FINAL

Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center

City of Tempe, Arizona

Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic 

Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

September 2020

Prepared for:

Army National Guard Bureau

111 S. George Mason Drive

Arlington, VA 22204
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................... 1

1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3

1.1 Authority and Purpose .............................................................................................. 3

1.2 Preliminary Assessment Methods ............................................................................. 3

1.3 Report Organization .................................................................................................. 4

1.4 Site Location and Description ................................................................................... 4

1.5 Site Environmental Setting ........................................................................................ 4

1.5.1 Geology ......................................................................................................... 5

1.5.2 Hydrogeology ................................................................................................. 5

1.5.3 Hydrology ....................................................................................................... 5

1.5.4 Climate ........................................................................................................... 6

1.5.5 Current and Future Land Use ......................................................................... 6

2. Fire Training Areas ........................................................................................................... 10

3. Non-Fire Training Areas ................................................................................................... 11

3.1 Building M7100 ....................................................................................................... 11

3.2 Buildings M7109 and M7117 ................................................................................... 11

4. Emergency Response Areas ............................................................................................ 13

5. Adjacent Sources ............................................................................................................. 14

5.1 Indian Bend Wash Area .......................................................................................... 14

5.2 Campus Cleaners ................................................................................................... 15

5.3 ASU No.1 and No.2 ................................................................................................ 15

6. Conceptual Site Model ..................................................................................................... 16

7. Conclusions ..................................................................................................................... 17

7.1 Findings .................................................................................................................. 17

7.2 Uncertainties ........................................................................................................... 17

7.3 Potential Future Actions .......................................................................................... 18

8. References ...................................................................................................................... 20
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

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Figures

Figure ES-1 Summary of Findings

Figure 1-1 Site Location

Figure 1-2 Groundwater Features

Figure 1-3 Surface Water Features

Figure 3-1 Non-Fire Training Areas

Figure 7-1 Summary of Findings

Tables

Table 7-1 Suspected Release Areas

Table 7-2 Uncertainties within the PA

Appendices

Appendix A Data Resources

Appendix B Preliminary Assessment Documentation

B.1 Interview Records

B.2 Visual Site Inspection Checklists

B.3 Conceptual Site Model Information

Appendix C Photographic Log
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

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Acronyms and Abbreviations

°F degrees Fahrenheit

AECOM AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

AFFF aqueous film forming foam

AMA Active Management Area

AOI Area of Interest

ARNG

ASU

AZ

AZARNG

Army National Guard

Arizona State University

Arizona

Airzona Army National Guard

CERCLA

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability

Act

EDRTM Environmental Data Resources, Inc.TM

FTA

gpm

fire training area

gallons per minute

IBW Indian Bend Wash

NGWA National Ground Water Association

NIBW North Indian Bend Wash

PA Preliminary Assessment

PFAS per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances

PFOA perfluorooctanoic acid

PFOS perfluorooctanesulfonic acid

RC Readiness Center

SI Site Inspection

SIBW South Indian Bend Wash

SRVB Salt River Valley Hydrologic Basin

US United States

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers

USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

VOC Volatile Organic Compound

VSI visual site inspection
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

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Executive Summary

The United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Baltimore District on behalf of the

Army National Guard (ARNG), Cleanup Branch contracted AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

(AECOM) to perform Preliminary Assessments (PAs) and Site Inspections (SIs) for

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites at ARNG

Facilities Nationwide. The ARNG is assessing potential sources of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl

substances (PFAS) and their effects on human health. PFAS are most commonly used as

aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) released as part of firefighting activities, fire training, and

equipment testing or maintenance. Other sources of PFAS include, for example, metal plating

and uniform weatherproofing. This PA also evaluates suspected PFAS sources with a 1-mile

radius of the Tempe Readiness Center (RC) that are not under the control of ARNG.

AECOM completed a PA for PFAS at the Tempe RC in Tempe, Arizona (AZ) to identify areas of

known or suspected releases known as Areas of Interest (AOIs). The current Tempe RC is

constructed on a parcel of land owned by the state of Arizona and leased to the Arizona ARNG

(AZARNG). The PA included the following tasks:

· Reviewed data resources to obtain information relevant to suspected PFAS releases

· Conducted a site visit on 27 November 2018

· Interviewed current Tempe RC AZARNG personnel during the site visit and AZARNG

environmental managers and operations staff

· Completed visual site inspections (VSIs) at known or suspected PFAS release locations and

documented with photographs

Two areas (former truck bay and former wash area) have been identified as No Suspected

Release (Figure ES-1). From 1966 to 1998, the city of Tempe Fire Station #1 operated at the site.

