The Air Force is initiating an environmental study of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at the New Boston Space Force Station (NBSFS). This study will be conducted at locations on the NBSFS where historic activities involving the use or storage of PFAS-containing Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has been confirmed and, during previous studies, where PFAS has been detected in soil, groundwater, surface water and/or sediment. The location of the sites to be included in the environmental study is provided in Figure 1.

The environmental study is necessary to (1) evaluate the total area and depth where PFAS is present in soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment, (2) assess the potential risk/hazard to human health or the environment, as defined by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) risk assessment guidance, and (3) determine if an environmental cleanup is necessary to address PFAS.

At NBSFS, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) acts as the lead agency in addressing environmental restoration at the base. USEPA Region I and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) are the federal and state agencies that provide regulatory oversight of environmental study and cleanup activities at NBSFS. The USEPA has ceded sole decision authority for regulatory oversight to NHDES.