Air Force Seeks Input on Tucson Chemical Cleanup Plan

The U.S. Air Force has opened a 30-day public comment period regarding a proposed PFAS cleanup at Air Force Plant 44.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Safety

Isometric editorial illustration of a steel groundwater monitoring well casing set in arid, rocky desert soil. — The U.S. Air Force has initiated a 30-day public comment period regarding a remediation proposal for PFAS contamination at Tucson's Air Force Plant 44. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust local officials to effectively address chemical contamination in your community's water supply?

Tucson residents have until November 20, 2026, to provide feedback on a new proposal to address PFAS contamination at Air Force Plant 44. The cleanup plan intends to prevent further chemical migration toward local groundwater and drinking water supplies.

Why it matters

The proposed cleanup is necessary to mitigate legacy pollution caused by firefighting activities between 2007 and 2015. Officials hope to intercept chemicals that entered the groundwater after fire engine washdowns near Building 828.

The Air Force proposes installing Granular Activated Carbon or Ion Exchange media at the site to filter contaminated groundwater. The public comment period remains open until November 20, 2026.

The players

U.S. Air Force

The branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for operating Air Force Plant 44 and managing the remediation of its environmental sites.

The details

The contamination resulted from washing fire engines on asphalt surfaces near Building 828, allowing chemicals to flow into storm drains. The current proposal focuses on bolstering the existing groundwater treatment facility to better manage these pollutants.

Contamination from fire engine washdowns occurred between 2007 and 2015.
A public meeting is held on Oct. 21, 2026, from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the El Pueblo Senior Center.
The 30-day public comment period opened on Oct. 21, 2026.
The deadline to submit written feedback is Nov. 20, 2026.

Seasonal Patterns

This project aligns with the national trajectory of remediation efforts mandated by the EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The remediation effort follows historical patterns of addressing legacy chemical contamination at military installations across the country.

Residents can submit their feedback via mail to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base or by calling 385-634-9490. Attendance at the public meeting at the El Pueblo Senior Center provides a direct opportunity to engage with officials regarding the proposal.

The takeaway

Engaging in public comment periods is a vital way for residents to ensure community interests are represented in environmental remediation. Residents should review the Air Force proposal to understand how the filtration upgrades may impact local groundwater health.