Based on historical photos the city of Tempe Fire Station #1 had three fire trucks: one ladder and

two fire engines. The site was purchased from the city of Tempe by the State of Arizona in October

2005 for use as an AZARNG Readiness Center. Visual inspections of the truck bay and wash

area associated with the city of Tempe Fire Station #1 were conducted during the 26 November

2018 site visit. AZARNG personnel did not have knowledge of AFFF storage or use during Fire

Station #1’s occupation at the site. Additionally, prior storage and use of AFFF could not be verified

by the city of Tempe Fire Department. However, AZARNG personnel have confirmed that the

Tempe RC has not operated a fire station, did not conduct fire training and has not managed

AFFF. Based upon available information, no AOIs were identified during the PA. Evidence does

not indicate that current or former ARNG activities contributed PFAS contamination to soil,

groundwater, surface water, or sediment at the site or adjacent areas. Tempe RC will not move

forward in the CERCLA process.
Floor Drain

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Summary of Findings

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Feet Identified areas were investigated based upon former use of the property as a fire station by the City of Tempe

from 1966 to 1998. AZARNG began operation of the property in 2005 and has not managed AFFF.

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PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

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1. Introduction

Authority and Purpose

The United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Baltimore District on behalf of the 

Army National Guard (ARNG) G9, Cleanup Branch contracted AECOM Technical Services, Inc. 

(AECOM) to perform Preliminary Assessments (PAs) and Site Inspections (SIs) for 

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites at ARNG 

Facilities Nationwide under Contract Number W912DY-09-D-0061 / DA01 Task Order 

W912DR17F0192, issued 11 August 2017. The ARNG is assessing suspected impacted facilities 

and potential effects on human health related to processes at facilities that may have used perand poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS is most commonly used as aqueous film forming 

foam (AFFF) released as part of firefighting activities, fire training, and equipment testing or 

maintenance. Other sources of PFAS include, for example, metal plating and uniform 

weatherproofing. This PA also evaluates suspected PFAS sources within a 1-mile radius of the 

Tempe Readiness Center (RC) that are not under the control of ARNG.

PFAS are classified as emerging environmental contaminants that are garnering increasing 

regulatory interest due to their potential risks to human health and the environment. The US 

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFOA 

and PFOS in May 2016, but there are currently no promulgated national standards regulating 

PFAS. In the absence of federal standards, some states have adopted their own standards; 

however, the state of Arizona does not currently have promulgated standards for PFAS.

This report presents the findings of the PA for PFAS at the current Tempe RC, Arizona (AZ) (also 

referred to as “the site”), in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 

Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, the National Oil and Hazardous 

Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 300), and USACE 

requirements and guidance. 

This PA documents locations where PFAS may have been released into the environment at the 

Tempe RC. The term PFAS used in this PA refers to the entire suite of per- and polyfluoralkyl 

substances, including PFOS and PFOA. PFOS and PFOA are the primary components of AFFF, 

which may have been present at the Tempe RC. If a known or suspected release of AFFF or other 

PFAS-containing material has occurred, that location is designated as an AOI. The process for 

conducting the PA is discussed in the next section.

Preliminary Assessment Methods

The following tasks were performed as part of this PA: 

· Reviewed data resources to obtain information relevant to suspected PFAS releases

· Reviewed Pre-Interview Forms

· Conducted a site visit on 27 November 2018

· Completed visual site inspections (VSIs) at known or suspected PFAS release locations and 

documented with photographs 
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Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

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Report Organization

This report has been prepared in accordance with the USEPA Guidance for Performing 

Preliminary Assessments under CERCLA (USEPA 1991). The report sections and descriptions of 

each are:

· Section 1 – Introduction: identifies the project purpose and authority and describes the site 

location, environmental setting, and methods used to complete the PA

· Section 2 – Fire Training Areas: describes the FTAs at the site identified during the site visit 

· Section 3 – Non-Fire Training Areas: describes other locations of suspected PFAS releases 

at the site identified during the site visit 

· Section 4 – Emergency Response Areas: describes areas of suspected PFAS release at 

the site, specifically in response to emergency situations 

· Section 5 – Adjacent Sources: describes sources of suspected PFAS release adjacent to 

the site that are not under the control of ARNG 

· Section 6 – Preliminary Conceptual Site Model: describes the pathways of PFAS transport 

and receptors for the AOIs and the site 

· Section 7 – Conclusions: summarizes the data findings and presents the conclusions of the 

PA 

· Section 8 – References: provides the references used to develop this document

· Appendix A – Data Resources

· Appendix B – Preliminary Assessment Documentation

· Appendix C – Photographic Log

Site Location and Description

The Tempe RC is located off East University Drive (which parallels Red Mountain Freeway), 

approximately 9 miles east-southeast of Phoenix, in Maricopa County, Tempe, AZ, (Figure 1-1). 

