U.S. Navy launches PFAS baseline study on Whidbey Island

The U.S. Navy has initiated a background study to establish baseline levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on Whidbey Island. This initiative follows the discovery that “forever chemicals,” historically used in firefighting foam to combat jet-fuel fires, have contaminated groundwater both on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and in some nearby wells.

The study, which is expected to take approximately three years to complete, will involve desktop research, work planning, field work, and reporting. According to Navy co-chair Kendra Clubb, the findings will help determine appropriate background levels to assess whether additional cleanup is required in specific areas.

The Environmental Restoration Program, which manages cleanup responsibilities for the Navy and Department of Defense, continues to address these contaminants. Since the EPA released lifetime health advisories for certain PFAS in 2016, the Navy has sampled 377 off-base drinking water wells in the vicinity.