Findings of Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study at former Fire Department Training Site at Katterbach Kaserne

ANSBACH, Germany (Aug. 20, 2019) — U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach has received a draft of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study regarding the PFAS contamination at Katterbach Kaserne.

An independent contractor conducted the investigation with the initial report draft expected in March. However, contractual difficulties delayed the process and USAG Ansbach environmental experts received the draft report July 25.

The findings of the investigation are as follows:

• The extent of the PFAS contamination at the former Fire-Fighting Training Pit has been determined.
• The extent of the PFAS contamination at the old Fire-Fighting Training Pit, directly at the airfield, has not been fully determined.
• The investigation indicates PFAS concentrations in soil and groundwater are exceeding Bavarian threshold levels.

The U.S. Army Environmental Command in San Antonio, Texas, is assessing the draft of the report to identify an effective and efficient way forward.

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory in Huntsville, Alabama, is doing extensive PFAS research and a request was submitted for them to review the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study.

The U.S. Army is aware of the risks posed by PFAS and is assessing several alternatives to find the most expedient, efficient and effective way to contain the PFAS plume at the former Fire-Fighting Training Pit on Katterbach Kaserne.

USAG Ansbach has received funding to address the groundwater infiltration into the storm water system and has hired a storm water management engineer who is addressing the issue of groundwater infiltrating into the storm water system.

We intend to install wells at strategic locations to pump and treat the contaminated groundwater before it leaves the base, but the acquisition of funds, scope of work, awarding of contracts, etc. will take time.

The U.S. Army is here at the invitation of the German Government and is determined to be good neighbors and stewards of the environment while accomplishing its mission to support NATO in deterring aggression here in Europe.