Navy Announces $5.73 Million Cleanup for PFAS at Whidbey

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is the focus of a new Navy cleanup effort after remedial investigations documented elevated levels of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS, at the Area 6 Landfill. The Navy on December 19 initiated a Non Time Critical Removal Action designed to reduce ongoing discharge while the final long term remedy is developed.

The October 2025 report identifying the contamination recommends treating the site with the adsorbent Fluoro Sorb 200 along with GreensandPlus pretreatment. The Navy estimates the interim action will cost $5.73 million. Historically, materials containing PFAS were disposed of in the Area 6 Landfill, including firefighting foam that was used to fight jet fuel fires on military installations. PFAS have been linked to serious health issues and were detected in groundwater on the base as well as in some nearby off base drinking wells.

For local residents the immediate concerns are the integrity of drinking water and the pace of remediation. Some Island County households depend on private wells, and when contamination crosses property lines it triggers concern about exposure, testing and long term access to safe water. The removal action does not replace the development of a final remedy, but it is intended to reduce ongoing releases that could worsen groundwater contamination while regulators and the Navy plan the next steps.

The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command was not cleared by the Office of the Secretary of War to provide comment in time for publication. The Navy is accepting public comments through Jan. 8, 2026. Comments may be emailed to navfacnwpao@us.navy.mil or mailed to the Public Affairs Office of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command.

PFAS contamination at military sites is part of a wider global environmental and regulatory challenge, as many countries and communities weigh public health protections against legacy contamination from firefighting foam and other sources. For Island County residents, the coming months will be important for monitoring the removal action results, ensuring access to well testing where needed, and weighing long term remediation options that protect community health and local waters.