FINAL

Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility,

West Bend, Wisconsin

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic

Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide 

October 2019 

Prepared for:

Army National Guard Headquarters 

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

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

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Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Facility Location and Description...............................................................................5

Facility Environmental Setting...................................................................................5

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

1.5.2 Hydrogeology.................................................................................................6

1.5.3 Hydrology.......................................................................................................6

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

1.5.5 Current and Future Land Use.........................................................................7

2. Fire Training Areas...........................................................................................................11

TriMaxTM Release ...................................................................................................11

Firetruck Storage ....................................................................................................11

3. Non-Fire Training Areas ...................................................................................................13

Fire Suppression System Release..........................................................................13

4. Emergency Response Areas............................................................................................15

5. Adjacent Sources.............................................................................................................16

West Bend Municipal Airport ...................................................................................16

Americraft CookWare Manufacturing ......................................................................16

West Bend WWTP..................................................................................................16

6. Preliminary Conceptual Site Model ..................................................................................18

AOI 1 Fire Suppression System Testing..................................................................18

AOI 2 TriMaxTM Release..........................................................................................18

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

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

Uncertainties...........................................................................................................23

Potential Future Actions ..........................................................................................24

8. References ......................................................................................................................26

Appendix A Data Resources......................................................................................................27

Appendix B Preliminary Assessment Documentation ................................................................28

Appendix B.1 Interview Records ..............................................................................................29

Appendix B.2 Visual Site Inspection Checklists........................................................................30

Appendix B.3 Conceptual Site Model Information ....................................................................31

Appendix C Photographic Log...................................................................................................32
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West Bend, Wisconsin

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Tables

Table ES-1 AOIs at West Bend AASF

Table 7-1: AOIs at West Bend AASF

Table 7-2: No Suspected Release Areas

Table 7-3: Uncertainties

Table 7-4: PA Findings Summary

Figures

Figure ES-1 Summary of Findings

Figure ES-2 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model, West Bend AASF

Figure 1-1 Facility Location

Figure 1-2 Groundwater Features

Figure 1-3 Surface Water Features

Figure 2-1 Fire Training Areas

Figure 3-1 Non-Fire Training Areas

Figure 5-1 Adjacent Sources

Figure 6-1 Areas of Interest

Figure 6-2 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model for AOI 1 Fire Suppression System Testing 

Figure 6-3 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model for AOI 2 TriMax Release

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
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West Bend, Wisconsin

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Acronyms and Abbreviations

°F degrees Fahrenheit

AASF Army Aviation Support Facility

AECOM AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

AFFF aqueous film forming foam

AOI Area of Interest

ARFF Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Facility

ARNG Army National Guard

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability 

Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CSM conceptual site model

FTA fire training area

PA Preliminary Assessment

PFAS per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances

PFOA perfluorooctanoic acid

PFOS perfluorooctanesulfonic acid

SI Site Inspection

US United States

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers

USEPA

VSI

United States Environmental Protection Agency

visual site inspection

WIARNG Wisconsin Army National Guard

WIDNR Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

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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)-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. 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.

AECOM completed a PA for PFAS at the Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) in West Bend, 

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

AASF is constructed on a parcel of land owned by the City of West Bend and leased to the 

Wisconsin ARNG (WIARNG). The current lease agreement expires in 2075. The performance of 

this PA included the following tasks: 

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

• Conducted a site visit 8 May 2019

• Interviewed current WIARNG personnel, WIARNG environmental managers, and

operations staff

• Completed visual site inspections (VSIs) at known or suspected potential PFAS release 

locations and documented with photographs

• Developed a preliminary conceptual site model (CSM) to outline the potential release and 

pathway of PFAS for the area of interest (AOI) and the facility

Two AOIs related to potential PFAS releases was identified at the AASF during the PA. The 

AOIs are shown on Figure ES-1 and described in Table ES-1 below:

Table ES-1 AOIs at West Bend AASF

Area of 

Interest Name Used by Potential Release Date

AOI 1 Fire Suppression 

System Testing

WIARNG Annually from 2004-present

AOI 2 TriMax Release WIARNG unknown

Based on potential AFFF releases at these AOIs, there is potential for exposure to PFAS 

contamination in media at or near the facility. The preliminary CSM for the AASF is shown on 

Figure ES-2, which presents the potential receptors and media impacted. Because the AASF 

was recently built (2004) and has always been operated by the WIARNG, the uncertainty 

associated with potential PFAS use at the facility is relatively low. Based on the USEPA 

Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 data, it was indicated that no PFAS were detected 

in a public water system above the United States Environmental Protection Agency Lifetime 

Health Advisory level within 20 miles of the facility.
M i lwaukee R vi er

Wingate Creek

Americraft Cookware

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Firetruck

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Summary of Findings

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PATHWAY RECEPTOR

PFAS in Soil

Human 

Activities

Precipitation/ 

Run-Off

Leaching/ Infiltration

Airborne Soil 

Particulate

Surface Soil 

at AOI

Surface 

Water/ 

Sediment

Shallow 

Groundwater

Subsurface 

Soil

Media Transport and Migration Media Exposure Routes

Inhalation of 

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors: 

Current/ Future

s

w

Pathway

Site 

Worker

Construction 

Worker Resident Trespasser/ Recreational User

Site 

Worker

Construction 

Worker Resident Trespasser/ Recreational User

/

Figure ES-2

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

West Bend AASF #1

/ /

/ / /

/

Ingestion

//

/ / / /

Notes:1. The resident and recreational user receptors refer to an off-site resident andrecreational user.2. Dermal contact exposure pathway isincomplete for PFAS.