The site is situated on a 2.34-acre (101,974 square foot) lot (Maricopa County Assessor's Office, 

2019) and consists of one 16,132 square-foot building (building M7100). The city of Tempe 

operated a fire station at the site from 1966 to 1998. The property remained under city of Tempe 

ownership until the site was purchased by the State of Arizona in October 2005 for use as an 

AZARNG Readiness Center. Based on aerial imagery provided in the Environmental Data 

Resources, Inc.TM (EDRTM) Report (Appendix A), the surrounding properties were predominately 

rural and residential until approximately 1964. Currently, the area surrounding the Tempe RC is 

primarily commercial, with multi-family housing to the south and southeast.

Site Environmental Setting

Tempe RC is located in the western portion of the East Salt River Valley Sub-Basin of the Salt 

River Valley Hydrologic Basin (SRVB). The Salt River Valley is also known as the Phoenix Active 

Management Area (AMA) or Phoenix Basin. The Phoenix Basin is located in the Basin and Range 

Province, which includes the southern and western portions of Arizona. The Basin and Range 

Province is characterized by elongated mountain ranges following a northwest to southeast trend 

and is separated by broad alluvial valleys. Mountains in this province consist of tilted blocks of 

Precambrian, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic rocks bounded by faults (GEC-SA&B, 2005).
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1.5.1 Geology

The present-day basin and range physiography formed as a result of a period of high-angle block

faulting that occurred mostly between 15 and 8 million years ago (Brown & Pool, 1989). Alluvial

soils that fill the Phoenix Basin in the vicinity of the Tempe RC are divided into three units: the

upper alluvial unit, primarily composed of coarse-grained deposits of sand, gravel, and cobbles;

the middle fine-grained unit, primarily composed of silts, sands, and gravels; and the lower alluvial

unit, primarily composed of clays, silts, sands, gravels, and evaporite deposits. These alluvial

deposits are often over 1,500 feet thick and as thick as 11,000 feet (GEC-SA&B, 2005). Geologic

units are depicted on Figure 1-2.

1.5.2 Hydrogeology

Bedrock in Maricopa County does not constitute a source of groundwater. Deep water levels

coupled with high evaporation rates suggest that water is unlikely in bedrock (Brooks, 1988). The

primary source of groundwater in the Phoenix Basin is typically derived from the aforementioned

alluvial deposits and is usually unconfined. The upper and middle units have experienced

significant dewatering. The upper part of the lower unit is fully saturated in most of the basin

(Brown & Pool, 1989). Groundwater in the area surrounding the Tempe RC is typically

encountered at approximately 90 feet below land surface. Groundwater flow in the area of the

Phoenix Basin is generally westerly; however, pumping associated with agricultural areas and

mountains may change the natural flow of groundwater (GEC-SA&B, 2005). Groundwater

features including wells are shown in Figure 1-2. An exempt well is defined as having a pump

with a maximum capacity of no more than 35 gallons per minute (gpm). Most exempt wells are

used for residential and non-irrigation purposes, noncommercial irrigation of less than two acres

of land, and watering stock. A non-exempt well has a pump capacity exceeding 35 gpm. This type

of well is primarily used for irrigation or industrial purposes. Wells designated as “other” include

geotechnical, mineral exploration, and cathodic protection wells.

In 2018, the city of Tempe used twelve of its groundwater wells to supplement supplies of Central

Arizona Project (CAP) water and Salt River Project (SRP) water. This supply made up 79.8% of

water used in the city of Tempe in 2018. A discussion of CAP and SRP water sources are

discussed below in Section 1.5.3. (city of Tempe, 2018)

1.5.3 Hydrology

The Salt River is the principal drainage feature of the Phoenix Basin and is the nearest surface

water body to the site, located approximately 0.5 miles north of the Tempe RC. The portion of the

salt river located north of the Tempe RC is referred to as Tempe Town Lake, a man-made reservoir

that transforms a section of the typically-dry Salt River Bed into a 224-acre lake. To accommodate

the river when it flows, Tempe Town lake utilizes hydraulically-operated steel gates that allow

water to pass through the system unimpeded (Arizona State University, 2018). The steel gate

dams are used for flood control and can withstand the impact of a 100-year flood event. Water in

Tempe Town Lake is replenished via reclaimed water, water exchanges, recharge, and recovery

system installed in the reservoir (Tempe.gov, 2020). The city of Tempe provides water to its

customers from two surface water sources: CAP Water and SRP water (city of Tempe, 2018).

