NMED, DAF reach verbal agreement to accelerate PFAS cleanup at Cannon AFB

New Mexico’s environment agency and the U.S. Air Force said May 12 they have a verbal agreement to coordinate groundwater testing tied to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances near Cannon Air Force Base in Curry County, a move aimed at speeding investigation and cleanup work that has stretched on for years.

Under the arrangement, the New Mexico Environment Department will oversee off-base sampling — including work at multiple dairies — while the Department of the Air Force supplies funding and technical support. Officials said the Air Force will continue ongoing cleanup efforts, which the service characterized as a $74 million investment to date.

“In leading the New Mexico Military Base Planning Commission, my priority is to sustain strong partnerships with the many military installations across our state and the communities that support them,” said New Mexico Lt. Governor Howie Morales. “This verbal agreement not only supports that mission, but ensures New Mexican farmers can live, work and support their families in Curry County for generations to come.”

PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals,” have been detected at and around many military bases nationwide, often linked to decades of firefighting foam use. In Curry County, contamination concerns have centered on groundwater that supports the region’s dairy industry and rural wells. State officials said a unified sampling plan is intended to produce consistent data off base to inform cleanup decisions on and off the installation.

“A unified sampling approach with NMED ensures our cleanup decisions are guided by transparent, high-quality data that all stakeholders can rely on,” said Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations and Environment Michael Borders Jr. “This agreement marks an important step in advancing PFAS response efforts and strengthening our partnership with the communities surrounding Cannon Air Force Base.”

State Environment Secretary James Kenney said the new approach grew out of a Pentagon meeting last week that included Morales, Kenney and Borders and will be formalized in the coming weeks. “The verbal agreement is testament to the grassroots partnership between Curry County dairy farmers and residents with the New Mexico Environment Department,” said New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney. “Together, the Air Force and NMED are forging path that will lead to more results much sooner for the community.”

The announcement follows the recent signing of access agreements with four Curry County dairy farms to allow state-led sampling on private property. Officials said the coordinated plan is meant to accelerate decision-making as federal drinking-water standards for PFAS tighten and communities press for faster mitigation around Cannon AFB, near Clovis.