/ /

/ / /

/ /

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West Bend, Wisconsin

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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. The State of 

Wisconsin does not currently have drinking water standards for PFAS. 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.

This report presents the findings of a PA for PFAS at the Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) 

in West Bend, Wisconsin, 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 [CFR] Part 300), and 

USACE requirements and guidance. 

This PA documents the known fire training areas (FTAs) as well as other locations where PFAS

may have been released into the environment at the AASF. The term PFAS will be used 

throughout this report to encompass all PFAS chemicals being evaluated, including PFOS and 

PFOA, which are key components of 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 8 May 2019

• Interviewed current Wisconsin Army National Guard (WIARNG) personnel, WIARNG

environmental managers, and operations staff

• Completed visual site inspections (VSIs) at known or suspected potential PFAS release

locations and documented with photographs

• Developed a preliminary conceptual site model (CSM) to outline the potential release and

pathway of PFAS for the area of interest (AOI) and the facility
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West Bend, Wisconsin

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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 

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

• Section 2 – Fire Training Areas: describes the FTAs at the facility 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 potential PFAS release at 

the facility, specifically in response to emergency situations 

• Section 5 – Adjacent Sources: describes sources of potential 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 Description

The AASF (also referred to as the “facility”) is in Washington County, Wisconsin (Figure 1-1), 

approximately 2 miles east of West Bend, 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee, and 75 miles 

northeast of Madison. The facility is accessible from East Washington Street by Chopper Drive 

and Trenton Road.

The AASF was constructed in 2004 on a parcel of land, approximately 35-acres, owned by the

City of West Bend, and leased to the WIARNG. The current lease agreement expires 

September 2075. See Appendix A for real estate documents. The current AASF facilities 

include hangars for the operation, maintenance, and repair of WIARNG rotary-winged aircraft, 

administrative offices, and classrooms. 

Facility Environmental Setting

The AASF lies within the Milwaukee River Basin, which encompasses several land tributaries to 

the Milwaukee River. The topography of the area is rolling hills and contains a number of 

drumlins. The elevation of the facility is approximately 896 feet above mean sea level. The 

surrounding area is covered by cropland, grasslands, wooded area, and wetlands (Wisconsin 

Department of Natural Resources [WIDNR, 2001]).
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PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report 

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin 

1.5.1 Geology

The AASF is situated in the Southeast Glacial Plains, as defined by the WIDNR Ecological 

Classification System. The Southeast Glacial Plains are characterized for having a rolling 

topography with silt loam soils, outstanding array of glacial landforms, and numerous wetlands

(WIDNR, 2015). Bedrock in the area consists of layers of dolomite and shale that range in 

thickness from 200 feet to greater than 400 feet. The bedrock ranges in age from Cambrian 

sandstone to Silurian Age, including the Maquoketa. The bedrock is underlain by sedimentary 

rock formed by volcanism from the Precambrian Age to the Middle Proterozoic Age. During the 

Pleistocene Age, glaciers invaded Wisconsin from the north and modified the land surface by 

caving and gouging out soft bedrock, and depositing hills and ridges of sand and gravel, as well 

as flat lake beds of sand, silt, and clay (Wisconsin Geological and Natural Survey, 2005). 

1.5.2 Hydrogeology 

The AASF is within the Eastern Dolomite Aquifer, also known as the Silurian or Niagaran 

Aquifer. The aquifer lies above a fine-grained layer of shale and produces water from 

interconnected cracks and pores. The Eastern Dolomite Aquifer is thickest along the east side of 

Wisconsin and thins to the west. Below the Eastern Dolomite Aquifer lies the Cambrian or 

Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer. This aquifer has sandstone and dolomite that yields water from 

the spaces or pore between the sand grains or from cracks and fractures (Wisconsin Geological 

and Natural History Survey, 2019). The AASF is within the Milwaukee River Basin, which 

includes six watersheds. 

Groundwater is drawn from sand and gravel aquifers and from deeper fractured and weathered 

bedrock or sedimentary rock. Depth to groundwater in the area ranges from 20 to 30 feet below 

ground surface. The shallow groundwater is likely to flow to the east, towards the adjacent 

Milwaukee River (Figure 1-2). Groundwater in the bedrock aquifers are expected to flow 

generally east towards Lake Michigan. Aquifer recharge is predominantly through infiltration of 

precipitation, although some recharge occurs from open water sources (Stantect, 2018). 

No potable water wells are located within the boundary of the AASF; however, unknown well 

types exist within 4 miles of the facility (Figure 1-2). The majority of the wells are upgradient of 

the AASF and are not likely to be impacted by potential PFAS releases. However, there are two 

wells side gradient and one well down gradient of the AASF that could be impacted. 

Drinking water for the AASF is supplied by the City of West Bend, which uses 

bedrock aquifer groundwater drinking water wells that are west and southwest of the AASF 

(WIDNR, 2001). 

1.5.3 Hydrology 

The AASF is located between the Silver Creek-Milwaukee River Watershed and the Village 

of Newburg-Milwaukee Watershed (Figure 1-3). The tributary that runs between the AASF and 

the Armory is Wingate Creek, which discharges to the Milwaukee River. The WIARNG 

armory is located on the east side of the AASF. The AASF is currently connected to the City of 

West Bend sanitary sewer system. At the AASF, the surface water flows to the south and east, 

discharging to the Milwaukee River. 

1.5.4 Climate 

The climate of West Bend consists of warm summers, and winters with freezing, dry, and windy 

months. Seasonally, temperatures vary from summer highs of 81.5 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) 

to winter lows of 9.1 °F. The average temperature is 45.5 °F. Average precipitation is 31.2 

inches of 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

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West Bend, Wisconsin

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rain, and the average snowfall is 43.3 inches (World Climate, 2019). The area is subject to 

severe storms in the winter. 