Starting from Lake Havasu, Colorado River water is delivered through the CAP canal system to

central Arizona, including the Phoenix and Tucson areas. CAP water is used for both potable

municipal use as well as groundwater recharge. This supply made up 8.4% of the water used in

the city of Tempe in 2018 (city of Tempe, 2018).

Surface water collected from the SRP is collected from the Salt River and Verde River watersheds

and stored in six SRP reservoirs and diverted into SRP canals at the Granite Reef Dam in Mesa,
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Arizona. SRP also relies on groundwater wells to supplement surface water in the canal system.

Allocation of SRP water varies depending on the amount of runoff from the watershed and the

amount of water available in storage in SRP reservoirs. This supply made up 79.8% of water used

in the city of Tempe in 2018 (city of Tempe, 2018).

There are no surface water features at the Tempe RC. Surface water drainage is toward a storm

drain located north of the Armory building and directed by a storm water swale. Surface water

features surrounding the site are shown in Figure 1-3.

1.5.4 Climate

Arizona’s climate is characterized as arid and semi-arid, with annual precipitation ranging from 3

inches in the southwest at Yuma to around 40 inches in the White Mountains in east central

Arizona (Arizona State Climate Office, 2019). There are two separate rainfall seasons. The first

occurs during winter months, from November through March, when the area is subject to storms

from the Pacific Ocean. The second occurs during July and August, when Arizona is subject to

thunderstorms whose moisture supply originates in the Gulf of Mexico, in the Pacific Ocean off

the west coast of Mexico, and the Gulf of California. Although these are classified as rainy

seasons, there can be periods of a month or more in any season when no precipitation occurs.

Light snow occurs in the higher mountains surrounding the Salt River Valley. Snowfall within the

Salt River Valley, although rare, can occur (Arizona State Climate Office, 2019).

1.5.5 Current and Future Land Use

The site was purchased from the city of Tempe by the State of Arizona in October 2005 for use

as an AZARNG Readiness Center. The property is developed with a one 16,132 square-foot

building (building M7100). As described in Section 1.4, land surrounding the site is used for

commercial purposes, multi-family apartment buildings to the south and southeast. The Tempe

RC is anticipated to continue to be used as a military light industrial complex.
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Facility Location

Base Map: Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, USGS,

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PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

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2. Fire Training Areas

The city of Tempe Fire Station #1 operated at the site from 1966 until 1998. Historical information

regarding the city of Tempe’s use of the property was not available. AZARNG did not conduct fire

training at this site. The facility is a muster and classroom training area, with some light vehicle

and maintenance. ABC fire extinguishers were observed during the PA site visit. Based on the

AZARNG operations at the facility, there is no reason to suspect that AFFF extinguishers were

ever present at the facility. AZARNG has not managed AFFF at the site. However, it is possible

that the city of Tempe managed AFFF during their operation of Fire Station #1 from 1966 to 1998.

Pre-interview questionnaire forms and visual inspection documentation gathered during this PA

are provided in Appendix B.
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3. Non-Fire Training Areas

Non-FTAs were investigated as part of the PA. Based on the city of Tempe Fire Department’s use 

of Fire Station #1 from 1966 to 1998, the Maintenance Bay and The Fire Tower and Concrete 

Wash Pad were investigated during this PA. AZARNG has not managed AFFF at the site. 

However, it is possible that the city of Tempe did during their operation of Fire Station #1 from 

1966 to 1998. A description of each non-FTA is presented below, and the non-FTAs are shown on 

Figure 3-1, with photographs appearing in Appendix C. 

Building M7100

The Maintenance Bay is located at the western most portion of the Tempe RC Building M7100. 

The geographical coordinates are 33°25'20.9"N; 111°55'26.1"W. It is suspected that firetrucks 

belonging to the city of Tempe Fire Station #1 would have been stored in this area. A floor drain 

is located approximately 15 feet north of the bay entrance; however, the outfall location is 

unknown. It can be assumed that any material released during the city of Tempe’s tenure at the 

site would have been transported offsite via the sanitary sewer or storm sewer before discharging. 

