem is taking early steps to share with the community testing data and the potential risks of PFAS in the City.
In 2023, PFAS testing was performed on City wastewater and drinking water, and while the drinking water is free of PFAS, we continue to track and work with our permittees and DEQ on the issues related to PFAS in our wastewater. Actions, results, resources, and additional details associated with the water testing were shared with the public at that time. The information can be found on the website at www.cityofsalem.net/community/natural-environment-climate/reports-references-and-resources/understanding-pfas <http://www.cityofsalem.net/community/natural-environment-climate/reports-references-and-resources/understanding-pfas>.
Mark Becktel, AICP
Assistant Public Works Director, Operations
Attachments:
1. Attachment 1 - PFAS at Salem Willamette Valley Airport Fact Sheet