Kirchberg Mayor demands action on PFAS contamination near Hahn Airport

Peter Müller, the mayor of Kirchberg, is calling for increased intervention to address persistent PFAS chemical contamination surrounding Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. The per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals,’ are known to resist environmental degradation and pose potential health risks.

The contamination is linked to the historical use of firefighting foams, particularly during the stationing of American military forces at the airport. Local authorities in the Verbandsgemeinde Kirchberg, including the communities of Lautzenhausen, Bärenbach, and Hahn, are affected.

Müller has expressed frustration that the issue is being treated with insufficient urgency, noting that no concrete measures for improvement have been identified. He stated that the responsibility for addressing the situation lies with the federal government, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, and the Structure and Approval Directorate (SGD) North, as local municipalities lack the resources to manage the crisis alone.