Final

Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC

Presque Isle, Maine

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic 

Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

November 2019

Prepared for:

Army National Guard Headquarter

111 S. George Mason Drive

Arlington, VA 22204

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District

2 Hopkins Plaza

Baltimore, MD 21201

Prepared by:

AECOM

12420 Milestone Center Drive, Suite 150

Germantown, MD 20876

aecom.com

Contract Number: W912DR-12-D-0014

Delivery Order: W912DR17F0192
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

i

Table of Contents

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

1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4

Authority and Purpose .............................................................................................. 4

Preliminary Assessment Methods ............................................................................. 4

Report Organization .................................................................................................. 5

Facility Location and History ..................................................................................... 5

Facility Environmental Setting ................................................................................... 6

1.5.1 Geology ......................................................................................................... 6

1.5.2 Hydrogeology ................................................................................................. 7

1.5.3 Hydrology ....................................................................................................... 8

1.5.4 Climate ........................................................................................................... 8

1.5.5 Current and Future Land Use ......................................................................... 8

2. Fire Training Areas ........................................................................................................... 13

3. Non-Fire Training Areas ................................................................................................... 14

Presque Isle SFRO ................................................................................................. 14

NMRC Construction Area ........................................................................................ 14

4. Emergency Response Areas ............................................................................................ 16

5. Adjacent Off-Facility Sources ........................................................................................... 17

Snark Missile Launch Complex FTA........................................................................ 17

Former Air Force and Presque Isle Fire Department FTA ........................................ 17

Northern Maine Regional Airport Fire and Maintenance Facility .............................. 18

Presque Isle Fire Department ................................................................................. 18

1998 Aerostar 600 Crash Location .......................................................................... 19

2019 Passenger Plane Crash Location ................................................................... 19

PIUD WWTP ........................................................................................................... 19

Presque Isle Landfill................................................................................................ 19

6. Preliminary Conceptual Site Model .................................................................................. 22

7. Conclusions ..................................................................................................................... 23

Findings .................................................................................................................. 23

Uncertainty ............................................................................................................. 24

Potential Future Action ............................................................................................ 25

8. References ...................................................................................................................... 27
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

ii

Tables

Table 7-1: No Suspected Release Areas

Table 7-2: Uncertainties

Figures

Figure ES-1 Summary of Findings

Figure 1-1 Facility Location

Figure 1-2 Groundwater Features

Figure 1-3 Surface Water Features

Figure 3-1 Non-Fire Training Area

Figure 5-1 Adjacent Source

Figure 7-1 Summary of Findings

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

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

iii

Acronyms and Abbreviations

°F

μg/L

AECOM

Degrees Fahrenheit

micrograms per liter

AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

AFFF aqueous film forming foam

AOI Area of Interest

ARNG Army National Guard

bgs below ground surface

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability 

Act

CSM

DVEM

conceptual site model

Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management

FTA fire training area

MEARNG

MEDEP

mg/L

Maine Army National Guard

Maine Department of Environmental Protection

milligrams per liter

NMRC Northern Maine Readiness Center

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NPDES

NWI

PA

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

National Wetland Inventory

Preliminary Assessment

PFAS per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances

PFOA perfluorooctanoic acid

PFOS perfluorooctanesulfonic acid

PIUD Presque Isle Utilities District

ppt parts per trillion

SFRO Store Front Recruiting Office

SI Site Inspection

US United States

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers

USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

VSI visual site inspection

WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

1

Executive Summary

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

Army National Guard-Installations & Environment Division, 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 Army National Guard (ARNG) Facilities Nationwide. The ARNG is assessing 

potential effects on human health related to processes at facilities that used per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), primarily in the form of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) released 

as part of firefighting activities, although other PFAS sources are possible.

AECOM completed a PA for PFAS at the Maine ARNG (MEARNG) Presque Isle Store Front 

Recruiting Office (SFRO) and Northern Maine Readiness Center (NMRC) in Presque Isle, Maine, 

to assess potential PFAS release areas and exposure pathways to receptors. The performance 

of this PA included the following tasks: 

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

• Conducted a site visit on 1 July 2019

• Interviewed current MEARNG personnel, Presque Isle Industrial Council personnel, and 

Presque Isle Fire Department personnel

• Completed visual site inspections (VSIs) at suspected PFAS release locations and 

documented with photographs

Two adjacent fire training areas (FTAs) were identified as potential adjacent PFAS source areas: 

the Presque Isle Fire Department FTA at the former Snark Missile Launch Complex, and the 

former FTA used by the Presque Isle Fire Department and Air Force, colloquially referred to as 

“The Pit”. The Snark Missile Launch Complex FTA has been historically used by the Presque Isle 

Fire Department (exact dates of use are unknown); training sometimes included AFFF use. The 

period of use of “The Pit” FTA are unknown, but AFFF use occurred approximately once per year

during use. 

The Northern Maine Regional Airport Fire and Maintenance Facility is considered a potential 

adjacent PFAS source area due to its storage of AFFF used for emergency response. The 

Presque Isle Fire Station Number One, located in downtown Presque Isle, is also considered a 

potential adjacent PFAS source due to its storage of AFFF and the maintenance of firefighting 

vehicles that carry AFFF.

Lastly, the location of a 1998 plane crash on the northwest end of Runway 1/19 is considered a 

potential adjacent PFAS source area due to the usage of AFFF to extinguish the resulting fire. 

These potential adjacent PFAS source areas are shown on Figure ES-1.

Based on the USEPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 data, it was indicated that no 

PFAS was detected in a public water system above the USEPA Health Advisory level within 20 

miles of the facility.

Based on the documented absence of the use or release of PFAS-containing materials at the 

unfinished NMRC (currently under construction) and the Presque Isle SFRO, evidence does not 

support current or former ARNG activities at the facilities having contributed to PFAS 

contamination in soil, groundwater, surface water, or sediment. No areas of interest (AOIs) related 

to PFAS release were identified at the MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO or unfinished NMRC based 

on PA data. The Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC will not move forward in the CERCLA process. 
Former Air Force and Presque

Isle Fire Department FTA

Presque Isle

Fire Department

Presque Isle Utility

District WWTP

Northern Maine Regional Airport

Fire and Maintenance Facility

1998 Aerostar 600

Crash Location

Snark Missile

Launch Complex FTA

MEARNG NMRC

Construction

Area MEARNG

Presque

Isle SFRO

2019 Passenger

Plane Crash

Location

Hanson Brook

Aroo stook

River

Presque sI el Stream

­12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

JW

11/8/2019

11/8/2019

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Presque Isle, ME

11/8/2019

1:24,000

PM RG 11/8/2019

Q:\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\ME\Presque_Isle_SFRO_Figures\Fig_ES-1_Presque_Isle_Summary.mxd

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

Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI,

Figure ES-1

Summary of Findings

Legend

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Water Body

Wetland

River/Stream

0 1,000 2,000 4,000

Feet
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

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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)-Installations & Environment Division, 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 W912DR-12-D-0014, Task 

Order W912DR17F0192, issued 11 August 2017. The ARNG is assessing potential effects on 

human health related to processes at facilities that used per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances 

(PFAS), primarily in the form of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) released as part of firefighting 

activities, although other PFAS sources are possible. In addition, the ARNG is assessing 

businesses or operations adjacent to the ARNG facility (not under the control of ARNG) that could 

potentially be responsible for a PFAS release. 

PFAS are classified as emerging environmental contaminants that are garnering increasing 

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

formulations contain highly diverse mixtures of compounds. Thus, the fate of PFAS compounds 

in the environment varies. The regulatory framework at both federal and state levels continues to 

evolve. 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 drinking water. In the absence of federal maximum contaminant 

levels, some states have adopted their own drinking water standards for PFAS. Maine does not 

currently have legally enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS.

This report presents findings of a PA for PFAS at Presque Isle Store Front Recruiting Office 

(SFRO) and Northern Maine Readiness Center (NMRC) in Presque Isle, ME, 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 the known Presque Isle SFRO and unfinished NMRC, the combination of 

which will also be referred to as the “facility”, as well as adjacent locations where PFAS may have 

been released into the environment. The term PFAS will be used throughout this report to 

encompass all PFAS chemicals being evaluated, including PFOS and PFOA, which are key 

components AFFF.

