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PER- and POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES
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Fairbanks Airport Site-Wide PFAS History

Page updated 01/29/2026   Go back to PFAS Home Page

FAI Well Search Map

Above: FAI WELL SEARCH MAP January 2026
(click image for larger view)

Community Outreach

Reports

Background

PFAS at Fairbanks International Airport

Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) was alerted in late October 2017 to elevated concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in groundwater at the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Training Areas. The PFAS concentrations detected exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health advisory levels.

Investigation and Early Response

Following this discovery, FAI worked closely with environmental consulting firm Shannon & Wilson, Inc. and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to identify and sample private drinking water wells located west of the airport. Sampling of private wells began in November 2017.

In August 2018, DEC established guidance for the State of Alaska that groups five PFAS compounds into a combined action level, to be compared against the EPA’s lifetime health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt). At that time, the EPA lifetime advisory applied only to two PFAS compounds, PFOS and PFOA.

In April 2024, the EPA released updated drinking water standards, significantly lowering the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFOA and PFOS to 4 parts per trillion. The EPA also established MCLs of 10 parts per trillion for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA.

Protecting Drinking Water

FAI’s top priority has been identifying impacted properties and ensuring access to safe drinking water.

As of January 2026:

  • FAI has sampled 194 private wells
  • 106 wells were found to be above the DEC action level
  • FAI provides alternative drinking water to homes with PFAS levels above 65 ppt that are not connected to a municipal water source
  • 99 properties have been successfully connected to College Utilities

In addition to utility connections, FAI completed the closure of the Fire Training Pit, including installation of an engineered cap designed to minimize PFAS infiltration into groundwater.

FAI continues to offer water supply sampling to downgradient residences and has completed new utility hookups as recently as June 2025.

Remediation and Innovation

FAI has participated in two successful PFAS remediation pilot studies:

  • PlumeStop, a project designed to contain and limit the migration of PFAS contamination
  • A collaborative pilot project involving multiple contractors and government agencies that tested experimental on-site remediation technologies

Both pilot studies were successful, treating their respective media to non-detect levels.

Preventing Future PFAS Use

In fall 2025, FAI completed the conversion of its firefighting vehicles from PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to FAA-approved Fluorine-Free Foam (F3). This transition removed the primary source of PFAS contamination from airport firefighting operations.

Ongoing Monitoring and Commitment

To track PFAS movement in groundwater, DEC requires continued monitoring of wells in the affected area. FAI has installed a network of groundwater monitoring wells to collect data and track plume characteristics. Monitoring is conducted annually and in accordance with DEC guidance.

FAI remains committed to protecting public health, maintaining transparency, and leading ongoing PFAS characterization and remediation efforts to help keep our community safe and healthy.

PFAS Fact Sheets

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Related Reports

Contacts

For questions about testing & study:

Shannon & Wilson, Inc.
Ashley Jaramillo, Project Manager
907-479-0600
ashley.jaramillo@shanwil.com

For regulatory questions:

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservations,
Contaminated Site Program
Robert Burgess, Environmental Program Specialist III
907-451-2153
robert.burgess@alaska.gov
Division of Spill Prevention and Response website:
dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp/sites/fairbanks-international-airport-pfas

For questions about PFAS health effects:

Alaska Department of Health
Allison Natcher, Env. Public Health Program Manager
907-269-8054
allison.natcher@alaska.gov

Department of Health PFAS Website:
https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/eph/Pages/PFAS.aspx

For questions about ARFF Training Area and all other inquiries:

Melanie Bray, Statewide Aviation
907-451-5385
melanie.bray@alaska.gov

Angie Spear, Airport Manager
907-474-2529
airportwater@alaska.gov

Jake Matter, Environmental Manager
907-474-2598
jake.matter@alaska.gov