It is possible AFFF had been stored in the former truck bay during its use by the city of Tempe 

Fire Department; however, prior use or storage of AFFF at the Tempe RC could not be verified. 

Buildings M7109 and M7117

The Fire Tower Building M7109) is located on the side of the Tempe RC Building M7100. The 

geographical coordinates are 33°25'21.2"N; 111°55'25.4"W. The Concrete Drainage Pad (M7117) 

is located north of the fire tower and measures approximately 5 feet wide by 75 feet long. A storm 

drain is located at the north end of the Concrete Drainage Pad. The outfall location for the storm 

drain was not identified during the PA site visit. The geographical coordinates of the Concrete 

Drainage Pad are 33°25'21.4"N; 111°55'25.6"W. 

The Concrete Drainage Pad is believed to have been used by the city of Tempe Fire Department 

for washing firetrucks. Additionally, this area also contains a fire hose lift used to drain fluids from 

hoses prior to storage. It is unknown if any hoses with AFFF were rinsed and drained in this area 

during the city of Tempe’s tenure at the site. Historical information regarding the city of Tempe’s 

use of the property was not available. Any material released would have been transported to the 

storm sewer system and was not discharged into open drainage onsite. AZARNG has not 

managed AFFF at the site..
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NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Tempe Readiness Center, AZ

9/11/2020

1:1,200 ­ Figure 3-1 PM RG 9/11/2020

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Non-Fire Training Areas

Base Map: Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar

Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS,

C:\Users\stankevichm\OneDrive - AECOM Directory\ARNG_PFAS_GIS_60552172\MXDs\AZ\Tempe_Figures\Tempe_PA_Figures\Fig_3-1_Tempe_Non-Fire_Training_Areas.mxd

Legend

No Known Release

Facility Boundary

0 50 100 200

Feet Identified areas were investigated based upon former use of the property as a fire station by the City of Tempe

from 1966 to 1998. AZARNG began operation of the property in 2005 and has not managed AFFF.

12
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

13

4. Emergency Response Areas

No emergency response areas were identified within the current Tempe RC based on information

provided in Environmental Baseline Survey (dated 8 March 2005), the EDRTM Report, dated 21

November 2018 or during the PA site visit, conducted on 27 November 2018.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

14

5. Adjacent Sources

Adjoining land uses to the Tempe RC are primarily commercial. Following a review of the EDRTM

report provided in Appendix A, as well as public records, the Indian Bend Wash (IBW) Area, 

Campus Cleaners, and ASU No.1 and ASU No. 2 were reviewed for suspected off-site 

contamination of PFAS. Based on information provided in the EDRTM report as well as physical 

locations of the suspected adjacent sources, the Indian Bend Wash Area, Campus Cleaners, and 

ASU No.1 and ASU No. 2 are not considered to be suspected off-site source of PFAS impacts to 

the Tempe RC. 

Indian Bend Wash Area

The IBW Area covers about 13 square miles in Scottsdale and the city of Tempe, Arizona. Up until 

the 1970s, before current environmental regulations existed, industrial solvents containing volatile 

organic compounds (VOCs) were typically disposed of directly into the ground or in drywells 

(United States Environemntal Protection Agency, 2018). Beginning in the 1970s, many 

municipalities in the city of Phoenix metropolitan area required that stormwater on newly 

developed commercial or industrial properties be retained or disposed of on property. One 

common method to dispose of stormwater was using drywells, which are typically 4- to 6-inch 

diameter shafts that are drilled 20 to 80 feet or more below ground surface (GEC-SA&B, 2005). 

These disposal practices, along with other releases, resulted in present soil and groundwater 

contamination in the IBW Area. The EPA divided the IBW into two areas known as the North IBW 

(NIBW) and South IBW (SIBW). The Tempe RC is located within the boundary of the SIBW area, 

which includes approximately 3 square miles of the city of Tempe. Land in the SIBW area is 

developed for residential, commercial, and industrial uses including circuit and electronic 

manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, dry cleaning, metal electroplating and finishing, auto 

service, landfills, and quarries, which have operated since the 1950s. While many of these 

operations have discontinued, they include the use and disposal of organic solvents, which have 

led to soil and groundwater contamination (USACE, 2016). 