Preliminary Assessment Methods

The performance of this PA included the following tasks: 

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

• Conducted a site visit on 1 July 2019

• Interviewed current Maine Army National Guard (MEARNG) personnel, Presque Isle 

Industrial Council personnel, and Presque Isle Fire Department personnel

• Completed visual site inspections (VSIs) at suspected PFAS release locations and 

documented with photographs
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

5

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 

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

• Section 2 – Fire Training Areas: describes the fire training areas (FTAs) at the facility (if 

present) identified during the site visit 

• Section 3 – Non-Fire Training Areas: describes other locations of potential PFAS releases 

at the facility identified during the site visit 

• Section 4 – Emergency Response Areas: describes areas of AFFF release at the facility, 

specifically in response to emergency situations (if present)

• Section 5 – Adjacent Off-Site Sources: describes sources of PFAS release adjacent to the 

facility 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 facility

• 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

Facility Location and History

The property that would become the Presque Isle International Airport was developed in 1937 for 

commercial air service and included one hangar and a runway. In 1941, Presque Isle Army Airfield 

was established to support World War II efforts as a major departure point for combat planes. The 

base remained active during the Korean war to defend the northeastern US and nearby Loring 

Air Force Base. In 1959, the 702d Strategic Missile Wing was activated, and Presque Isle Air 

Force Base became the nation’s first Intercontinental Missile Base equipped with Northrop SM62 Snark Intercontinental Cruise Missiles (henceforth referred to as “Snark” Missiles). The missile 

wing was deactivated in 1961, and all military activity at Presque Isle Air Force Base ceased. The 

Presque Isle Industrial Council was formed to develop an industrial park and make use of the 

parcels formerly occupied by the air force base. Today, the former base area consists of the 

Presque Isle International Airport, a technical college, housing areas, and 440 acres of industrial 

park (Presque Isle Air Museum, 2019).

The MEARNG operates two properties in Presque Isle, ME: the Presque Isle SFRO and the 

unfinished NMRC, which is currently under construction. The Presque Isle SFRO is located on 

the north end of Main Street in downtown Presque Isle, approximately 1.8 miles east of the 

Presque Isle International Airport Runway 1/19 (Figure 1-1). The Presque Isle SFRO shares a 

building with other businesses, and has no history of MEARNG use for anything other recruiting 

purposes. The unfinished NMRC encompasses approximately 10.6 acres between the 

intersections of Edgemont Drive with Morningside Road and Central Drive, approximately one 

mile east of Runway 1/19 (Figure 1-1). Aerial photographs demonstrate that the unfinished NMRC
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

6

was an agricultural field and forest in 1937. Deed records document ownership by Stanley 

Beckwith prior to 1943, at which time the property was acquired by the federal government for the 

development of the Presque Isle Air Force Base. It was then developed with residences between 

approximately 1940 and 2000. Residential development of the site transitioned from barracks 

circa 1940 to apparent duplexes in the 1960s (MEARNG, 2015a). The property is owned by the 

city of Presque Isle and managed by the Presque Isle Industrial Council. The 2016 quitclaim deed 

conveying the property to the state of Maine, Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency 

Management (DVEM) is included in Appendix A. Construction for the NMRC began in 2018. The 

finished property will provide spaces that include training, administrative, vehicle maintenance, 

and locker room areas, along with special functions areas unique to the ARNG (WBRC, 2019).

Facility Environmental Setting

The Presque Isle SFRO and unfinished NMRC are situated in the Uplands physiographic zone, 

which extends northward and eastward from the mountains of Central Maine across Aroostook 

County into adjacent New Brunswick and Quebec. This zone is large and diverse, with tree 

species varying across microenvironments, although the two subject MEARNG facilities are

located within developed spaces, and the adjacent areas are predominantly agricultural 

(MEARNG, 2015b).

Topography in the eastern portion of the Presque Isle SFRO gently slopes down northward along 

Main Street, towards the Aroostook River. On the northwestern portion of the SFRO, topography 

gently slopes down northwest towards the Walmart Supercenter parking lot. The Presque Isle 

Stream lies approximately 0.2 miles west of the SFRO, behind the Walmart Supercenter, and 

joins the Aroostook River about 0.4 miles north of the SFRO. 

The unfinished NMRC lies west of the Presque Isle Stream, approximately 0.7 miles west of the 

SFRO. The construction zone for the readiness center is at the end of a paved, dead-end road 

that includes a storm drain outlet and sanitary sewer manway. The property includes a fire hydrant 

and electric/telephone utility pole. No other apparent structures existed at the site prior to 

construction of the readiness center; however, underground water, sewer, and stormwater utilities 

are expected (MEARNG, 2015a). As of the July 2019 site visit, the NMRC foundation was 

complete and structural walls were being constructed. The southeastern border of the property is 

forested with small trees.

Topography on the northern portions of the unfinished NMRC gently rises to the northwest 

towards residential areas. On the southern portions of the property, topography slopes downward 

more severely to the southeast, towards a forested/shrub wetland (National Wetland Inventory

[NWI], 2019).

1.5.1 Geology

The Caribou and Presque Isle quadrangles, where the subject MEARNG properties are located, 

exhibit gently rolling topography in the eastern part of the quadrangles largely due to the 

prominence of easily-eroded limestone and calcareous shale in the bedrock. All of the 

quadrangle’s sedimentary formations are unusually fossiliferous for the Appalachian Mountain 

region, which largely accounts for the long history of geologic investigations in the region (Roy, 

1987).

The Caribou and Presque Isle quadrangles lie along the boundary between the AroostookMatapedia anticlinorium to the east and Ashland synclinorium to the west. In the Presque Isle 

quadrangle, the Ashland synclinorium widens considerably and incorporates the Siluro-Devonian 

rocks of the Chapman syncline. The oldest rocks in the quadrangles are of Ordovician age and 

are found in the core of the Castle Hill anticline, in the northwestern part of the Presque Isle 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

7

quadrangle (Winterville Formation), and in the northwestern corner of the Caribou quadrangle 

(Madawaska Lake Formation). The youngest rocks of the quadrangles are of Middle Devonian 

age and form the Mapleton Formation near Presque Isle (Roy, 1987).

The Silurian System largely underlies the city of Presque Isle and the two subject MEARNG 

facilities. The Silurian system of the region is represented by five formations: the laterally 

equivalent Frenchville, New Sweden, and Spragueville Formations are of late Llandoverian-early 

Wenlockian age and comprise a lithofacies system that becomes less sandstone-rich and more 

distal eastward across the Caribou and Presque Isle quadrangles. The Spragueville Formation, 

which underlies the subject MEARNG facilities, is largely made up of a very calcareous laminated 

silty mudstone that typically is broken along bedding partings spaced 1 to 15 centimeters apart. 

In outcrop the formation presents a "flaggy" appearance. The lamination is caused by an 

alternation of layers of light gray highly calcareous siltstone or silty limestone with layers of dark 

gray calcareous silty mudstone (Roy, 1987). Silurian mudstone and Silurian to Ordovician 

limestone and siltstone are shown on Figure 1-2.

1.5.2 Hydrogeology

Significant sand and gravel aquifers are the primary groundwater source for satisfying the needs 

of municipalities and industry throughout Maine. These aquifers may also provide recharge to the 

underlying fractured bedrock-aquifer.

Both the Presque Isle SFRO and unfinished NMRC are underlain by areas with moderate to low 

or no potential groundwater yield. The Maine Geological Survey Significant Sand and Gravel 

Aquifers map describes the aquifers beneath the properties as surficial deposits yielding less than 

10 gallons per minute. The deposits may be comprised of till, marine deposits, eolian deposits, 

alluvium, swamps, thin glacial sand, and gravel deposits or bedrock. Significant sand and gravel 

aquifers yielding up to greater than 50 gallons per minute are mapped between the two properties 

adjacent to the Presque Isle Stream (Neil, 2002). The significant aquifers, yielding greater than 

20 gallons per minute, between the two properties include Maine Geological Survey aquifer IDs

1258, 1407, 1409, and 131 (Maine Geological Survey, 2019a).

Groundwater in the shallow, unconfined, surficial aquifer likely follows surface topography and 

flows from high topography to low. At the unfinished NMRC the inferred groundwater flow direction 

is from the northwest to the southeast, ultimately towards Presque Isle Stream. At the Presque 

Isle SFRO, the inferred groundwater flow direction is north towards Aroostook River.

Groundwater depth information for the Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC are unavailable; however, 

a depth to water of 6 feet below ground surface (bgs) was observed in an observation well located 

along the south bank of the Aroostook River, approximately 0.9 miles north/northwest of the 

Presque Isle SFRO, according to a 1989 study. Single-channel seismic data collected during the 

same study from six locations in the town of Presque Isle demonstrated water level depths ranging 

from 5 to 6 feet bgs (Locke et al., 1989).

The Maine Geological Survey Water Well Database identifies numerous wells, both domestic and 

commercial, in every direction surrounding the Presque Isle SFRO and the unfinished NMRC 

within one mile (Maine Geological Survey, 2019b). Wells are shown on Figure 1-2.

Presque Isle Utility District (PIUD) supplies drinking water to the city of Presque Isle. PIUD uses 

the Presque Isle Stream as its water source and is listed by the Maine Division of Environmental 

and Community Health as serving a population of 5,825 people (Maine Division of Environmental 

and Community Health, 2019).
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

8

1.5.3 Hydrology

Presque Isle, Maine is located in the western central portion of the Saint John River drainage, 

which drains much of northern Maine, adjacent areas of Quebec and a large area of central and 

western New Brunswick, Canada (MEARNG, 2015b). In general, surface water divides in the area 

coincide with groundwater divides (Locke et al., 1989). The Aroostook River Basin is the largest 

sub basin of the St John River, lying almost entirely within the state of Maine. It has a drainage 

area of 2,353 square miles at the international border with Canada (Newkirk, 2013). Locally, the 

Arnold Brook-Presque Isle Stream Watershed drains the MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO and 

unfinished NMRC areas (Figure 1-3).

