Langley Air Force Base (AFB), part of Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, has been identified as a site of severe PFAS contamination, with dangerously high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in groundwater.
PFAS chemicals have been linked to serious health risks and environmental concerns, making their presence in drinking water a significant issue for military personnel, civilian workers, and nearby communities.
These chemicals do not break down naturally, meaning that PFAS contamination at Langley AFB has likely persisted for decades, affecting groundwater, private drinking water wells, and public water systems in surrounding areas.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has acknowledged PFAS exposure as a significant issue at military installations, and Langley AFB, an active EPA Superfund site, remains one of the most heavily contaminated bases in the country.
Addressing this crisis requires urgent action, including remediation efforts, continued water monitoring, and accountability from PFAS manufacturers and government agencies responsible for pollution at military sites.
Sources of PFAS Chemicals at Langley AFB
The PFAS contamination at Langley AFB primarily stems from the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a highly effective firefighting foam that was extensively used at military installations for fire suppression training and emergency response operations.
AFFF contains polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been found to be highly persistent in the environment, leaching into soil and groundwater over time.
Sources of PFAS pollution at Langley AFB include:
- Firefighting Training Areas – Langley AFB conducted regular firefighting drills using AFFF, resulting in repeated PFAS releases into the environment.
- Emergency Response to Aircraft and Fuel Fires – Military bases frequently use AFFF to suppress jet fuel fires, leading to direct contamination of surrounding soil and water sources.
- Runoff from Aircraft Maintenance and Industrial Areas – PFAS-containing industrial solvents, degreasers, and coatings may have contributed to contaminated water supplies at the base.
- Waste Disposal and Drainage Systems – Improper disposal of firefighting foam, along with leaks from storage tanks and stormwater runoff, has further spread PFAS chemicals into local water systems and groundwater.
Because PFAS chemicals are resistant to natural degradation, contamination from firefighting foam has accumulated over time, leading to widespread environmental and health concerns at Langley AFB and its surrounding communities.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other advocacy organizations have raised concerns about unregulated PFAS exposure at military sites, emphasizing the need for immediate action to mitigate health risks and prevent further contamination.
PFAS Levels Detected at Langley AFB
PFAS testing at Langley AFB has revealed alarmingly high PFAS concentrations in groundwater.
In 2018, combined PFOA and PFOS levels were measured at 2,225,000 ppt, significantly surpassing the EPA’s health advisory limit of 4 ppt.
PFAS levels at Langley AFB, measured in 2018, are reported as follows:
- PFOA: 26,000 ppt
- PFOS: 2,200,000 ppt
- PFOA+PFOS: 2,225,000 ppt
- PFBS: 49,000 ppt
The persistence of PFAS in the environment means that these elevated levels are likely to remain, even with active remediation efforts.
Impacted Populations at Langley AFB
The PFAS contamination at Langley AFB potentially affects multiple populations.
Military personnel stationed at the base, their families, civilian employees, and residents in nearby communities who rely on groundwater sources for drinking water are at risk of exposure.
Given the high levels of contamination detected, these groups may have been exposed to PFAS through various pathways, including drinking contaminated water, consuming affected local produce, or inhaling dust particles.
The extent of exposure and associated health risks necessitate comprehensive assessment and monitoring.
Addressing PFAS Contamination at Langley AFB
Efforts to address PFAS contamination at Langley AFB are underway.
The Department of Defense has initiated a remedial investigation to determine the nature and measure PFAS contamination in soil and groundwater at multiple sites within the base.
This investigation aims to inform the development of appropriate remediation strategies to mitigate environmental and health risks.
Providing alternative water sources and implementing filtration systems are critical steps to reduce exposure among affected populations.
Ongoing monitoring and community engagement are essential components of the response strategy.
