The largest airline in the world, consisting of over 100,000 employees, who is the leading United States carrier for flights across both the Atlantic and Pacific, offering direct flights to international destinations contracted A3E in 2024 to perform PFAS groundwater sampling and tap water testing at the hangars on the northwest side of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Our airline client has a strong environmental and remediation program ranging from airport hub advancements to, soil and groundwater testing, sustainable aviation fuel, and greenhouse gas emissions.
PFAS Groundwater Sampling
The PFAS groundwater sampling project consisted of collecting two water samples from discharged water originating from the hangar fire suppression system above ground storage tanks (ASTs). An additional sample was collected from the interior bathroom sink (municipal tap water). All of the collected water samples were submitted to the lab and analyzed for PFAS. The sampling event was requested in lieu of general compliance and company wide/airport safety measures as well as the U.S. EPA’s final ruling requirements that state public water systems must monitor for PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027) followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Additionally, public water systems have five years (by 2029) to implement solutions that reduce PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed enforceable levels. A3E coordinated field work activities with the ground airport team and client representatives. We were successful in collecting the water samples needed and completed the project in a timely manner.
What is PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals that are resistant to water, grease, oil, and heat. They have been used in many products since the 1940s, including but not limited to, paints, cleaning products, water resistant and stain resistant chemicals, fire fighting foams, and non-stick cookware. PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment and can build up in the human body. The U.S. EPA currently has a final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) on six PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX Chemicals), and Mixtures containing two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS).
Client:
International Airline Client
Location:
Chicago O’Hare Airport, Chicago Illinois
Services:
PFAS Groundwater Sampling
Key Staff:
David McCoy
Brian Englert
Duration:
2024
Value:
Ongoing