1.5.5 Current and Future Land Use 

The AASF is a controlled access facility with public roads and is adjacent to the West Bend 

Municipal Airport. The facility consists of a storage hangar, repair hangar, shops, and a twostory office area. Exterior features are vehicle parking areas, roads, aircraft parking, taxiways, 

and a 90 feet clear-span bridge. The West Bend Municipal Airport is owned and operated by the 

City of West Bend and provides private, commercial, corporate, cargo, and military air service. 

Future infrastructure improvements, land acquisitions, and land use controls are not anticipated 

to change. 
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Facility Location

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Groundwater Features

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Dolomite, Unidivided

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Wells

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2. Fire Training Areas

One FTA where PFAS were potentially released was identified during the PA. A description of 

the FTA is presented below and shown on Figure 2-1. Interview records and photographs are 

included in Appendix B and Appendix C, respectively. 

TriMaxTM Release

There was a one-time training event with one TriMaxTM fire extinguisher that occurred in a grassy 

area on the east side of the Armory. The geographic coordinates are 43°2523.94"N ; 

88°80.73"W ( Figure 2-1). The exact date, amount, and concentration of AFFF used is 

unknown. From 1960-1998, there was a drain field to the north of the Armory. Currently, the 

drain field is paved and is used as a parking lot for the facility. The overlying surface water flow 

from the release area is north to the drain field, then west to Wingate Creek, which ultimately 

discharges to the Milwaukee River. In 2010, the TriMaxTM fire extinguishers were replaced by 

Purple K and Dry Chemical fire extinguishers. The disposition of the TriMaxTM fire extinguishers 

are unknown. 

Firetruck Storage

Historically, a firetruck was stored in a building at the Armory. The geographic coordinates are 

43°2523. 55"N; 88°8 4.15"W (Figure 2-1) The firetruck was equipped with a two-tank system 

that was filled with water only. There were no reports of the firetruck ever being used for 

firefighting activities or records documenting routine maintenance. The exact dates that the 

firetruck was present on the facility is unknown. 
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Fire Training Areas

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3. Non-Fire Training Areas

One Non-FTA where AFFF was stored and/or potentially released was identified during the PA. 

A description of the non-FTA is presented below and shown on Figure 3-1. Interview records 

and photographs are included in Appendix B and Appendix C, respectively. 

Fire Suppression System Release

Prior to 2004, the main hangar was located at the Armory, on the east side of the facility. The 

Armory was constructed in the 1960s with no fire suppression system. The current AASF was 

built in 2004. The geographic coordinates of the hangar are 45°252 2.97"N; 88°82 5.08"W 

(Figure 3-1). The main hangar is equipped with a fire suppression system that is supplied by 

two 750 gallon tanks filled with 3 percent AFFF. Bulk 55-gallon drums of AFFF that supply the 

fire suppression system are housed in a building connected to the hangar. There is no 

information on initial testing upon installation of the fire suppression system. The fire 

suppression system is tested annually by dispensing 20-40 gallons of 3 percent AFFF. On 

numerous occasions, the AFFF was dispensed onto the grassy area behind the building. A 

stormwater drain that discharges to Wingate Creek, which then discharges to the Milwaukee 

River, is located at the edge of the grassy area. The annual system testing has taken place 

since 2004 and is conducted by a contractor. 
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Non-Fire Training Areas

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4. Emergency Response Areas

No emergency response areas were identified within the AASF facility during the PA through 

interviews or document review. The City of West Bend provides fire emergency services for the 

AASF. 
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5. Adjacent Sources

Two off-site PFAS sources adjacent to the AASF were identified during the PA through 

interviews (Appendix B), online research, and the Environmental Data Resource Report 

(Appendix A). Figure 5-1 presents the location of potential adjacent source areas. 

West Bend Municipal Airport

The West Bend Municipal Airport geographic coordinates are 43°25 32.21"N; 88°7 47.60"W. The 

St. Cloud Regional Airport was constructed in 1928 and is owned and operated by the City 

West Bend. The AASF is southwest and adjacent to the West Bend Municipal Airport. The 

City of West Bend Fire Department provides fire emergency services for the West Bend 

Municipal Airport. 

Americraft CookWare Manufacturing

The Americraft Cookware Manufacturing building. The geographic coordinates of the building 

are 43°2530.35"N ; 88°825.44"W. Due to the nature of non-stick cookware containing Teflon® 

and other non-stick materials, this manufacturing plant was identified as a potential adjacent 

source. The Americraft Cookware Manufacturing building is upgradient of the AASF. 

West Bend WWTP

The West Bend WWTP is approximately 0.5 mile west and upgradient of the AASF. It 

is unknown if waste water at the WWTP is tested or treated for PFAS. Due to the nature and 

lack of knowledge regarding the WWTP, this was identified as a potential adjacent source. 
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1:11,400 Figure 5-1 PM RG 10/25/2019

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Adjacent Sources

Base Map:

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0 475 950 1,900

Feet

Legend

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Water Body

River/Stream

17
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

18

6. Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

Based on the PA findings, two AOIs were identified at the AASF: AOI 1 Fire Suppression System 

Testing and AOI 2 TriMaxTM Release. The AOIs are shown on Figure 6-1. The following sections 

describe the CSM components and the specific CSMs developed for the AOIs. The CSM 

identifies the three components necessary for a potentially complete exposure pathway: (1) 

source, (2) pathway, (3) receptor. If any of these elements are missing, the pathway is 

considered incomplete.

