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Status Update for the Kirtland Air Force Base Bulk Fuels Facility Fuel Leak Cleanup
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The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (Water Authority) continues to monitor the progress of corrective action activities being conducted by the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force Civil Engineering Center (AFCEC) to address the Bulk Fuels Facility (BFF) jet fuel leak that has contaminated the aquifer near the Ridgecrest Well Field. Recent activities have included the continued operation of the pump and treat interim measure, testing of the bioventing interim measure, and continued sampling of groundwater and soil vapor.
On February 25, 2019 the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) sent Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) a letter detailing deadlines for submittal of data, reports and work plans that the Air Force is required to be in compliance with for their Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permit. Failure to meet the deadlines will be violations of the permit and subject to enforcement action. Additionally, the NMED sent the Water Authority a letter on June 5, 2019 stating that: they are committed to ensuring the Air Force take full responsibility for the spill, they will collaborate with the Water Authority on technical matters related to cleanup activities, and the Water Authority is a valuable technical resource and stakeholder.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Since the June 5, 2019 letter to the Water Authority, the NMED has met with Water Authority staff on two occasions to discuss technical comments and concerns regarding submitted work plans and the Air Force's evaluation of the pump and treat performance. The NMED has shifted their staff to ensure that the Hazardous Waste Bureau is leading the efforts and attending meetings. Most recently, the NMED rejected a work plan submitted by the Air Force for shallow soil vapor, incorporating comments and concerns submitted by the Water Authority staff. The NMED is currently identifying the next actions ...
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