PFOS/PFOA Information Page
The safety of our communities, our installations and the populations that live and work on or near our facilities is one of our top priorities. We continue to cooperate with the Wisconsin DNR, local communities and National Guard Bureau to manage the risks of mission-related PFOS and PFOA. We are committed to being good stewards of the environment that we share with the local community.
What is PFOS/PFOA?

Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) are synthetic fluorinated organic compounds used in many industrial and consumer products such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabric and carpet and some food packaging – known for their unique ability to repel oil and water.

In 1970, the Air Force began using Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which contains PFOS/PFOA AFFF is the most efficient extinguishing method for petroleum fires and is widely used across the firefighting industry, to include all commercial airports, to protect people and property.

On May 19, 2016, the EPA established Health Advisory levels of 70 parts per trillion for separate and combined PFOS and PFOA concentrations in drinking water.

ACTIONS
115th fighter wing jets
115TH FIGHTER WING

The 115th FW continues to work closely with the Wisconsin DNR, the City of Madison and the Dane County Regional Airport to implement measures that will further the goal of PFAS-related remediation.

Learn More!
Volk Field Landmark
VOLK FIELD COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER

Volk Field CRTC continues to work closely with the Wisconsin DNR to reduce the risk of PFOS and PFOA.

Learn More!
128th air refuelers
128TH AIR REFUELING WING

The 128th ARW continues to work closely with the Wisconsin DNR, Milwaukee County the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, and General Mitchell International Airport to implement measures that will reduce the risk of PFOS and PFOA.

Learn More!
Army National Guard formation
WISCONSIN ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

In Wisconsin, the Army National Guard operates one drinking water system, a well at the Hayward Field Maintenance Shop.

Learn More!
NEWS

Employees with Traut Companies install drill casing during a remedial investigation into the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, Dec. 12, 2023. The investigation marks the second major step in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act process which will guide the mitigation of PFAS compounds on and around the Air National Guard installation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Isabella Jansen) - Employees with Traut Companies install drill casing during a remedial investigation into the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, Dec. 12, 2023. The investigation marks the second major step in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act process which will guide the mitigation of PFAS compounds on and around the Air National Guard installation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Isabella Jansen)

News

Wisconsin Guard fighter wing installs permanent...

Read More

The water deluge fire protection system installed in an aircraft hangar of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing as seen on Apr. 13, 2023 at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin. In March 2023, the 115th Fighter Wing became the first U.S. Air Force base worldwide to terminate all use of foam-based fire suppression systems in its facilities. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Isabella Jansen) - The water deluge fire protection system installed in an aircraft hangar of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing as seen on Apr. 13, 2023 at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin. In March 2023, the 115th Fighter Wing became the first U.S. Air Force base worldwide to terminate all use of foam-based fire suppression systems in its facilities. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Isabella Jansen)

News

Truax Field - 1st to eliminate facility-based foam

Read More

Drillers with Plains Environmental Services, Inc. conduct hydraulic profiling and electrical conductivity testing using a Geoprobe mobile drilling rig during a remedial investigation into the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, March 22, 2022. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Paul Gorman) - Drillers with Plains Environmental Services, Inc. conduct hydraulic profiling and electrical conductivity testing using a Geoprobe mobile drilling rig during a remedial investigation into the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, March 22, 2022. The investigation marks the second major step in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act process which will guide the mitigation of PFAS compounds on and around the Air National Guard installation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)

News

Truax Field begins PFAS remedial investigation

Read More
View More
RESPONSE
Air Force Civil Engineering Center PFAS Response Link Logo
AIR FORCE RESPONSE

The Air Force Civil Engineering Center (AFCEC) is taking a three-step approach- identify, respond, prevent-to assess and respond to potential PFOS/PFOA drinking water contamination.

DENIX ARMY RESPONSE
ARMY RESPONSE

The Army follows the federal cleanup law, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The Army works closely with appropriate state or federal regulators where the Army has identified potential areas of concern where PFAS were potentially released into the environment.