In general, the potential PFAS exposure pathways are ingestion and inhalation. Human 

exposure via the dermal contact pathway may occur, and current risk practice suggests it is an 

insignificant pathway compared to ingestion; however, exposure data for dermal pathways is 

sparse and continues to be the subject of PFAS toxicological study. Receptors for the AASF

include site workers, construction workers, trespassers, off-facility recreational users, and offfacility residents. The CSMs for each AOI indicate which specific receptors could potentially be 

exposed to PFAS. 

AOI 1 Fire Suppression System Testing

The current AASF was constructed in 2004. The main hangar is equipped with a fire 

suppression system that is supplied by two 750 gallon tanks filled with 3 percent AFFF. The 

AFFF tanks, pumps, and bulk 55-gallon drums of AFFF that supply the fire suppression system 

are housed in a building connected to the hangar. The fire suppression system is tested 

annually by dispensing 20-40 gallons of 3 percent AFFF. On numerous occasions, the AFFF 

was dispensed onto the grassy area behind the building 

Ground-disturbing activities to surface soil at AOI 1 could result in site worker, construction 

worker, and trespasser exposure to potential PFAS contamination. Therefore, the exposure 

pathways for inhalation of soil particles and ingestion of soil are potentially complete for these 

receptors. Ground-disturbing activities to subsurface soil could result in construction worker 

exposure via inhalation of soil particles and ingestion of subsurface soil. Therefore, the 

inhalation and ingestion pathways for these receptors are considered potentially complete. 

No surface water features flow through AOI 1; therefore, surface water and sediment exposure 

pathways are incomplete for the site worker, construction worker, and trespasser. The 

stormwater drain within AOI 1 discharges to Wingate Creek, which then discharges to the 

Milwaukee River; therefore, the exposure pathway for surface water and sediment via ingestion 

is potentially compete for the off-facility recreational user. 

AOI 1 is located side gradient of two unknown well types and downgradient of one unknown well 

type. These wells could be potentially impacted by PFAS releases at AOI 1; therefore, the 

exposure pathway for ingestion via groundwater for construction workers and off-facility 

residents are potentially complete. The preliminary CSM for the AASF is shown on Figure 6-2. 

AOI 2 TriMaxTM Release

There was a one-time training event with one TriMaxTM fire extinguisher that occurred in a grassy 

area located on the east side of the Armory. The exact date, amount, and concentration of AFFF 

used is unknown. The surface water flows northwest, towards the drain field, then discharges 

south to the Milwaukee River. 

Ground-disturbing activities to surface soil at AOI 2 could result in site worker, construction 

worker, and trespasser exposure to potential PFAS contamination. Therefore, the exposure 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

19

pathways for inhalation of soil particles and ingestion of soil are potentially complete for these 

receptors. Ground-disturbing activities to subsurface soil could result in construction worker 

exposure via inhalation of soil particles and ingestion of subsurface soil. Therefore, the 

inhalation and ingestion pathways for this receptor are considered potentially complete. 

Based on the overlying surface water flow at AOI 2, exposure pathways for ingestion via surface 

water/sediment for site workers, construction workers, and off-facility recreational users are 

potentially complete. 

AOI 2 is located side gradient of two unknown well types and downgradient of one unknown well 

type. These wells could be potentially impacted by PFAS releases at AOI 2; therefore, the 

exposure pathway for ingestion via groundwater for construction workers and off-facility 

residents are potentially complete. The preliminary CSM for the AASF is shown on Figure 6-3. 
A! A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

West Bend WWTP 

Fire Supression

System Testing

West Bend

Municipal Airport

TriMax Release

Firetruck Storage

Americraft Cookware

Manufacturing

M i lwaukee R vi er

Wingate Creek

Village of

Newburg-Milwaukee

River Watershed

AOI 1

AOI 2

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

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12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Areas of Interest

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0 475 950 1,900

Feet

Legend

Area of Interest

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Water Body

River/Stream

Surface Water Flow Direction

Inferred Groundwater Flow Direction

Wells

A! Other Well

20
PATHWAY RECEPTOR

PFAS in Soil

Human 

Activities

Precipitation/ 

Run-Off

Leaching/ Infiltration

Airborne Soil 

Particulate

Surface Soil 

at AOI

Surface 

Water/ 

Sediment

Shallow 

Groundwater

Subsurface 

Soil

Media Transport and Migration Media Exposure Routes

Inhalation of 

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors: 

Current/ Future

s

w

Pathway

Site 

Worker

Construction 

Worker Resident Trespasser/ Recreational User

Site 

Worker

Construction 

Worker Resident Trespasser/ Recreational User

/

Figure 6-2

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

AOI 1 Fire Suppression System Testing Location

/ /

/ / /

/

Ingestion

//

/ / / /

Notes:1. The resident and recreational user receptors refer to an off-site resident andrecreational user.2. Dermal contact exposure pathway isincomplete for PFAS.

/ / / /

/ / /

21
PATHWAY RECEPTOR

PFAS in Soil 

and Surface 

Water

Human 

Activities

Precipitation/ 

Run-Off

Leaching/ Infiltration

Airborne Soil 

Particulate

Surface Soil 

at AOI

Surface 

Water/ 

Sediment

Shallow 

Groundwater

Subsurface 

Soil

Media Transport and Migration Media Exposure Routes

Inhalation of 

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors: 

Current/ Future

s

w

Pathway

Site 

Worker

Construction 

Worker Resident Trespasser/ Recreational User

Site 

Worker

Construction 

Worker Resident Trespasser/ Recreational User

Figure 6-3

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

AOI 2 TriMax Release

/ /

/ / /

/

Ingestion

//

/ / / /

Notes:1. The resident and recreational user receptors refer to an off-site resident andrecreational user.2. Dermal contact exposure pathway isincomplete for PFAS.

