A chemical known as PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, has been uncovered in an old hangar at the former Loring Air Force Base, posing a potential setback for the base’s most significant redevelopment project in years.
DG Fuels, based in Washington D.C., intends to establish a $4 billion sustainable aviation fuel production facility on the site. They plan to lease 1,240 acres for the project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and commercial equity.
The discovery of PFAS raises concerns about cleanup responsibilities if hazardous materials are found later. Data from the ongoing U.S. Air Force investigation won’t be available until construction begins on the DG Fuels facility in late 2024 or early 2025, creating uncertainty about the project’s timing.
DG Fuels CEO Michael Darcy expressed the intention to collaborate with federal and state authorities to address the issue properly. He views it as a challenge but not a deal-breaker.
The U.S. Air Force began investigating PFAS at Loring in 2015, primarily in groundwater, surface water, soil, sediment, and fish tissue. The investigation revealed non-dangerous levels of a specific PFAS called aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) in various locations associated with the base’s operation. AFFF was used for firefighting during plane crashes and firefighter training. The base closed in 1994.
Recently, the Air Force partnered with Wood Environment and Infrastructure for a more comprehensive investigation of AFFF presence at Loring. No levels of this PFAS have been detected in the local drinking water supply.
During this investigation, AFFF was found in the soil and concrete floor of one of Loring’s former airport hangars. However, this hangar is not in the exact location where DG Fuels plans to build its facility.
The discovered PFAS levels do not exceed the 70 parts per billion limit considered dangerous under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), used for cleaning up hazardous waste sites.
The ongoing Air Force investigation is not expected to yield enough data for cleanup plans until at least early 2025, causing concern for Loring officials, as DG Fuels intends to commence construction by late 2024 or early 2025.
Potential legal issues may arise, including an agreement between DG Fuels and Loring regarding continued operations at the facility if additional hazardous materials are found after construction.
Darcy expressed optimism about the project’s construction timeline, with hopes to demolish the former hangar. If successful, the DG Fuels project would mark the first significant redevelopment at Loring in several years, offering job opportunities in the region.
Reimagined By Digi Girl
DISCLAIMER: Author is under many pen names. This article was rewritten based on these links: PFAS found on former Loring base could delay $4B biomass jet fuel plant (bangordailynews.com)