In 1993, the EPA determined a soil vapor extraction system would be the appropriate remediation 

technique to address contaminated soil, and monitored natural attenuation was the selected 

remedy for contaminated groundwater in the SIBW. In 2013, an in-situ chemical oxidation using 

permanganate was applied to hasten groundwater cleanup. During the 2016 annual sampling 

event, drinking water standards were attained for the first time in all monitoring wells sampled in 

the SIBW (USEPA, 2018)

In November 2017, the EPA sampled for PFAS all the NIBW extraction wells leading to treatment 

plants serving public water supply. No PFAS were identified in any of the Scottsdale wells sampled 

(USEPA, 2018). A review of public documents could not confirm that PFAS were sampled for in 

the SIBW Area. 

Historical manufacturing of plastics and metal electroplating in the SIBW could be a source of offsite contamination. Although VOCs sampled in the SIBW were reported below drinking water 

standards in 2016, sampling for PFAS constituents in the SIBW has not been performed. Until 

PFAS sampling is conducted, the IBW is not a suspected source of PFAS impacts at the Tempe 

RC at this time.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

15

Campus Cleaners

According to the EDRTM report, a former dry-cleaning business formerly known as Campus 

Cleaners, Dry Clean All, and Mom’s Campus Cleaners was located approximately 0.1 miles 

southwest of the Tempe RC. This property is currently operating as the Taco Shack Restaurant 

(Maps, 2019). Regional groundwater flow in the Phoenix Basin indicates the Campus Cleaners 

property is downgradient of the Tempe RC. Based on its location, the Campus Cleaners property 

does not have the potential to impact the Tempe RC and is therefore not a suspected source of 

PFAS.

ASU No.1 and No.2

Closed solid waste facilities ASU No.1 and ASU No.2 are listed in the EDRTM report as 0.48 miles 

northwest and 0.45 miles northwest of the Tempe RC, respectively. Based on the distances of the 

two closed solid waste facilities and their position downgradient of the Tempe RC, these facilities 

are not suspected to be a source of PFAS potentially impacting the Tempe RC. 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

16

6. Conceptual Site Model

A conceptual site model includes three components necessary for potentially complete exposure

pathways related to a site: (1) source, (2) pathway, and (3) receptor. No known releases of PFAS

have been identified at the Tempe RC. In addition, exposure pathways to potential receptors are

incomplete due to city-provided services (water, sewer, etc.).
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

17

7. Conclusions

This PA report presents a summary of information on known or suspected management of AFFF 

and releases of PFAS at the Tempe RC. The findings presented below are based on a site visit, 

and a records search presented in Appendix A and Appendix B.

Findings

No PFAS releases relating to current or historical activities at Tempe RC were identified during 

this PA. However, the city of Tempe operated a fire station at the property prior to AZARNG 

ownership. No information was available regarding the operational history of the site prior to 2005. 

These findings are depicted on Figure 7-1. Table 7-1 summarizes these areas and presents the 

rationale why they are not considered to be viable sources of PFAS:

Table 7-1: Suspected Release Areas

Suspected 

Release Area Used by Rationale Determination

Building 

M7100

city of 

Tempe Fire 

Department

 The city of Tempe Fire Department may have 

managed AFFF in the Maintenance Bay. 

However, AZARNG performed light vehicle 

repairs and storage in the Maintenance Bay. 

AZARNG did not manage AFFF at the Tempe 

RC.

No known or 

suspected 

PFAS release

Buildings 

M7109 and 

M7117

city of 

Tempe Fire 

Department

The city of Tempe Fire Department may have 

washed, rinsed or drained firefighting 

equipment containing AFFF in these areas. 

AZARNG does not use these areas and did 

not manage AFFF at the Tempe RC.

No known or 

suspected 

PFAS release

Uncertainties

A number of information sources were evaluated during this PA to determine the likelihood for 

PFAS-containing materials to have been present, used, or released at the site. Historically, 

documentation of PFAS use was not required because PFAS were considered benign. Therefore, 

records were not typically kept by the site or available during the PA on the use of PFAS in training, 

firefighting, or other non-traditional activities, or on its disposition. 

The conclusions of this PA are predominantly based on the information provided in the EDRTM

report (Appendix A), a review of available historical documents, and information and photos 

gathered during the PA site visit. AZARNG did not perform fire training activities or manage AFFF 

at the Tempe RC. The city of Tempe operated a fire station at the site from 1966 to 1998. However, 

historical information regarding the city of Tempe’s use of the property was not available. 

Therefore, gathered information has a degree of uncertainty due to the absence of written 

documentation, the lack of personnel with direct knowledge due to staffing changes, and the time 

passed since PFAS was first used (1969 to present). Inaccuracies may arise in suspected PFAS 

release locations. There is also a possibility the PA has missed a source of PFAS, as limited 

information was available regarding historical property use and the science of how PFAS may 

enter the environment continually evolves.