/ / /

/ / / /

/

22
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

23

7. Conclusions

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

storage of AFFF and other PFAS-related activities at the AASF. The PA findings are based on 

the information presented in Appendix A and Appendix B. 

Findings

Two AOI related to potential PFAS releases were identified (Table 7-1) at the AASF during the 

PA (Figure 7-1). 

Table 7-1 AOIs at West Bend AASF

Area of Interest Name Used by

Potential Release 

Dates

AOI 1 Fire Suppression System 

Testing

WIARNG Annually from 2004-

present

AOI 2 TriMaxTM Release WIARNG unknown

Based on potential PFAS releases at these AOIs, there is potential for exposure to PFAS 

contamination in media at or near the facility. The preliminary CSMs for the AOIs are shown on 

Figure 6-2 and Figure 6-3, which presents the potential receptors and media impacted. Based 

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

were detected in a public water system above the United States Environmental Protection 

Agency Lifetime Health Advisory level within 20 miles of the facility. 

The following areas, which were discussed in Section 2 through Section 5, were determined to 

have no suspected release (Table 7-2).

Table 7-2 No Suspected Release Areas

No Suspected 

Release Area Used by

Rationale for No Suspected Release 

Determination

Firetruck Storage WIARNG

The firetruck was only equipped with water 

tanks and there are no reports of AFFF on the 

firetruck.

Uncertainties

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 facility. Historically, 

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

Therefore, records were not typically kept by the facility 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 during 

interviews with personnel who had direct knowledge of PFAS use at the facility. Sometimes the 

provided information was vague or conflicted with other sources. 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 (1989 to present), and a reliance on personal recollection. Inaccuracies may arise in 

potential PFAS release locations, dates of release, volume of releases, and the concentration of 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

24

AFFF used. 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 were reviewed, retired and current personnel were interviewed, multiple 

persons were interviewed for the same potential source area, and potential source areas were 

visually inspected. Table 7-3 summarizes the uncertainties associated with the PA:

Table 7-3 Uncertainties

Area of Interest Source of Uncertainty

All AOIs Potential off-facility PFAS release areas 

exist adjacent to the AASF. Because these 

areas include property upgradient of the 

facility, it is unknown whether the off-facility 

sources affect the AASF.

AOI 2 Historically, there was a drain field from 

1960 to 1998 where surface water collected 

downgradient from AOI 2. The surface water 

ultimately discharged to Wingate Creek, 

then to the Milwaukee River. The area has 

since been paved and the fate of any 

excavated soil is unknown.

West Bend Waste Water Plant It is unknown if the WWTP is treated or 

tested for PFAS. The WWTP is upgradient 

from the AASF. 

Potential Future Actions

Interviews and records (covering 2004 to present) indicate that ARNG activities may have 

resulted in potential PFAS releases at the AOI identified during the PA. Based on the CSM 

developed for the AOIs, there is potential for receptors to be exposed to PFAS contamination in 

soil, surface water, sediment, and groundwater. Table 7-4 summarizes the rationale used to 

determine if the AOIs should be considered for further investigation under the CERCLA process 

and undergo an SI. 

ARNG evaluates the need for an SI at the AASF based on the presence of a PFAS release, 

possible receptors, and the migration potential of PFAS contamination to receptors.

Table 7-4 PA Findings Summary

Area of Interest AOI Location Rationale 

Potential Future 

Action

AOI 1 Fire 

Suppression System 

Testing

45°25 22.39"N; 

88°8 26.59"W

Repeated release 

of AFFF annually 

from 2004-present.

Proceed to an SI for 

soil, surface water, 

sediment, and 

groundwater

AOI 2 TriMax 

Release

45°2523.83"N ; 

88°80.79"W

Release of AFFF 

to the grass area 

east of the ramp 

area.

Proceed to an SI for 

soil, surface water, 

sediment, and 

groundwater
M i lwaukee R vi er

Wingate Creek

Americraft Cookware

Manufacturing

West Bend

Municipal Airport

Firetruck

Storage

West Bend

WWTP

Fire Supression

System Testing

TriMax

Release

AOI 1

AOI 2

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

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1:11,400 Figure 7-1 PM RG 10/25/2019

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Summary of Findings

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Legend

Area of Interest

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Water Body

River/Stream

25
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

26

8. References

Stantect Consulting Services Inc. 2018. Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Former Barton 

Elementary School. July. 

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

Preliminary Assessments under CERCLA. September.

Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, University of Wisconsin-Extension. Revised 

2005. Bedrock Geology of Wisconsin. 

Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, University of Wisconsin-Extension. Revised 

2019. Wisconsin Aquifers. 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 2001. The Milwaukee River Basin. 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 2015. Ecological landscapes of Wisconsin: an 

assessment of ecological resources and a guide to planning sustainable management. 

World Climate. 2019. Average Weather Data for West Bend, Wisconsin. Available at 

http://www.worldclimate.com/climate/us/wisconsin/westbend(Accessed 20 July 2019)
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

Appendix A 

Data Resources 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

West Bend AASF #1, West Bend, Wisconsin

Data Resources will be provided separately on CD. Data Resources for West Bend AASF #1.