There are no surface water bodies located within the MEARNG property footprints at either the 

SFRO or the unfinished NMRC (NWI, 2019); however, forested/shrub wetlands exist adjacent to 

the NMRC property to the east, and drainage flows downslope into a pond/emergent wetland 

adjacent to the southeast. The nearest regional surface water bodies are the Presque Isle Steam, 

located approximately 0.5 miles east of the NMRC, and the Aroostook River, located 

approximately 1.1 miles northeast of the NMRC. The SFRO is approximately 0.2 miles east of the 

Presque Isle Stream and approximately 0.4 miles south of its confluence with the Aroostook River.

No wastewater is produced at the unfinished NMRC. It is assumed that running water within the 

SFRO drains to city sanitary sewers. Neither of the MEARNG properties includes a wastewater 

treatment plant (WWTP). 

The PIUD WWTP is located adjacent to the Presque Isle Stream, between the SFRO and the 

NMRC. Wastewater from the city of Presque Isle is channelized to the WWTP, where it is treated 

in an anaerobic digester to remove pathogens; the resulting sludge is stored until it can be applied 

as a fertilizer (Brino, 2019). 

Based on the USEPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 data, it was indicated that no 

PFAS was detected in a public water system above the USEPA Health Advisory level within 20 

miles of the facility.

1.5.4 Climate

The MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO and unfinished NMRC are located in northeastern Maine,

where the climate characterized by warm summers and cold snowy winters. the average annual 

temperature in Presque Isle, Maine is 41.3 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), with an average temperature 

of 15.8 °F during the winter and 64.7 °F in summer. The coldest month is January, with an average 

temperature or 11.9 °F; the warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 66.7 °F 

(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA], 2019). 

Average annual precipitation is 35.80 inches, with the greatest rainfalls occurring between May 

and November. Annual snowfall is approximately 89 inches, with most of this falling between

December and March (NOAA, 2019).

1.5.5 Current and Future Land Use

The city of Presque Isle zoning ordinance places the Presque Isle SFRO in a Business Zone, 

where professional offices, retail uses, public utility facilities, and government uses are permitted 

without special exemption. Historical aerial photographs indicate that land use has remained the 

same since at least 1996. The SFRO shares a building with Bread of Life Bulk Foods and 

Specialty Store. Other surrounding businesses include Walmart Supercenter, Citgo, Tim Hortons, 

and Key Bank. Future land use is anticipated to remain the same. 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

9

The city of Presque Isle zoning ordinance also places the unfinished NMRC property within a 

Business Zone. The subject property meets all minimum lot size requirements for development in 

the Business Zone. Adjacent properties include residences to the north, northwest, and northeast; 

undeveloped forested wetlands to the southeast; Presque Isle International Airport Runway 10/28 

to the south; and light commercial and industrial development to the west. Historical aerial 

photographs indicate that current land uses are similar to land uses in place as of 1940, with the 

exception of a large coal pile and railroad siding that was formerly located southeast and 

downslope of the property.
­12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

CLIENT

REVISED

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ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

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NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Presque Isle SFRO, ME

8/29/2019

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Q:\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\ME\Presque_Isle_SFRO_Figures\Fig_1-1_Presque_Isle_Facility_Location.mxd

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

Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI,

Figure 1-1

Facility Location

Legend

Facility Boundary

^_

0 0.25 0.5 1

Miles

MEARNG NMRC Construction Area

MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO
A!

A!

A!

!P

A!

!P

!P

A!

A!

AA!!

!P

!P

A!

A!

A!

A!

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A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

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A!

A!

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A!

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!P

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A!

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!P

!P

!P

!P!P

!P

!P

!P

!P

!P

Mantle

Lake Ar nold Br ook

Hanson

Brook

Aroostook River

Presque Isle Stream

Legend

Facility Boundary

Water Body

Wetland

River/Stream

Inferred Groundwater

Flow Direction

Geology

Silurian Mudstone and

Limestone

Silurian to Ordovician

Limestone and Siltstone

Wells

!P Domestic Well

!P Commercial Well

A! Other/Unknown Well;

­12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

JW

8/19/2019

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NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Presque Isle, ME

8/19/2019

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Base Map: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye,

Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS,

Figure 1-2

Groundwater Features

0 1,000 2,000 4,000

Feet
Mantle

Lake

Arnold Brook-Presque

Isle Stream Watershed

Pettingill

Brook-Aroostook

River Watershed

Ar nold Br ook

Hanson

Brook

Aroostook River

Presque Isle Stream

Legend

Facility Boundary

Water Body

Wetland

River/Stream

Surface Water Flow

Direction

­12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

JW

8/19/2019

8/19/2019

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Presque Isle, ME

8/19/2019

1:24,000

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Base Map: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye,

Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS,

Figure 1-3

Surface Water Features

0 1,000 2,000 4,000

Feet
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

13

2. Fire Training Areas

No FTAs were identified at the MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO or unfinished NMRC during the PA. 

MEARNG personnel confirmed that there are no FTAs at either property, nor have there ever 

been. The MEARNG has never used either facility for historical training of any kind. The SFRO 

consists of an office space used for recruiting purposes; the finished NMRC will be used for 

training and other purposes.

FTAs used by non-MEARNG units exist within the vicinity of the MEARNG properties and are 

discussed in Section 5.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

14

3. Non-Fire Training Areas

Two non-FTAs where AFFF could have been potentially stored and/or released were investigated

during the PA. A description of each non-FTA is presented below, and the non-FTAs are shown 

on Figure 3-1. 

Presque Isle SFRO

The MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO is located approximately 1.8 miles east of the Presque Isle 

International Airport Runway 1/19, at 769 Main Street, Presque Isle, Maine; its geographic 

coordinates are 46°41'47.67"N; 68°0'43.46"W. MEARNG personnel stated that no AFFF is stored 

on site currently nor has AFFF ever been stored or used at the SFRO. 

The SFRO consists of an office space shared with Bread of Life Bulk Foods and Specialty Store 

and has never been used for MEARNG training of any kind. It is presumed that wastewater 

produced at the SFRO discharges to city sanitary sewers, which transport wastewater to the PIUD 

WWTP. It is unknown if the SFRO includes a fire suppression system. 

NMRC Construction Area

The unfinished MEARNG NMRC encompasses approximately 10.6 acres between the 

intersections of Edgemont Drive with Morningside Road and Central Drive, approximately one 

mile east of Runway 1/19. The geographic coordinates of the unfinished NMRC are

46°41'33.71"N; 68°1'41.29"W. MEARNG personnel stated that no AFFF is stored on site currently 

nor has AFFF ever been stored or used at the SFRO. 

The property is currently a construction zone that the finished NMRC will eventually occupy. 

Construction of the NMRC began in 2018. Historically, the property has been used as an 

agricultural field, residential area, and for barracks associated with the former Presque Isle Air 

Force Base. The finished property will provide spaces that include training, administrative, vehicle 

maintenance, and locker room areas, along with special functions areas unique to the ARNG 

(WBRC, 2019).
Pres que Isle Strea m

MEARNG NMRC

Construction

Area

MEARNG

Presque

Isle SFRO

Legend

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Water Body

Wetland

­12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

JW

11/8/2019

11/8/2019

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Presque Isle, ME

11/8/2019

1:9,000

PM RG 11/8/2019

Q:\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\ME\Presque_Isle_SFRO_Figures\Fig_3-1_Presque_Isle_Non-Fire_Training_Areas.mxd

Base Map: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye,

Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS,

Figure 3-1

Non-Fire Training Areas

0 375 750 1,500

Feet
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

16

4. Emergency Response Areas

No emergency response areas for incidents involving the use of AFFF were identified within the 

footprints of either the MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO or NMRC properties during the PA.

Emergency response locations have been identified in areas surrounding the NMRC and are 

described in Section 5. Historical MEARNG crash information was provided by the MEARNG for 

review during the PA site visit. No crashes were listed for Presque Isle since AFFF began 

commonly being used by the Department of Defense circa 1969. The historical crash information 

provided is included in Appendix A.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

17

5. Adjacent Off-Facility Sources

Several potential off-facility sources of PFAS adjacent to the MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO and 

unfinished NMRC, not under the control of the MEARNG, were identified during the PA through 

interviews, review of the Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR) report for a 1-mile radius 

surrounding NMRC (Appendix A), and historical document review. A description of each potential 

adjacent source is presented below, and the sources are shown on Figure 5-1. 

Snark Missile Launch Complex FTA

During its operational years, the former Presque Isle Air Force Base was the only operational 

launch complex for the Northrop SM-62 Snark Intercontinental Cruise Missile. The complex, which 

was deactivated in 1961, included six hangars and two launch pads per hangar (Presque Isle Air 

Museum, 2019). Since its deactivation, the Presque Isle Fire Department and other non-MEARNG 

units have used one of the launch pads for fire training exercises. The Snark Missile Launch 

Complex comprises one former launch pad, approximately 1 acre in size, located off Missile 

Street, near the north end of the Presque Isle International Airport Runway 1/19. The geographic 

coordinates of the Snark Missile Launch Complex are 46°42'17.28"N; 68°2'44.89"W.

