SLOAirport.com
Firefighters have trained at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport since the 1970s. This training uses a fire suppressant that can put out petroleum-fueled fires. The aqueous film forming foam is particularly effective at putting out fire because it contains toxic chemicals known as per- and polyfluorinated substances or PFAS. PFAS accumulates over time in humans and are known as “forever chemicals.” According to the U.S Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry they have been found to have many health impacts such as liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased cholesterol levels.
Investigations beginning in 2019 at the San Louis Obispo airport found PFOS in the groundwater at levels of 130,000 parts per trillion. That is 32,500 greater than the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed maximum level for drinking water. San Luis Obispo County and Cal Fire have proposed coming to a voluntary agreement to handle the PFAS pollution. Currently the water board is reviewing public comments regarding the PFAS contamination. After reviewing the comments the board is likely to decide whether to issue a cleanup and abatement order or pursue a voluntary agreement.