West Bend AASF #1 Leases, Licenses, and Permits

• 2001 Lease Agreement

West Bend AASF #1 Documentation

• 1996 Underground Storage Tank Site Investigation Report

• 2000 Environmental Baseline Study for West Bend AASF

• 2002 Former 10,000-Gallon UST Groundwater Investigation

• 2002 Fire Equipment Room As-Builts

• 2004 Apparent Petroleum Release Investigation 

• 2011 Storm Water Discharge Permit Coverage for West Bend Municipal Airport

• 2014 West Bend SPCC Plan 

EDR Report

• 2019 West Bend AASF #1 EDR Report
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

Appendix B

Preliminary Assessment Documentation
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

Appendix B.1

Interview Records
PA Interview Questionnaire - Other Facility: West Bend AASF

Interviewer: Savannah Irving

Date/Time: 5/8/2019 0800

Interviewee: Alan Geoffrey

Title: Aircraft Mechanical Supervisor

Phone Number: 920-344-7410

Email: alan.r.geoffrey.mil@mail.mil

Can your name/role be used in the PA Report? Y or 

N 

Can you recommend anyone we can interview?

Y or N __________________________

Roles or activities with the Facility/Years working at the Facility:

Mr. Geoffrey is an Aircraft Mechanical Supervisor and has been with the AASF for 30 years. 

PFAS Use: Identify accidental/intentional release locations, time frame of release, frequency of 

releases, storage container size (maintenance, fire training, firefighting, buildings with suppression 

systems (as builts), fueling stations, crash sites, pest management, recreational, dining facilities, 

metals plating, or waterproofing). How are materials ordered/purchased/disposed/shared with others?

Mr. Geoffrey remembers there being a firetruck at the old hangar building 

(currently called the Armory) in the mid 1980’s. The firetruck only had water to 

his knowledge, however it was equipped with a two-tank system. Mr. Geoffrey 

says there was no nozzle testing. 

Mr. Geoffrey stated that there are wash racks in the main hangar that lead to an 

oil/water separator, then to the sanitary WWTP. Also, he does not recall any fire 

response to the airport or AASF facility in the 30 years he has been at the 

facility. 

Known Uses

Use 

Procurement

Disposition

Storage (Mixed)

Storage (Solution)

Inventory, Off-Spec

Containment

SOP on Filling

Leaking Vehicles

Nozzle and 

Suppression System 

Testing

Dining Facilities

Vehicle Washing

Ramp Washing

Fuel Spill Washing

and Fueling Stations

Chrome Plating or 

Waterproofing
PA Interview Questionnaire - Other Facility: Madison AASF #2 and West Bend AASF #1

Interviewer: Savannah Irving

Date/Time: 5/7/2019 0800

Interviewee: Wisconsin Army National 

Guard personnel

Title:

Phone Number:

Email:

Can your name/role be used in the PA Report? Y or 

N 

Can you recommend anyone we can interview?

Y or N __________________________

Roles or activities with the Facility/Years working at the Facility:

The following WI ARNG personnel were present and contributed to the information brief that 

occurred at 0800 at the WI DMA HQ:

Theresa Brandabur (WI ARNG Water Resources Manager, 4 years at facility)

Kurt Wicklund (Buildings and grounds supervisor, 15 years at facility)

John McCann (Real Estate Specialist, 1 year at facility)

Jennifer Caravella (Real Estate Specialist, 2 years at facility)

Paul Brennan (Architect, 32 years at facility)

Fred Gallatin (Environmental Branch Chief, 10 years at facility)

Daniel Pulvermucher (CFMO, 19 years at facility)

PFAS Use: Identify accidental/intentional release locations, time frame of release, frequency of 

releases, storage container size (maintenance, fire training, firefighting, buildings with suppression 

systems (as builts), fueling stations, crash sites, pest management, recreational, dining facilities, 

metals plating, or waterproofing). How are materials ordered/purchased/disposed/shared with others?

The following topics were discussed at the brief that occurred at 0800 on May 7, 

2019. Both the Madison AASF #2 and the West Bend AASF #1 were discussed 

in this meeting. 

Madison AASF #2:

Real estate information: The AASF land ownership is split into two different 

parcels of land. The ramps, hangars, and main AASF building are leased to the 

Wisconsin Air National Guard (WIANG) and is licensed to the WIARNG. The 

term of the license is from 1988 to 2041, and the parcel of land is approximately 

14.74 acres. The southern ramp area and helicopter pad are leased from the Dane 

County Regional Airport. The term of the lease is from 2011 to 2045, and the 

parcel of land is approximately 5.36 acres.

Additionally, AFFF was never used or stored at the Madison AASF. 

Historically, they had halon mobile extinguishers. The Madison AASF was 

mainly used for the storage and maintenance of aircrafts for the WI ARNG.

West Bend AASF #1:

The West Bend AASF has two main buildings. The armory was built in 1960’s 

on the east side of the facility and the AASF main hangars were built in late 

1990’s on the west side of the facility. The armory was mainly used for training 

Known Uses

Use 

Procurement

Disposition

Storage (Mixed)

Storage (Solution)

Inventory, Off-Spec

Containment

SOP on Filling

Leaking Vehicles

Nozzle and 

Suppression System 

Testing

Dining Facilities

Vehicle Washing

Ramp Washing

Fuel Spill Washing

and Fueling Stations
PA Interview Questionnaire - Other Facility: Madison AASF #2 and West Bend AASF #1

Interviewer: Savannah Irving

Date/Time: 5/7/2019 0800

and storage purposes and has never had an AFFF fire suppression system. When 

the new AASF buildings were built, the main hangars were outfitted with trench 

drains that lead to an oil/water separator, then to the city sanitary waste water 

treatment plant. The main hangars also have an AFFF fire suppression system 

which is housed adjacent to the hangar in a small room outfitted with drains that 

ultimately lead to the sanitary waste water treatment plant. The fire suppression 

system consists of two vertical 750-gallon tanks. Also, when bulk AFFF is at the 

facility, it is stored in the fire suppression system room. 