In order to minimize the level of uncertainty, readily available data regarding the use and storage 

of PFAS were reviewed, and suspected source areas were visually inspected.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

18

Table 7-2 summarizes the uncertainties associated with the PA: 

Table 7-2: Uncertainties within the PA

Area Evaluated Source of Uncertainty

Building M7100 The city of Tempe operated a fire station at the site from 

1966 to 1998. However, historical information regarding 

the city of Tempe’s use of the property was not available. 

Buildings M7109 and 

M7117

The city of Tempe operated a fire station at the site from 

1966 to 1998. However, historical information regarding 

the city of Tempe’s use of the property was not available

Potential Future Actions

Based upon available information, no AZARNG-related AOIs were identified during the PA. No 

known or suspected releases of PFAS have been identified at Tempe RC, as AZARNG did not 

manage AFFF at the Tempe RC. Additionally, there is no evidence of offsite releases of PFAS 

potentially impacting the Tempe RC. Therefore, no further action is warranted under CERCLA.
Floor Drain

Building M7100

Building M7117

Building M7109

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

BM

9/11/2020

9/11/2020

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Tempe Readiness Center, AZ

9/11/2020

1:1,200 ­ Figure 7-1 PM RG 9/11/2020

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Summary of Findings

Base Map: Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar

Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS,

C:\Users\stankevichm\OneDrive - AECOM Directory\ARNG_PFAS_GIS_60552172\MXDs\AZ\Tempe_Figures\Tempe_PA_Figures\Fig_7-1_Tempe_Summary.mxd

Legend

No Known Release

Facility Boundary

0 50 100 200

Feet Identified areas were investigated based upon former use of the property as a fire station by the City of Tempe

from 1966 to 1998. AZARNG began operation of the property in 2005 and has not managed AFFF.

19
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

20

8. References

Arizona State Climate Office. (2019). Climate of Phoenix Summary. Retrieved February 18,

2019, from Arizona State Climate Office: https://azclimate.asu.edu/climate/climate-of-phoenixsummary/

Arizona State University. (2018, January 18). Water-Quality Monitoring in Tempe Town Lake,

Tempe, AZ, Ongoing Since 2005. Retrieved from Global Sustainability, Central Arizona -Phoenix

Long-Term Ecological Research:

https://sustainability.asu.edu/caplter/data/view/knb-lter-cap.630/

Brooks, S. J. (1988). Hydrogeology of the Basins Encompassing the Maricopa Superconducting

Super Collider Site. Tucson: Arizona Geological Survey.

Brown, G. J., & Pool, D. (1989). Hydrogeology of the Western Part of the Salt River Valley Area,

Maricopa County, Arizona. Reston: U.S. Geological Survey.

city of Tempe. (2018). Water Quality Report. 2018: city of Tempe.

GEC-SA&B. (2005). Environmental Baseline Survey Tempe Armory. Phoenix: GEC-SA&B.

Maps, G. (2019). Google Maps. Retrieved February 21, 2019, from Google Maps:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/827+S+Rural+Rd,+Tempe,+AZ+85281/@33.4213415,-

111.9279937,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x872b08e704ab1a6f:0x3b3e132fb2371851!8m2!

3d33.4213415!4d-111.925805

Maricopa County Assessor's Office. (2019). Maricopa County Assessor's Office. Retrieved

February 18, 2019, from Maricopa County Assessor's Office:

https://mcassessor.maricopa.gov/mcs.php?q=13234003N&mod=pd

Tempe.gov. (2020, January 23). Town Lake Fast Facts. Retrieved from Tempe.gov:

https://www.tempe.gov/government/community-services/tempe-town-lake/fast-facts-coloringbook-slideshows-and-videos/town-lake-fast-facts

U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. (2016). Second-Five Year Review Report for Indian Bend Wash

Superfund Site, Maricopa County, Arizona. Region IX: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1991. Guidance for Performing

Preliminary Assessments under CERCLA. September

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2018, October 23). Superfund: Indian Bend

Wash Area Scottsdale, AZ. Retrieved June 6, 2019, from Cleanup Activities:

https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Cleanup&id=0900

673#bkground
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

Data Resources
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Armory, Tempe Arizona

Data resources will be provided separately on CD. Data resources for Tempe Readiness

Center include:

Environmental Data Resources, Inc.TM Geocheck Report

· 2018 Environmental Data Resources, Inc.TM Geocheck Report for Tempe Armory, Arizona

Land Lease Documentation

· 2005 Special Warranty Deed, City of Tempe, Arizona

Miscellaneous Data Resources

· 2005 Environmental Baseline Survey, Tempe Armory, Arizona Army National Guard, 322

East 6th Street, Tempe, Arizona

Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 Information

· 2020 UCMR 3 City of Tempe Data 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

Appendix B

Preliminary Investigation Report
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

Appendix B.1

Interview Records


PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

Appendix B.2

Visual Site Inspection Checklists




PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

Appendix B.3

Conceptual Site Model Information
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Site Name: Tempe Readiness Center

Why has this location been identified as a site?