The FTA includes a replica fuselage with adjacent fuel lines that connect to an aboveground 

storage tank containing propane. Propane from the tank feeds flames at the model fuselage 

during training events. According to a Fire Prevention Officer from the Presque Isle Fire 

Department, AFFF has been sprayed by the Presque Isle Fire Department to extinguish flames 

at the FTA during training. It is unknown which entities may have potentially used the FTA 

throughout its history. Interviewees stated that usage of the FTA began circa 1990, and training 

occurred approximately once per year until 2015. The type and concentration of AFFF used for 

training at the FTA are also unknown; however, Chemguard 3% AFFF concentrate is stored by 

the Presque Isle Fire Department at the nearby Northern Maine Regional Airport Fire and 

Maintenance Facility. 

The fire suppression systems at the former complex hangars are unknown, but the hangar use 

predates the widespread use of AFFF by the Department of Defense (circa 1969). Hangars 

typically have fire suppression systems or other types of mobile fire extinguishers, which often 

include the use or storage of AFFF, to aid in emergency response activities on or near the 

flightline.

Former Air Force and Presque Isle Fire Department FTA

An FTA used by the Air Force and the Presque Isle Fire Department was formerly located 

approximately 0.1 mile north of the east end of Presque Isle International Airport Runway 10/28 

and adjacent to the MEARNG unfinished NMRC. The former FTA was referred to as “The Pit”. 

The former FTA’s location was described during interviews by a Fire Prevention Officer with the 

Presque Isle Fire Department. Approximate geographic coordinates for the former FTA (based on 

description) are 46°41'23.25"N; 68°1'48.56"W.

According to the Fire Prevention Officer, the Air Force used to fill the FTA with jet fuel, ignite the 

fuel, and spray the pit with AFFF during training events. The Presque Isle Fire Department would 

also perform similar training events at the FTA approximately once per year. Interviewees stated 

that training at the FTA occurred during the 1970s and 1980s, and possibly extended into the 

1990s. The type and concentration of AFFF used for training at the FTA are unknown; however, 

Chemguard 3% AFFF concentrate is stored by the Presque Isle Fire Department at the nearby 

Northern Maine Regional Airport Fire and Maintenance Facility.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

18

The exact location of the FTA is unclear, but historical aerial photographs show a pit-like feature 

in the area described during interviews. The Pit is also listed as a freshwater emergent wetland 

(NWI, 2019). The Pit occurs adjacent to a drainage ditch that runs parallel to the Presque Isle 

International Airport Runway 10/28.

Northern Maine Regional Airport Fire and Maintenance Facility

The Northern Maine Regional Airport Fire and Maintenance Facility is located adjacent to Presque 

Isle International Airport Runway 1/19. Geographic coordinates for the Northern Maine Regional 

Airport Fire and Maintenance Facility are approximately 46°41'38.51"N; 68°2'48.17"W. The 

Northern Maine Regional Airport Fire and Maintenance Facility is sometimes referred to as the 

Presque Isle Fire Department Fire Station Number Two. This facility is only staffed during takeoff 

and landing at the adjacent Presque Isle International Airport. The Presque Isle Fire Department 

maintains four AFFF-capable firefighting vehicles, but only one was stationed at the Northern 

Maine Regional Airport Fire and Maintenance Facility during the PA site visit – a 2012 E-One P701 

vehicle. According to a Presque Isle Fire Department Fire Prevention Officer, a backup skid unit 

capable of spraying AFFF is also brought to the facility occasionally. Fire department vehicle 

maintenance takes place at the main Presque Isle Fire Department Fire Station, referred to Fire 

Station Number One, located at 43 North Street, Presque Isle, Maine approximately 1.8 miles 

east of Fire Station Number Two.

Chemguard 3% AFFF concentrate is stored in 55-gallon drums and in the AFFF tank on the 2012 

E-One P701 vehicle at the Northern Maine Regional Airport Fire and Maintenance Facility. 

Presque Isle Fire Department personnel stated during interviews that no known leaks or 

intentional releases of AFFF have occurred at the facility, nor have any vehicles stored at the 

facility experienced any maintenance issues resulting in leaks. Fire department personnel stated 

that three crashes have occurred at the airport in the last few years, but no crashes required AFFF 

in response by the Presque Isle Fire Department. The facility is surrounded by paved and grassy 

surfaces, and runoff at the facility connects to city sanitary sewer pipes. 

Presque Isle Fire Department

The Presque Isle Fire Department, sometimes referred to as Fire Station Number One, is located 

at 43 North Street, Presque Isle, Maine, approximately 1.8 miles east of Presque Isle International 

Airport. Geographic coordinates for the Presque Isle Fire Department are approximately 

46°41'19.52"N; 68°0'28.49"W. According to Presque Isle Fire Department personnel, the fire 

department maintains four vehicles capable of storing and spraying AFFF. Fire department vehicle 

maintenance takes place at Fire Station Number One. Although it is unknown what volume, type, 

and concentration of AFFF are stored at Fire Station Number One, Chemguard 3% AFFF 

concentrate is stored at Fire Station Number Two. A Fire Prevention Officer stated during 

interviews that one vehicle stored at Fire Station Number One has a history of maintenance 

issues, but the issues have not resulted in leaks of AFFF.

Fire training exercises do not occur at Fire Station Number One. The fire department uses the 

Snark Missile Launch Complex FTA for training purposes and sometimes hosts joint training 

exercises with other city and county fire departments at the FTA. According to fire department 

personnel, no known emergencies have occurred in the city of Presque Isle requiring AFFF use. 

No known intentional releases or leaks of AFFF have occurred at Fire Station Number One. The 

facility is surrounded by paved and grassy surfaces, and runoff connects to city sanitary sewer 

pipes.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

19

1998 Aerostar 600 Crash Location

On 10 April 1998, a privately-owned Aerostar 600 was destroyed when it struck the ground near

the touchdown zone of Presque Isle International Airport Runway 1/19 immediately after 

departure. The impact site was about 800 feet west of the runway and 300 feet prior to the 

departure end of runway; the airplane came to rest about 40 feet from the initial ground impact

(Banville, 1998). The geographic coordinates of the approximate crash location area 

46°41'59.02"N; 68°3'20.30"W. According to Presque Isle Fire Department personnel, the airplane 

caught fire upon impact, and the fire department responded to the accident with AFFF and Purple 

K dry chemical fire extinguishants. 

The volume of AFFF sprayed to extinguish the flames is unknown, as is the fate and transport of 

the AFFF used. The described location of the crash is approximately 0.1 miles east of Hanson 

Lake, which serves as the Northern Maine Regional Seaplane Base. Hanson Lake connects to 

Hanson Brook and other wetlands located parallel to Runway 1/19. 

2019 Passenger Plane Crash Location

On 4 March 2019, a United Express passenger plane missed the runway at Presque Isle 

International Airport and landed roughly between Runway 1/19 and taxiway A in moderate snow. 

The geographic coordinates of the approximate crash location are 46°41'56.24"N; 68°3'2.53"W. 

Although the aircraft was damaged, no fires occurred and only minor injuries were sustained by 

those on board (BDN, 2019). According to Presque Isle Fire Department personnel, no AFFF was 

released as a result of the crash.

PIUD WWTP

The PIUD WWTP is located adjacent to the Presque Isle Stream, between the SFRO and the 

NMRC. Approximate geographic coordinates for the PIUD WWTP are 46°41'32.16"N;

68°0'52.84"W. Wastewater from the city of Presque Isle is channelized to the WWTP, where it is 

treated in an anaerobic digester to remove pathogens; the resulting sludge is stored until it can 

be applied as a fertilizer. The WWTP generates about 10,000 gallons of sludge a week. 

Concentrations of 29 μg/L of PFOS have been observed in samples collected from the WWTP 

sludge (Brino, 2019). Sludge is spread during spring, summer, and fall on about 300 acres of 

hayfields on the Lathrop and Reach roads. The fields are harvested by an area farmer and used 

for livestock bedding (Brino, 2019).

WWTPs are not usually a primary potential release area of PFAS, but sludges and liquids from 

areas of potential release that are treated at WWTPs may create a secondary source of 

contamination, as demonstrated by detectable concentrations in sludge generated at the PIUD 

WWTP. Known AFFF releases at FTAs and emergency response locations in the area may 

contribute to PFAS in sludge and discharged, treated water from the WWTP.

Presque Isle Landfill

There are no landfills within the footprints of either of the subject MEARNG properties; however, 

there is a landfill associated with the city of Presque Isle. The Presque Isle Landfill is located 

approximately 6 miles south of the Presque Isle International Airport, on Lathrop Road.