The surface water flow at the AASF is mainly to the south and east, towards the 

Milwaukee River. 

Chrome Plating or 

Waterproofing
PA Interview Questionnaire - Other Facility: West Bend AASF

Interviewer: Savannah Irving

Date/Time: 5/8/2019 0800

Interviewee:_Todd Wilcox

Title: Aircraft Mechanical Supervisor

Phone Number: 902-539-1077

Email: todd.a.wilcox.mil@mail.mil

Can your name/role be used in the PA Report? Y or 

N 

Can you recommend anyone we can interview?

Y or N __________________________

Roles or activities with the Facility/Years working at the Facility:

Mr. Wilcox is an Aircraft Mechanical Supervisor and has been with the AASF for 27 years. 

PFAS Use: Identify accidental/intentional release locations, time frame of release, frequency of 

releases, storage container size (maintenance, fire training, firefighting, buildings with suppression 

systems (as builts), fueling stations, crash sites, pest management, recreational, dining facilities, 

metals plating, or waterproofing). How are materials ordered/purchased/disposed/shared with others?

Mr. Wilcox stated that before the main hangar was built in 2004, the Armory 

served as the hangar for the AASF. There was no fire suppression system at the 

old hangar, just TriMax mobile fire extinguishers present. Mr. Wilcox said that 

contractors would service and test the fire extinguishers off-facility. He only 

remembers ones TriMax release which took place off of the east side of the ramp 

area. The year and amount of AFFF released is unknown. The TriMax units 

were replaced with Dry Chem and Purple K fire extinguishers in 2010. The fate 

of the removed TriMax units is unknown. 

Mr. Wilcox also stated that there was a drain field present from 1960 to 1998 

where water collected from the east side of the facility, and ultimately flowed to 

Wingate Creek, then to the Milwaukee River. 

Other information collected from the interview includes that the West Bend Fire 

Department responds to the facility in an emergency, and there were no fires to 

his knowledge. Additionally, there are no oil refineries or carpet facilities in the 

region, however there is a cookware manufacturing warehouse to the north of 

the facility.

Known Uses

Use 

Procurement

Disposition

Storage (Mixed)

Storage (Solution)

Inventory, Off-Spec

Containment

SOP on Filling

Leaking Vehicles

Nozzle and 

Suppression System 

Testing

Dining Facilities

Vehicle Washing

Ramp Washing

Fuel Spill Washing

and Fueling Stations

Chrome Plating or 

Waterproofing
PA Interview Questionnaire - Other Facility: West Bend AASF

Interviewer: Savannah Irving

Date/Time: 5/8/2019 0800

Interviewee: John Zerger

Title: Buildings/Ground Superintendent 

Phone Number: 608-516-6140

Email: john.zerger@wisconsin.gov

Can your name/role be used in the PA Report? Y or 

N 

Can you recommend anyone we can interview?

Y or N

Roles or activities with the Facility/Years working at the Facility:

Mr. Zerger is the Buildings/Ground Superintendent for Area 6 and has been working at the AASF for 

12 years. 

PFAS Use: Identify accidental/intentional release locations, time frame of release, frequency of 

releases, storage container size (maintenance, fire training, firefighting, buildings with suppression 

systems (as builts), fueling stations, crash sites, pest management, recreational, dining facilities, 

metals plating, or waterproofing). How are materials ordered/purchased/disposed/shared with others?

The main AASF was built in 2004. The fire suppression system contains 3% 

AFFF and has two 750-gallon tanks that are stored in a room adjacent to the 

hangar. The room is outfitted with drains that lead to an oil/water separator then 

to the sanitary WWTP. Annual testing and maintenance were conducted by a 

contractor. The contractor would also fill the tanks when needed. 

Known Uses

Use 

Procurement

Disposition

Storage (Mixed)

Storage (Solution)

Inventory, Off-Spec

Containment

SOP on Filling

Leaking Vehicles

Nozzle and 

Suppression System 

Testing

Dining Facilities

Vehicle Washing

Ramp Washing

Fuel Spill Washing

and Fueling Stations

Chrome Plating or 

Waterproofing
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

Appendix B.2

Visual Site Inspection Checklists
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

Names(s) of people performing VSI: Savannah Irving

Recorded by: Savannah Irving

ARNG Contact: Theresa Brandabur

Date and Time: 5/8/2019 8am

Method of visit (walking, driving, adjacent): walking, driving

Source/Release Information

Site Name / Area Name / Unique ID: West Bend AASF #1

approximately 39 acres

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:

The original 38.88 acre property was acquired in 1958, and the Armory facility, which 

also held the shop, was built in 1960. In 2003 a new AASF shop facility was 

constructed. The facility consists of a storage hangar, repair hangar, shops, and a two 

story office area. Exterior features are vehicle parking areas, roads, aircraft parking and 

taxiways, and a 90 ft. clear-span bridge. A fire suppression system (3 AFFF systems 

and 1 water system) are present at the shop.

The AASF supports the Wisconsin Army National Guard (WIARNG). 

Access to the area is restricted to WIARNG. 

West Bend Municipal Airport, and residental are adjacent. 

West Bend Municipal Airport

Page 1 of 4
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

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:

Surface water flows to the south and east towards the Milwaukee River.

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

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

Yes, there is a creek inbetween the armory and AASF where water drains to the Milwaukee River.

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

3a. If so, please note the location: 

There are unknown wells off-facility, within 2 miles.

