PFAS and Federal Facilities

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found all over the world.  PFAS have been found in groundwater and soil at many federal facilities, including at National Priority List (NPL) cleanup sites.  The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires EPA to enter into an interagency agreement (also known as Federal Facility Agreements, or FFAs) with federal agencies to ensure protective and timely cleanups under CERCLA at federal NPL sites. FFAs specify milestones for the federal facility to complete remedial activities, stipulates penalties for missing milestones, and includes arrangements for long-term operation and maintenance at the facility. More information about federal facilities cleanup. 

Many Department of Defense facilities and sites are known to have used PFAS in various operations, including as a fire suppressant.  What follows is a list of DOD NPL sites where PFAS has been discovered, and a link to the FFA for the site.  These FFAs were developed and finalized prior to the discovery and classification of PFAS as a hazardous substance.