Approximate geographic coordinates for the Presque Isle Landfill are 46°36'2.03"N;

68°2'15.05"W. The landfill is a disposal facility for trash and construction/demolition debris. There 

are storage areas or containers for metal, tires, wood, and recyclables.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

20

Landfills are not usually a primary potential release area of PFAS, but materials disposed of in 

landfills may create a secondary source of contamination. Such materials, to name a few, may 

include sludge from a WWTP that processes PFAS-laden water, used AFFF storage containers, 

or products associated with waterproofing uniforms or boots. Known PFAS release areas in the 

city of Presque Isle may have contributed to waste-containing PFAS being disposed of at the 

landfill.
Hanson Brook

Aro ostook

River

Presque sI el Stream

2019 Passenger

Plane Crash

Location

Former Air Force and Presque

Isle Fire Department FTA Presque Isle

Fire Department

Presque Isle Utility

District WWTP

Northern Maine Regional Airport

Fire and Maintenance Facility

1998 Aerostar 600

Crash Location

Snark Missile

Launch Complex FTA

­12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

JW

8/19/2019

8/19/2019

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Presque Isle, ME

8/19/2019

1:24,000

PM RG 8/19/2019

Q:\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\ME\Presque_Isle_SFRO_Figures\Fig_5-1_Presque_Isle_Adjacent_Sources.mxd

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

Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI,

Figure 5-1

Adjacent Sources

Legend

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Water Body

Wetland

River/Stream

0 1,000 2,000 4,000

Feet
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

22

6. Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

Based on the PA findings, no release areas were identified as AOIs at the MEARNG Presque Isle 

SFRO or the unfinished NMRC construction area; therefore, a preliminary conceptual site model 

(CSM) is not required for the facility. A CSM identifies three components necessary for potentially 

complete exposure pathways: (1) source, (2) pathway, and (3) receptor. If any of these elements 

are missing, the pathway is considered incomplete. Based on the findings of this PA, there are no 

PFAS sources at the Presque Isle SFRO or unfinished NMRC, thus, there is no complete 

exposure pathway to potential receptors from ARNG use of PFAS sources at the facilities.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

23

7. Conclusions

This PA report presents a summary of available information gathered during efforts on the 

potential use and storage of AFFF at the MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC. The PA 

findings are based on personnel interviews, environmental investigations, publications, historical 

documents, and the VSI. The PA findings are based on the information presented in Appendix 

A, Appendix B, and Appendix C.

Findings

Based on the absence of the use or release of PFAS-containing materials at the MEARNG 

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, evidence does not support current or former ARNG activities at 

the facilities having contributed to PFAS contamination in soil, groundwater, surface water, or 

sediment. No AOIs related to PFAS release were identified at the subject properties based on PA 

data.

Adjacent potential PFAS release areas were identified within the vicinity of the MEARNG Presque 

Isle SFRO and the unfinished NMRC. Two FTAs where AFFF is known or suspected to have been 

used were identified: the Snark Missile Launch Complex FTA and the former Presque Isle Fire 

Department and Air Force FTA (“The Pit”). The Snark Missile Launch Complex FTA has been 

historically used by the Presque Isle Fire Department (exact dates of use are unknown); training 

sometimes included AFFF use. The period of use of “The Pit” FTA are unknown, but AFFF use 

occurred approximately once per year during use. The Northern Maine Regional Airport Fire and 

Maintenance Facility, is considered a potential adjacent PFAS source area due to its storage of 

and AFFF -capable vehicles. The Presque Isle Fire Station Number One, located in downtown 

Presque Isle is also considered a potential adjacent PFAS source due to its storage of AFFF and 

the maintenance of firefighting vehicles that carry AFFF. Lastly, the location of a 1998 plane crash 

on the northwest end of Runway 1/19 is considered a potential adjacent PFAS source area due 

to the usage of AFFF to response to crash flames.

These potential adjacent sources are shown on Figure 7-1. While PFAS have not been released 

to the environment at the MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO or the unfinished NMRC, it is possible for 

PFAS releases at adjacent locations to affect site media at the MEARNG properties.

The following areas discussed in Section 2 through Section 5 were determined to have no 

suspected PFAS releases to the environment (Table 7-1).

Table 7-1: No Suspected Release Areas

No Suspected 

Release Area Used by Rationale for No Suspected Release Determination

Presque Isle 

SFRO MEARNG

The Presque Isle SFRO is a shared office space that has 

only ever been used for recruiting with regards to the 

MEARNG. No training or emergencies have taken place 

at the SFRO.

NMRC 

Construction Area

MEARNG / 

Air Force 

(historically)

The property has never been used by the MEARNG; 

construction of the NMRC began in 2018. Historically, the 

property has been used as an agricultural field, residential 

area, and Air Force barracks 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

24

No Suspected 

Release Area Used by Rationale for No Suspected Release Determination

2019 Passenger 

Plane Crash 

Location

Presque Isle 

International 

Airport

According to fire department personnel on the scene, no 

AFFF was necessary during emergency response to the 

crash.

Uncertainty

A number of information sources were investigated during this PA to determine the potential for 

PFAS-containing materials to have been present, used, or released at the MEARNG Presque Isle 

SFRO and NMRC. Historically, documentation of PFAS use was not required because PFAS were 

considered benign. Records were not typically kept by the ARNG on the use of PFAS in 

emergency response or by non-ARNG units during training events at ARNG facilities. 

The conclusions of this PA are predominantly based on the information provided during interviews 

with personnel who had direct knowledge of PFAS use at the facility or its surrounding areas. 

Sometimes the provided information was vague. Gathered information has a degree of 

uncertainty due to the absence of written documentation, the limited number of personnel with 

direct knowledge due to staffing changes, the time passed since PFAS was first used (1969 to 

present), and a reliance on personal recollection. Inaccuracies may arise in potential PFAS 

release locations. There is also a possibility the PA has missed a source of PFAS, as 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 at adjacent sources were reviewed, multiple persons were interviewed for the same 

potential source area, and potential source areas were visually inspected. Table 7-2 summarizes 

the uncertainties associated with the PA:

Table 7-2: Uncertainties

Location Source of Uncertainty

MEARNG Presque 

Isle SFRO

The exact timeframe of use of the SFRO by the MEARNG is

unknown. It is unknown what tenant previously occupied the office 

space.

1998 Aerostar 600 

Crash Location

The exact location of the crash, and the type, volume, and 

concentration of AFFF used to extinguish its fire are unknown. The 

fate of AFFF sprayed in response to the crash is also unknown.

Snark Missile Launch 

Complex FTA

The type, volume, and concentration of AFFF used during training 

at the FTA are unknown. It is also unknown whether AFFF used in 

training is mixed at the FTA or elsewhere prior to use. The routine 

training practices for the FTA are only known throughout the tenure 

of the personnel interviewed, which span from 1998 to present.

Former Air Force and 

Presque Isle Fire 

Department FTA 

(“The Pit”)

The exact location of this FTA is unclear. Although interviewees 

stated that the period of use of “The Pit” extended from the 1970s 

possibly into the 1990s, records are not available to confirm this 

timeframe. Additionally, the frequency of training events, and type, 

volume, and concentration of AFFF used during training at the FTA 

are unknown. It is also unknown whether AFFF used in training is 

mixed at the FTA or elsewhere prior to use. The routine training 

practices for the FTA are only known throughout the tenure of the 

personnel interviewed, which span from 1998 to present.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

25

Location Source of Uncertainty

Northern Maine 

Regional Airport Fire 

and Maintenance 

Facility

The timeframe when this facility began being used as a fire station 

is unknown. The routine training and maintenance practices for the 

facility are only known throughout the tenure of the personnel 

interviewed, which span from 1998 to present.

Presque Isle Fire 

Department

The timeframe when this facility began being used as a fire station 

is unknown. The routine training and maintenance practices for the 

facility are only known throughout the tenure of the personnel 

interviewed, which span from 1998 to present. 

Presque Isle 

International Airport

Crash locations not listed by the MEARNG in provided data, nor 

known by personnel interviewed are unknown.

PIUD WWTP It is unknown exactly where treated wastewater is discharged.

Presque Isle Landfill It is unknown whether PFAS-laden materials have been disposed 

of at this landfill. 

Potential Future Action

Interviews (with personnel whose tenure span 1998 to present) and records indicate that current 

or former ARNG activities have not resulted in PFAS releases at the MEARNG Presque Isle SFRO 

or the unfinished NMRC. Based on the absence of the use or release of PFAS-containing 

materials at the subject properties, no AOIs were identified during the PA. 

The Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC will not move forward in the CERCLA process.
Former Air Force and Presque

Isle Fire Department FTA

Presque Isle

Fire Department

Presque Isle Utility

District WWTP

Northern Maine Regional Airport

Fire and Maintenance Facility

1998 Aerostar 600

Crash Location

Snark Missile

Launch Complex FTA

MEARNG NMRC

Construction

Area MEARNG

Presque

Isle SFRO

2019 Passenger

Plane Crash

Location

Hanson Brook

Aroo stook

River

Presque sI el Stream

­12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

JW

11/8/2019

11/8/2019

NOTES Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Presque Isle, ME

11/8/2019

1:24,000

PM RG 11/8/2019

Q:\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\ME\Presque_Isle_SFRO_Figures\Fig_7-1_Presque_Isle_Summary.mxd

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

Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI,

Figure 7-1

Summary of Findings

Legend

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Water Body

Wetland

River/Stream

0 1,000 2,000 4,000

Feet
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

27

8. References

BDN, 2019. Investigators say plane missed the runway at Presque Isle airport. Bangor Daily 

News. March 21, 2019. https://bangordailynews.com/2019/03/21/news/aroostook/investigatorssay-plane-missed-the-runway-at-presque-isle-airport/. Accessed August 5, 2019.

Banville, 1998. New facts released in Presque Isle plane crash. Bangor Daily News. April 23, 

1998. https://archive.bangordailynews.com/1998/04/23/new-facts-released-in-presque-isleplane-crash/. Accessed August 5, 2019.

Brino, 2019. Chemical testing ties up Presque Isle utility wastewater. The County, Bangor 

Publishing Company. https://thecounty.me/2019/06/24/news/chemical-testing-ties-up-presqueisle-utility-wastewater/. June 24, 2019.

Locke, Daniel B., Steiger, Judy I., Weddle, Thomas K., Neil, Craig D., 1989. Hydrogeology and 

Water Quality of Significant Sand and gravel Aquifers in Parts of Aroostook County, Maine: 

Significant Sand and Gravel Aquifer Maps 75, 76, 77, 78, 84, and 85. Maine Geological Survey

Maine Division of Environmental and Community Health, 2019. Drinking Water Program: 

Surface Water Bodies Used to Supply Drinking Water to Maine. 

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/consumers/surfaceWater.shtml. 

Accessed August 2, 2019.

Maine Geological Survey, 2019a. Significant Sand and Gravel Aquifer Maps Digital Data. 

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/pubs/digital/aquifers.htm. Accessed August 1, 2019. 

Maine Geological Survey, 2019b. Water Well Database. 

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/pubs/digital/well.htm. Accessed August 1, 2019.

MEARNG, 2015a. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Maine Army National Guard, Lot #2 

Skyway Industrial Park, Presque Isle, Maine. October 2015.

MEARNG, 2015b.Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan Update for Sites and 

Training Installations of the Maine Army National Guard: Fiscal Years 2015-2019. February 

2015.

National Wetland Inventory, 2019. Surface Waters and Wetlands Mapper. 

https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html. Accessed August 1, 2019.

Neil, 2002. Significant Sand and Gravel Aquifers in the Presque Isle Quadrangle, Maine. Maine 

Geological Survey; Open-File No. 02-111. 

Newkirk, 2013. Aroostook River Data Report. Maine Department of Environmental Protection. 

Division of Environmental Assessment. April 2013.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2019. Data Tools: 1981-2010 Normals. 

https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datatools/normals. Accessed August 4, 2019.

Presque Isle Air Museum, 2019. Presque Isle Air Museum Informational Pamphlet. Accessed 

July 1, 2019.

Roy, 1987. Geologic Map of Caribou and Northern Presque Isle 15 minute Quadrangles, Maine. 

Maine Geological Survey, Department of Conservation.

WBRC, 2019. WBRC Architects/Engineers Northern Maine Readiness Center Project Webpage. 

https://www.wbrcae.com/project/northern-maine-readiness-center/. Accessed July 5, 2019.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

28

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

Preliminary Assessments under CERCLA. September 1991.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

Appendix A

Data Resources
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

Data Resources will be provided separately on CD. Data Resources for Fort Pickett includes:

Presque Isle EDR Report

• 2019 Presque Isle EDR Report 5715041.2s

Facility Background Information Sources

• 2015 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Maine Army National Guard, Lot #2 Skyway 

Industrial Park, Presque Isle, Maine

• 2016 Maine Army National Guard Northern Maine Readiness Center Topo Map, Presque 

Isle

• 2016 Municipal Quitclaim Deed for the Northern Maine Readiness Center

• 2019 Presque Isle Industrial Council Air Museum Pamphlet

• 2019 WBRC Architects/Engineers Northern Maine Readiness Center, Presque Isle, Maine 

Webpage

• 2019 MEARNG Pre-Interview Form

Environmental Background Information Sources

• 1987 Maine Geological Survey Geologic Map of the Caribou and Northern Presque Isle 15 

Minute Quadrangles, Maine

• 1989 Hydrogeology and Water Quality of Significant Sand and Gravel Aquifers in Parts of 

Aroostook County, Maine

• 2002 Maine Geological Survey Significant Sand and Gravel Aquifers Map

Historical Crash Information

• 1998 Bangor Daily News Article: New Facts Released in Presque Isle Plane Crash by 

Beurmond Banville

• 2018 NTSB Database N7527S Accident Description Webpage

• 2018 Historical Maine Army National Guard Plane Crash Data

• 2019 Bangor Daily News Article: Investigators Say Plane Missed the Runway at Presque 

Isle Airport

Wastewater Treatment Plant Information

• 2019 The County Article: Chemical Testing Ties Up Presque Isle Utility Wastewater by 

Anthony Brino
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

Appendix B

Preliminary Assessment Documentation
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

Appendix B.1

Interview Records
1998-Present

Fire Prevention Officer - Presque Isle Fire Department

PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

Appendix B.2

Visual Site Inspection Checklists
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

Names(s) of people performing VSI:

Recorded by:

ARNG Contact:

Date and Time:

Method of visit (walking, driving, adjacent):

Source/Release Information

Site Name / Area Name / Unique ID:

Historic Site Use (Brief Description):

Current Site Use (Brief Description):

Physical barriers or access restrictions:

1. Was PFAS used (or spilled) at the site/area? Y / N

1a. If yes, document how PFAS was used and usage time (e.g., fire fighting training 2001 to 2014):

2. Has usage been documented? Y / N

2a. If yes, keep a record (place electronic files on a disk):

3. What types of businesses are located near the site? Industrial / Commercial / Plating / Waterproofing / Residential

3a. Indicate what businesses are located near the site

4. Is this site located at an airport/flightline? Y / N

4a. If yes, provide a description of the airport/flightline tenants:

Site / Area Acreage:

Page 1 of 4

J. Witte, M. Leeper, T. Peck, E. Barton

J. Witte

M. Leeper

July 1, 2019; 12:30pm

Walking

Northern Maine Regional Airport Fire and Maintenance Facility

Approximately 1.5 acre

Same as current

Airport arm of the Presque Isle Fire Department

None

No, but AFFF is stored at the facility

No

Presque Isle International Airport; Aroostook Trusses, Inc.; UPS Customer Center; Bonville Boys Truck and Auto Repair;

Presque Isle Middle School; Skyway Middle School; Northern Maine Community College; Central Aroostook Humane Society

Yes, the FTA is located on the Presque Isle airport runway
Visual Survey Inspection Log

1. Does the facility have a fire suppression system? Y / N

1a. If yes, indicate which type of AFFF has been used:

1b. If yes, describe maintenance schedule/leaks:

1c. If yes, how often is the AFFF replaced:

1d. If yes, does the facility have floor drains and where do they lead? Can we obtain an as built drawing?

Transport / Pathway Information

1. Does site/area drainage flow off installation? Y / N

1a. If so, note observation and location:

2. Is there channelized flow within the site/area? Y / N

2a. If so, please note observation and location:

3. Are monitoring or drinking water wells located near the site? Y / N

3a. If so, please note the location:

4. Are surface water intakes located near the site? Y / N

4a. If so, please note the location:

5. Can wind dispersion information be obtained? Y / N

5a. If so, please note and observe the location.

6. Does an adjacent non-ARNG PFAS source exist? Y / N

6a. If so, please note the source and location.

6b. Will off-site reconnaissance be conducted? Y / N

Other Significant Site Features:

Migration Potential:

Page 2 of 4

No

NA

NA

Floor drains connect to city sanitary sewers

This is an adjacent source. Drainage does not flow on or off this facility to 

the ARNG property.

