Airfield and Airport Construction Management Practices for PFAS Contamination Control

Abstract: The pervasive presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in industrial and consumer products has heightened public awareness of environmental and health concerns. In an airport setting, PFAS are generally associated with aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), which may be used to extinguish Class B aviation fuel fires at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 139 Certificated commercial airports and military aviation or joint-use facilities. However, AFFF use may have led to contamination of environmental media, constructed materials, or airfield pavements at these facilities.

This presentation will review effective methods and procedures for airport owners and construction contractors to consider during rehabilitation or new construction projects to reduce PFAS related exposure. Developing PFAS management plans and implementing modified dust and stormwater control, waste disposal, and environmental monitoring procedures could reduce financial, regulatory, and safety risks in the context of PFAS contamination during construction.

Effective dust and stormwater control are critical to minimizing the mobilization and spread of PFAS during construction activities. Strategies such as stockpiling soils on impervious surfaces, preventing rainwater accumulation in excavated areas, and prohibiting offsite sale or reuse of soils or demolition materials can effectively limit the pathways for environmental exposure or offsite migration of PFAS. Implementing innovative stormwater management systems with filtration and containment components can further enhance PFAS capture to prevent soil infiltration or surface and groundwater exposure. It is crucial to follow rigorous handling and personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols to prevent secondary contamination or human exposure.

Disposal methodologies for building demolition wastes, airfield pavement millings, and other construction waste materials will need to be modified if PFAS contamination of the project site is suspected. Materials containing PFAS must be treated as a regulated or hazardous waste. Comprehensive remediation technologies involving onsite treatment or immobilization and advanced separation techniques are available, but are expensive. Engaging certified hazardous waste management services would verify compliance with federal and state regulations; however, many waste disposal facilities are refusing to accept PFAS wastes as PFAS are difficult to chemically or thermally destroy and persist for long periods of time.

Environmental compliance during airport construction projects in PFAS contaminated sites requires meticulous planning beyond what is normally anticipated for other types of brownfields, but adherence to evolving regulations associated with PFAS can be very challenging. Therefore, proactive compliance planning is essential, and implementing a framework for regularly updating and adapting compliance strategies as standards and technologies evolve is critical for sustainable operations, risk reduction, and cost control.

The presentation will conclude with a review of standard practices during construction for PFAS control, currently available destruction and disposal technologies, and proactive approaches to effectively managing PFAS exposure during project implementation. This presentation’s overall goal is to provide valuable insights and actionable guidance for airport operators, pavement and construction contractors, tenants, and stakeholders involved in airport development.