Are there any other activities nearby that could also impact this location?

Training Events 

Have any training events with AFFF occurred at this site? CoT historical records unavailable. None by AZARNG

If so, how often? N/A

How much material was used? Is it documented? N/A

Identify Potential Pathways: Do we have enough information to fully understand over land surface 

water flow, groundwater flow, and geological formations on and around the facility? Any direct 

pathways to larger water bodies?

Surface Water:

Surface water flow direction? North

Average rainfall? 9.33"

Any flooding during rainy season? No

Direct or indirect pathway to ditches? No

Direct or indirect pathway to larger bodies of water? Salt River is located approximately 0.5 miles north

Does surface water pond any place on site? No

Any impoundment areas or retention ponds? No

Any NPDES location points near the site? No

How does surface water drain on and around the flight line? N/A

The City of Tempe (CoT) operated a fire station at the

from 1966 to 1998. However, Historical records regarding the CoT use of the property is unavailable.

See EDR 
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Groundwater:

Groundwater flow direction? Regional groundwater flow is toward the west 

Depth to groundwater? Approximately 50 to 263 feet

Uses (agricultural, drinking water, irrigation)? Non-Exempt well approximately 0.25 miles east according to EDR

Any groundwater treatment systems? No

Any groundwater monitoring well locations near the site? Yes. Located approximately 0.10 miles southwest

Is groundwater used for drinking water? Surface water sources are primarily used for drinking water. 

Are there drinking water supply wells on installation? No

Do they serve off-post populations? No

Are there off-post drinking water wells downgradient? CoT wells are located approximately 0.5 miles north.

Waste Water Treatment Plant:

Has the installation ever had a WWTP, past or present? No

If so, do we understand the process and which water is/was treated at the plant? N/A

Do we understand the fate of sludge waste? N/A

Is surface water from potential contaminated sites treated? N/A

Equipment Rinse Water 

1. Is firefighting equipment washed? Where does the rinse water go? Historical records are unavailable 

regarding CoT use of the property. No fire fighting activities took placer during AZARNG operation of 

the site

2. Are nozzles tested? How often are nozzles tested? Where are nozzles tested? Are nozzles cleaned after

use? Where does the rinse water flow after cleaning nozzles? 

AZARNG has not managed AFFF or performed fire fighting related activities. 

3. Other?

However, these sources are not a primary source of drinking water. 
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Identify Potential Receptors: 

Site Worker No

Construction Worker No

Recreational User No

Residential No

Child No

Ecological No

Note what is located near by the site (e.g. daycare, schools, hospitals, churches, agricultural, livestock)?

Commercial properties to the west, ASU recreational and athletic fields to the north, commercial properties

Documentation 

Ask for Engineering drawings (if applicable).

Has there been a reconstruction or changes to the drainage system? When did that occur? No

to the south, offices to the east and apartments to the southeast. 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center, city of Tempe, Arizona

Appendix C

Photographic Log
Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

APPENDIX C – Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary 

Assessment for PFAS Tempe Readiness Center Tempe, Arizona

Photograph No. 1

Description:

Looking north. Floor drain in 

the Tempe Readiness Center 

(building M7100) 

Maintenance Bay. 

Photo Date: 11/27/18

Photograph No. 2

Description:

Looking north. Floor drain in 

the Tempe Readiness Center 

(building M7100) 

Maintenance Bay. 

Photo Date: 11/27/18
Preliminary Assessment Report

Tempe Readiness Center

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

APPENDIX C – Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary 

Assessment for PFAS Tempe Readiness Center Tempe, Arizona

Photograph No. 3

Description:

Looking north. Concrete 

drainage pad (M7117) located 

north of the Fire Tower 

(M7109). Surface water drains 

to a storm drain located at the 

north end of the concrete 

drainage pad. 

Photo Date: 11/27/18

Photograph No. 4

Description:

Looking southwest. Storm 

drain at the end of the concrete 

drainage pad (M7117).

Photo Date: 11/27/18