No

Several wells are located ~0.65 and 1.3 miles east

Hanson Lake located ~0.5 miles northwest; Aroostook River located ~1.8 miles

east; unnamed tributaries located ~0.15 miles east including a forested wetland

No

This is an adjacent source

No further reconnaissance
Visual Survey Inspection Log

1. Has the infrastructure changed at the site/area? Y / N

1a. If so, please describe change (ex. Structures no longer exist):

2. Is the site/area vegetated? Y / N

2a. If not vegetated, briefly describe the site/area composition:

3. Does the site or area exhibit evidence of erosion? Y / N

3a. If yes, describe the location and extent of the erosion: 

4. Does the site/area exhibit any areas of ponding or standing water? Y / N

4a. If yes, describe the location and extent of the ponding: 

Receptor Information

1. Is access to the site restricted? Y / N

1a. If so, please note to what extent:

2. Who can access the site?

2a. Circle all that apply, note any not covered above:

3. Are residential areas located near the site? Y / N

3a. If so, please note the location/distance:

4. Are any schools/day care centers located near the site? Y / N

4a. If so, please note the location/distance/type:

5. Are any wetlands located near the site? Y / N

5a. If so, please note the location/distance/type:

Significant Topographical Features:

Site Workers / Construction Workers / Trespassers / Residential / Recreational

Users / Ecological

Page 3 of 4

No

Grassy fields intermittently surround the paved streets and runway around

the fire station

No evidence of erosion

No standing water but a wetland exists within 0.15 miles east

No

All of the above

Yes, approximately 0.6 miles southeast

Presque Isle Middle School, Skyway Middle School, Northern Maine Community

College all within 0.75 miles east

Hanson Lake located ~0.5 miles northwest; Aroostook River located ~1.8 miles

east; unnamed tributaries located ~0.15 miles east
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

Names(s) of people performing VSI:

Recorded by:

ARNG Contact:

Date and Time:

Method of visit (walking, driving, adjacent):

Source/Release Information

Site Name / Area Name / Unique ID:

Historic Site Use (Brief Description):

Current Site Use (Brief Description):

Physical barriers or access restrictions:

1. Was PFAS used (or spilled) at the site/area? Y / N

1a. If yes, document how PFAS was used and usage time (e.g., fire fighting training 2001 to 2014):

2. Has usage been documented? Y / N

2a. If yes, keep a record (place electronic files on a disk):

3. What types of businesses are located near the site? Industrial / Commercial / Plating / Waterproofing / Residential

3a. Indicate what businesses are located near the site

4. Is this site located at an airport/flightline? Y / N

4a. If yes, provide a description of the airport/flightline tenants:

Site / Area Acreage:

Page 1 of 4

J. Witte, M. Leeper, T. Peck, E. Barton

J. Witte

M. Leeper

July 1, 2019; 12:00pm

Walking

Presque Isle Fire Department FTA

Approximately 1 acre

Snark Missile Launch Complex

Presque Isle Fire Department FTA; Aroostook Trusses, Inc. intends

to acquire the land within the next year or so

None

Yes, during FD training. The frequency of use and period of use are unknown

No

Aroostook Trusses, Inc.; Kenney Porter Seed Farms; Columbia Forest Products; UPS Customer Center; Bonville Boys Truck and Auto

Repair; Presque Isle Missle School; Skyway Middle School; Northern Maine Community College; Central Aroostook Humane Society

Yes, the FTA is located adjacent to the Presque Isle airport runway
Visual Survey Inspection Log

1. Does the facility have a fire suppression system? Y / N

1a. If yes, indicate which type of AFFF has been used:

1b. If yes, describe maintenance schedule/leaks:

1c. If yes, how often is the AFFF replaced:

1d. If yes, does the facility have floor drains and where do they lead? Can we obtain an as built drawing?

Transport / Pathway Information

1. Does site/area drainage flow off installation? Y / N

1a. If so, note observation and location:

2. Is there channelized flow within the site/area? Y / N

2a. If so, please note observation and location:

3. Are monitoring or drinking water wells located near the site? Y / N

3a. If so, please note the location:

4. Are surface water intakes located near the site? Y / N

4a. If so, please note the location:

5. Can wind dispersion information be obtained? Y / N

5a. If so, please note and observe the location.

6. Does an adjacent non-ARNG PFAS source exist? Y / N

6a. If so, please note the source and location.

6b. Will off-site reconnaissance be conducted? Y / N

Other Significant Site Features:

Migration Potential:

Page 2 of 4

No

NA

NA

No floor drains

This is an adjacent source. Drainage does not flow on or off this FTA to the

ARNG property.

Yes, a drainage culvert circumvents the FTA

Several wells are located ~0.65 miles northeast; a well located ~1.1 miles

southeast; other wells located at greater distances

Hanson Lake located ~0.6 miles west; Aroostook River located ~1.45 miles east;

unnamed tributaries located ~0.3 miles east

No

This is an adjacent source

No further reconnaissance
Visual Survey Inspection Log

1. Has the infrastructure changed at the site/area? Y / N

1a. If so, please describe change (ex. Structures no longer exist):

2. Is the site/area vegetated? Y / N

2a. If not vegetated, briefly describe the site/area composition:

3. Does the site or area exhibit evidence of erosion? Y / N

3a. If yes, describe the location and extent of the erosion: 

4. Does the site/area exhibit any areas of ponding or standing water? Y / N

4a. If yes, describe the location and extent of the ponding: 

Receptor Information

1. Is access to the site restricted? Y / N

1a. If so, please note to what extent:

2. Who can access the site?

2a. Circle all that apply, note any not covered above:

3. Are residential areas located near the site? Y / N

3a. If so, please note the location/distance:

4. Are any schools/day care centers located near the site? Y / N

4a. If so, please note the location/distance/type:

5. Are any wetlands located near the site? Y / N

5a. If so, please note the location/distance/type:

Significant Topographical Features:

Site Workers / Construction Workers / Trespassers / Residential / Recreational

Users / Ecological

Page 3 of 4

No

Grassy fields surround the FTA outside of its paved surface

No evidence of erosion

No standing water, but a drainage culvert fills with water during rainstorms

No

All of the above

Yes, approximately 0.8 miles southeast

Presque Isle Middle School, Skyway Middle School, Northern Maine Community

College all within 0.5 miles southeast

Hanson Lake located ~0.6 miles west; Aroostook River located ~1.45 miles east;

unnamed tributaries located ~0.3 miles east
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

Names(s) of people performing VSI:

Recorded by:

ARNG Contact:

Date and Time:

Method of visit (walking, driving, adjacent):

Source/Release Information

Site Name / Area Name / Unique ID:

Historic Site Use (Brief Description):

Current Site Use (Brief Description):

Physical barriers or access restrictions:

1. Was PFAS used (or spilled) at the site/area? Y / N

1a. If yes, document how PFAS was used and usage time (e.g., fire fighting training 2001 to 2014):

2. Has usage been documented? Y / N

2a. If yes, keep a record (place electronic files on a disk):

3. What types of businesses are located near the site? Industrial / Commercial / Plating / Waterproofing / Residential

3a. Indicate what businesses are located near the site

4. Is this site located at an airport/flightline? Y / N

4a. If yes, provide a description of the airport/flightline tenants:

Site / Area Acreage:

Page 1 of 4

J. Witte, M. Leeper, T. Peck, E. Barton

J. Witte

M. Leeper

July 1, 2019; 1:30pm

Driving

Northern Maine Readiness Center Construction Area

Approximately 11.5 acre

Residential / Open Field

Construction zone for the future Northern Maine Readiness Center

None / work zone perimeter fence

No historic use by VAARNG; no historic AFFF use or storage

NA

Presque Isle International Airport; Mainely Mexica; Aroostook Technologies, Inc.; AMHC; Spudnik Equipment; ACE Rent-acar; Hair & Beyond; Lockwood Manufacturing; New Ventures Maine

Yes, the construction zone is located adjacent to the Presque Isle airport runway
Visual Survey Inspection Log

1. Does the facility have a fire suppression system? Y / N

1a. If yes, indicate which type of AFFF has been used:

1b. If yes, describe maintenance schedule/leaks:

1c. If yes, how often is the AFFF replaced:

1d. If yes, does the facility have floor drains and where do they lead? Can we obtain an as built drawing?

Transport / Pathway Information

1. Does site/area drainage flow off installation? Y / N

1a. If so, note observation and location:

2. Is there channelized flow within the site/area? Y / N

2a. If so, please note observation and location:

3. Are monitoring or drinking water wells located near the site? Y / N

3a. If so, please note the location:

4. Are surface water intakes located near the site? Y / N

4a. If so, please note the location:

5. Can wind dispersion information be obtained? Y / N

5a. If so, please note and observe the location.

6. Does an adjacent non-ARNG PFAS source exist? Y / N

6a. If so, please note the source and location.

