Responding to the urgent threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Tucson aquifer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into an agreement with Tucson Airport Authority. This agreement aims to address contamination from the airport property, aiming to combat an ongoing threat to a primary drinking water source for the city of Tucson.
PFAS chemicals, often referred to as forever chemicals, originating from the Tucson International Airport Area (TIAA) Superfund Site are threatening the water quality of the drinking water system managed by Tucson Water (the City of Tucson’s water department). The agreement being announced today will help ensure the protection of the aquifer and address groundwater contamination.
"It is essential that Tucson residents can continue to rely on groundwater as a safe source for drinking water," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "This agreement demonstrates the Tucson Airport Authority's commitment to share responsibility for protecting public health, and our recognition that such a commitment must be backed up by action."
“ADEQ appreciates Tucson Airport Authority’s cooperation, which is crucial for solving the complex problem of PFAS contamination in Tucson's drinking water aquifer,” said ADEQ Deputy Director Karen Peters. “While no Tucsonans are drinking this contaminated water, it is imperative that responsible parties contribute to both containing and treating the contamination quickly, so that all the City of Tucson’s groundwater resources can be available for use as drinking water. We look forward to other liable parties also contributing to this effort to protect Tucson’s water by entering a similar settlement soon. ADEQ will continue to work hand in hand with EPA and the community to protect Tucson’s drinking water supplies today and for generations to come.”
The agreement, known as an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent, requires Tucson Airport Authority to determine the nature and extent of PFAS contamination that the Authority is responsible for at the TIAA site, and whether cleanup action at or around the airport property is needed. If so, the Authority must evaluate cleanup options to prevent, mitigate, and respond to the release or threatened release of PFAS at or from airport property. This agreement further motivates Tucson Airport Authority to cooperate with others who are not parties to this agreement, such as Tucson Water and the Air Force, to prevent and mitigate impacts from PFAS.
The agreement between EPA and Tucson Airport Authority under sections 104, 106, and 122 of the Comprehensive Emergency Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund Law), also highlights government efforts addressing PFAS contamination. The EPA will actively oversee work implemented because of this agreement ensuring public health protection.
Mike Montgomery, Director of EPA Pacific Southwest Region’s Superfund and Emergency Management Division signed this agreement on September 20, 2024.
Scientific studies have shown that exposure even at low levels to certain PFAS chemicals can have serious health implications including adverse effects on immune systems cardiovascular systems human development in children liver kidneys thyroid reproductive organs tissues developing fetuses as well as cancer risks underscoring seriousness situation.
For more information visit EPA’s Tucson International Airport Area webpage.
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