Phoenix Goodyear Airport CERCLA (Superfund Site) It is important to clarify that PFAS are not included in the PGA Superfund cleanup efforts.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of harmful organic compounds that are very persistent in structure. What this means is PFAS compounds accumulate in the environment over time as they do not break down easily which is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals”.
PFAS are used in a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, building and construction, and electronics. They were used for fire suppression and to keep food from sticking to cookware, and to make food packaging resistant to grease absorption, sofas and carpets resistant to stains, and clothes and mattresses waterproof.
In 2019, EPA established a Health Advisory Level of 70 parts per trillion (PPT) for PFOA and PFOs, individually or combined.
In early 2023, EPA released a draft proposed rule, that would establish a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4 PPT for PFAS.
Compliance is measured at the Entry Point to the Distribution System (EPDS).The City of Goodyear has one EPDS that exceeds the proposed MCL.
The EPA promulgated the rule in 2024, compliance schedule:
Initial monitoring must be complete by 2027
Initiate ongoing compliance monitoring by 2027
Starting in 2029 must comply with MCL, meaning that treatment must be in place for sites that exceed MCL
In April 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldon announced EPA’s intentions:
Keep two of the six MCLs in place by maintaining 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOA.
Reverse MCLs for PFNA, PFHxS, GenX and PFBS.
Delay compliance dates from 2029 to 2031
Goodyear Water Services has completed initial monitoring and has established a CIP project to install treatment at Site 18 prior to the 2031 deadline.