6b. Will off-site reconnaissance be conducted? Y / N

Other Significant Site Features:

Migration Potential:

Page 2 of 4

NA

NA

NA

No constructed structure - no floor drains

Drainage from the future Readiness Center will flow southeast towards pond/runway

No

One well located 0.1 mile east of the future Readiness Center location

Retention pond located less than 0.1 miles southeast; Presque Isle Stream located approximately 0.5 miles east, wetlands less than 0.1 miles to the east

No

Yes, a former Air Force and Presque Isle FD FTA existed approximately 0.1 miles southwest

No further reconnaissance
Visual Survey Inspection Log

1. Has the infrastructure changed at the site/area? Y / N

1a. If so, please describe change (ex. Structures no longer exist):

2. Is the site/area vegetated? Y / N

2a. If not vegetated, briefly describe the site/area composition:

3. Does the site or area exhibit evidence of erosion? Y / N

3a. If yes, describe the location and extent of the erosion: 

4. Does the site/area exhibit any areas of ponding or standing water? Y / N

4a. If yes, describe the location and extent of the ponding: 

Receptor Information

1. Is access to the site restricted? Y / N

1a. If so, please note to what extent:

2. Who can access the site?

2a. Circle all that apply, note any not covered above:

3. Are residential areas located near the site? Y / N

3a. If so, please note the location/distance:

4. Are any schools/day care centers located near the site? Y / N

4a. If so, please note the location/distance/type:

5. Are any wetlands located near the site? Y / N

5a. If so, please note the location/distance/type:

Significant Topographical Features:

Site Workers / Construction Workers / Trespassers / Residential / Recreational

Users / Ecological

Page 3 of 4

Yes, the site is an active construction zone

Grassy fields intermittently surround the paved streets around the Readiness Center

No evidence of erosion

No standing water but a retention pond is adjacent to the southeast

No

All of the above

Yes, adjacent to the north

Presque Isle Middle School, Skyway Middle School, Northern Maine Community

College all within 0.6 miles north

Retention pond located less than 0.1 miles southeast; Presque Isle Stream located approximately 0.5 miles east, wetlands less than 0.1 miles to the east
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

Names(s) of people performing VSI:

Recorded by:

ARNG Contact:

Date and Time:

Method of visit (walking, driving, adjacent):

Source/Release Information

Site Name / Area Name / Unique ID:

Historic Site Use (Brief Description):

Current Site Use (Brief Description):

Physical barriers or access restrictions:

1. Was PFAS used (or spilled) at the site/area? Y / N

1a. If yes, document how PFAS was used and usage time (e.g., fire fighting training 2001 to 2014):

2. Has usage been documented? Y / N

2a. If yes, keep a record (place electronic files on a disk):

3. What types of businesses are located near the site? Industrial / Commercial / Plating / Waterproofing / Residential

3a. Indicate what businesses are located near the site

4. Is this site located at an airport/flightline? Y / N

4a. If yes, provide a description of the airport/flightline tenants:

Site / Area Acreage:

Page 1 of 4

J. Witte

J. Witte

M. Leeper

July 1, 2019; 4:30pm

Driving

MEARNG Recruiting Center

None

No historic AFFF storage or use

NA

Tim Hortons; Key Bank; Hampton Inn Presque Isle; Northern Athletic Supply; The County Federal 

Credit Union; Bread of Life Bulk Foods; H&R Block; Walmart

No, it is located on Main St in Presque Isle

MEARNG Recruiting Office

Approximately 0.1 acre

Unknown
Visual Survey Inspection Log

1. Does the facility have a fire suppression system? Y / N

1a. If yes, indicate which type of AFFF has been used:

1b. If yes, describe maintenance schedule/leaks:

1c. If yes, how often is the AFFF replaced:

1d. If yes, does the facility have floor drains and where do they lead? Can we obtain an as built drawing?

Transport / Pathway Information

1. Does site/area drainage flow off installation? Y / N

1a. If so, note observation and location:

2. Is there channelized flow within the site/area? Y / N

2a. If so, please note observation and location:

3. Are monitoring or drinking water wells located near the site? Y / N

3a. If so, please note the location:

4. Are surface water intakes located near the site? Y / N

4a. If so, please note the location:

5. Can wind dispersion information be obtained? Y / N

5a. If so, please note and observe the location.

6. Does an adjacent non-ARNG PFAS source exist? Y / N

6a. If so, please note the source and location.

6b. Will off-site reconnaissance be conducted? Y / N

Other Significant Site Features:

Migration Potential:

Page 2 of 4

Unknown

NA

NA

Unknown

Drains to parking lot surrounding recruiting office

Channelized flow may exist along Main St

Several wells located 0.6 miles northeast; one well located 0.35 miles southeast

Presque Isle Stream and forested wetland located approximately 0.25 miles west

No

No

No further reconnaissance
Visual Survey Inspection Log

1. Has the infrastructure changed at the site/area? Y / N

1a. If so, please describe change (ex. Structures no longer exist):

2. Is the site/area vegetated? Y / N

2a. If not vegetated, briefly describe the site/area composition:

3. Does the site or area exhibit evidence of erosion? Y / N

3a. If yes, describe the location and extent of the erosion: 

4. Does the site/area exhibit any areas of ponding or standing water? Y / N

4a. If yes, describe the location and extent of the ponding: 

Receptor Information

1. Is access to the site restricted? Y / N

1a. If so, please note to what extent:

2. Who can access the site?

2a. Circle all that apply, note any not covered above:

3. Are residential areas located near the site? Y / N

3a. If so, please note the location/distance:

4. Are any schools/day care centers located near the site? Y / N

4a. If so, please note the location/distance/type:

5. Are any wetlands located near the site? Y / N

5a. If so, please note the location/distance/type:

Significant Topographical Features:

Site Workers / Construction Workers / Trespassers / Residential / Recreational

Users / Ecological

Page 3 of 4

No

No, its completely paved

No evidence of erosion

No standing water but a retention pond is adjacent to the southeast

No

All of the above

No

Presque Isle Middle School, Skyway Middle School, Northern Maine Community

College all within 1.1 miles northwest

Presque Isle Stream and forested wetland located approximately 0.25 miles west
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

Appendix B.3

Conceptual Site Model Information
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Site Name:

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?

If so, how often?

How much material was used? Is it documented?

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?

Average rainfall?

Any flooding during rainy season?

Direct or indirect pathway to ditches?

Direct or indirect pathway to larger bodies of water?

Does surface water pond any place on site?

Any impoundment areas or retention ponds?

Any NPDES location points near the site?

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

Presque isle SRFO

AFFF was speculated to have been used or stored at the facility. The facility is located adjacent to an airfield.

Yes, Air Force and city Fire Departments have facilities (including training areas)

within the vicinity. The facility is also located adjacent to an airfield.

No

NA

NA

From future Readiness Center - southeast

35.80

No

Direct

Direct

*All information below is based on the final Readiness

Center, which is currently under construction.

Yes, southeast of the construction zone

See answer above

Unknown

East and west off the flightline at the

adjacent Presque Isle Airport
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Groundwater:

Groundwater flow direction?

Depth to groundwater?

Uses (agricultural, drinking water, irrigation)?

Any groundwater treatment systems? 

Any groundwater monitoring well locations near the site?

Is groundwater used for drinking water?

Are there drinking water supply wells on installation?

Do they serve off-post populations?

Are there off-post drinking water wells downgradient 

Waste Water Treatment Plant:

Has the installation ever had a WWTP, past or present?

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

Do we understand the fate of sludge waste?

Is surface water from potential contaminated sites treated?

Equipment Rinse Water

1. Is firefighting equipment washed? Where does the rinse water go?

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?

3. Other?

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

No

Yes, wells exist within 1 mile in several directions

No

No

NA

There are wells; uses unknown

No

NA

NA

NA

No firefighting equipment kept by MEARNG at Presque Isle

NA
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Identify Potential Receptors:

Site Worker 

Construction Worker 

Recreational User

Residential 

Child 

Ecological

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

Documentation

Ask for Engineering drawings (if applicable).

Has there been a reconstruction or changes to the drainage system? When did that occur?

No MEARNG Presque Isle releases

No MEARNG Presque Isle releases

No MEARNG Presque Isle releases

No MEARNG Presque Isle releases

No MEARNG Presque Isle releases

No MEARNG Presque Isle releases

Middle schools, agricultural field, retail, airport

Yes, the Readiness Center is currently under construction. Until now, the property has

always been an open field or had residential properties abutting it
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO and NMRC, Maine

Appendix C

Photographic Log
Appendix C - Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary 

Assessment for PFAS

Presque Isle SFRO Aroostook County, Maine

Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites 

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

Photograph No. 1

Description:

Chemguard 3% AFFF stored 

at the Northern Maine 

Regional Airport Fire Rescue 

and Maintenance Facility

Orientation:

NA

Date 7/1/2019

Time 12:50

Photograph No. 2

Description:

AFFF stored at the Northern 

Maine Regional Airport Fire 

Rescue and Maintenance 

Facility

Orientation:

NA

Date 7/1/2019

Time 12:30

AECOM Page 1 of 3
Appendix C - Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary 

Assessment for PFAS

Presque Isle SFRO Aroostook County, Maine

Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites 

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

Photograph No. 3

Description:

Fire training area northeast of 

Presque Isle International 

Airport runway used by the 

Presque Isle Fire Department

Orientation:

Northeast

Date 7/1/2019

Time 12:15

Photograph No. 4

Description:

Presque Isle Fire Department 

crash rescue truck CR-1, 

containing AFFF, stored at 

the Northern Maine Regional 

Airport Fire Rescue and 

Maintenance Facility

Orientation:

NA

Date 7/1/2019

Time 12:40

AECOM Page 2 of 3
Appendix C - Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary 

Assessment for PFAS

Presque Isle SFRO Aroostook County, Maine

Preliminary Assessment Report

Presque Isle SFRO

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites 

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

Photograph No. 5

Description:

Chemguard 3% AFFF stored 

by the Presque Isle Fire 

Department at the Northern 

Maine Regional Airport Fire 

Rescue and Maintenance 

Facility

Orientation:

NA

Date 7/1/2019

Time 12:45

AECOM Page 3 of 3