A malfunctioning fire suppression system at the Alaska Army National Guard hangar in Bethel spilled about 10 gallons of firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals. PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are linked to various health problems and have contaminated drinking water sources in Alaska around airports.
The leak affected the hangar’s boiler room, bay, and outside areas. Some foam also entered the building’s wastewater system, contaminating a Bethel Public Works pump truck. The truck driver noticed the foam and alerted officials. As a precaution, the car was thoroughly washed three times and taken out of service. After consultations with state experts, the city was assured it was safe to resume using the truck.
The National Guard, with assistance from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, contained and cleaned the spill. Due to the swift response and the facility’s location, both departments consider the risk of contamination to the public or groundwater shallow. There are also no concerns about exposure for National Guard members or the pump truck driver.
However, the Bethel aviation facility’s water system still needs to be fixed. The National Guard plans to hire a PFAS-trained contractor to assess any residual contamination and determine the need for further cleanup. A timeline for this additional work is not yet available.
