Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem has initiated an investigation into the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) at the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, including locations that have historically been used for firefighting foam testing and training, like the Salem Fire Department’s Station 6 on-site training area. This investigation was prompted by the discovery of PFAS in the soil at development site on the south end of the Airport property.
These proactive measures to better understand the risk and exposure in these areas will help the City take steps to further ensure the safety, health and well-being of Fire Department staff, as well as Airport employees, tenants and prospective developers.
“We remain fully committed to working collaboratively and transparently with all stakeholders as we come to better understand what we’re dealing with on the Airport property,” said Interim City Manager, Krishna Namburi. “Protecting public health and supporting our firefighters, our airport tenants and the broader community remains our top priority. Together, we will move forward responsibly and do what’s right.”
Next Steps: Soil and Groundwater Samples to Learn More
To better understand the presence of PFAS at the Airport, including at the Fire Station 6 training area, over the coming months, the City plans to:
- Test soil and groundwater samples taken from areas where firefighting foam was used
- Evaluate potential exposure risks to Fire Department and Airport personnel
- Assess possible environmental impacts, potential risks to human health and the environment associated with any identified impacts, and appropriate measures to address those potential risks
- Update City Council, the Fire Department and firefighters, the Airport Advisory Commission and Airport tenants, and developers of new airport projects through regular communications
- Communicate with our community through City channels such as social media, CityofSalem.net, the newsletter, and Council meetings and media
- Coordinate with regulatory authorities to appropriately respond to the investigation’s findings as DEQ and the EPA continue to develop PFAS regulations
PFAS in Aircraft Firefighting
PFAS are used in many commercial products designed to resist heat, water and oil, such as water-resistant clothing, food packaging and nonstick cookware. The Federal Aviation Administration has required the use of aqueous film-forming foam — also called fire-fighting foam — a PFAS-containing substance, in mandated training and testing. Until Sept. 27, 2024, the Salem Fire Department used this foam during its required training exercises at the Airport, particularly at the Salem Fire Department’s Station 6 training area.
The City will continue to share information about its investigation into the use of PFAS at the Airport. For more information, visit the City’s PFAS webpage.