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

4a. If so, please note the location: 

On the west and east sides of the property. 

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

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

N/A

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

Yes, Americraft Cookware Manufacturing and West Bend Municipal Airport are potential sources of PFAS 

ajacent to the AASF. 

Other Significant Site Features: 

Migration Potential:

The fire suppression systems have 3% AFFF tanks.

Yearly maintance included nozzle testing on the grassy area behind the building. 

The fire suppression systems have two 750 gallon tanks with 3% AFFF.

The floor drains lead to an oil/water separator then to the sanitary WWTP.

Page 2 of 4
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

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

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

In 2003 the new AASF hangars were built.

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: 

Residents to the north and west

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

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

There are 3 schools within 2 miles.

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

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

vegetated except for ramp and parking areas

Significant Topographical Features: 

Site Workers / Construction Workers / Trespassers / Residential / Recreational 

Users / Ecological

Wingate Creek that runs directly through the facility in-between the armory and AASF.

The facility has controlled access

Page 3 of 4
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

Additional Notes

Photographic Log

Photo ID/Name

1

2

3

4

The location where the annual maintenance/testing occurred. 

Approximately 20-40 gallons of 3% AFFF solution was dumped 

here then washed onto the grassy area, which eventually leads to 

a drain that discharges to the Milwaukee River. 

The grassy area behind the fire suppression storage room. The 

AFFF from annual testing gets washed down this area, which 

discharges to a storm drain and ultimately leads to the 

Milwaukee River. 

Date & Location

This is the storm drain on the western boundary of the facility, 

approximately 40 feet from the room that holds the fire 

suppression system. This grassy area is where annual fire 

suppression system testing was conducted. 

5/8/19, area directly west of the 

the fire suppression system room

5/8/19, area directly west of the 

the fire suppression system room

5/8/19, area directly west of the 

the fire suppression system room

5/8/19, fire suppression system 

room

Photograph Description

The fire suppression system tanks, each hold 750 gallons of 3% 

AFFF concentrate.

Page 4 of 4
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

Appendix B.3

Conceptual Site Model Information
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Site Name: West Bend Army Aviation Support Facility #1

Why has this location been identified as a site?

Facility is an aviation support site with aircraft hangars, high probability of release due to asset type and 

historical site usage.

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

Yes, the potential adjacent sources include the West Bend Municipal Airport and the Americraft 

Cookware Manufacturing.

Training Events

Have any training events with AFFF occurred at this site? Yes

If so, how often? A one-time training event with one TriMax unit. 

How much material was used? Is it documented? The amount and concentration are unknown.

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? To the south and east towards the Milwaukee River

Average rainfall? 31.2 inches

Any flooding during rainy season? unknown

Direct or indirect pathway to ditches? Direct

Direct or indirect pathway to larger bodies of water? Direct to Wingate Creek; both direct and indirect to 

the Milwaukee River.

Does surface water pond any place on site? Did not appear to be areas with ponded water.

Any impoundment areas or retention ponds? No

Any NPDES location points near the site? unknown

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

drains south to the Milwaukee River.

Groundwater:

Groundwater flow direction? To the south and east towards the Milwaukee River

Depth to groundwater? In most areas, 20 to 30 feet but around the Milwaukee River, the depth to 

groundwater could be smaller. 

Uses (agricultural, drinking water, irrigation)? Not used.

Any groundwater treatment systems? unknown

Any groundwater monitoring well locations near the site? There are wells of an unknown purpose to the 

north and west of the facility
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Is groundwater used for drinking water? Drinking water is supplied by the City of West Bend, which 

receives water from groundwater sources.

Are there drinking water supply wells on installation? No

Do they serve off-post populations? No

Are there off-post drinking water wells downgradient? No potable water wells are located within the 

boundary of the AASF; however, wells exist within one mile of the facility.

Waste Water Treatment Plant:

Has the installation ever had a WWTP, past or present? No, however, there was a septic field at the 

Armory prior to the late 90’s. 

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?

Historically, the AASF had a fire truck, however there is no information on where it was washed.

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?

There is no information on fire truck nozzle testing. It was stated that the fire truck primarily only used 

water. 

3. Other?

Firefighting services for the AASF are provided by the City of West Bend.

Identify Potential Receptors:

Site Worker Yes

Construction Worker Yes

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)?

Residential area is within one mile of the facility. There are three schools within two miles of the facility. 

Documentation

Ask for Engineering drawings (if applicable). Has there been a reconstruction or changes to the drainage 

system? When did that occur? The AASF has a drainage system, where surface water drains to Wingate 

Creek, then flows into the Milwaukee River. On the west side of the facility, surface water can flow 

directly to the Milwaukee River. 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Army Aviation Support Facility 

West Bend, Wisconsin

Appendix C

Photographic Log
Preliminary Assessment Report

West Bend AASF #1, West Bend, Wisconsin

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

AECOM

APPENDIX C – Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary

Assessment for PFAS West Bend AASF #1 Wisconsin

Photograph No. 1

Description:

The fire suppression system 

tanks, each hold 750 gallons 

of 3% AFFF concentrate.

Photograph No. 2

Description:

The location where the annual 

maintenance/testing occurred. 

Approximately 20-40 gallons 

of 3% AFFF solution was 

dumped here then washed 

onto the grassy area, which 

eventually leads to a drain that 

discharges to the Milwaukee 

River. 
Preliminary Assessment Report

West Bend AASF #1, West Bend, Wisconsin

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

AECOM

APPENDIX C – Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary

Assessment for PFAS West Bend AASF #1 Wisconsin

Photograph No. 3

Description:

The grassy area behind the 

fire suppression storage room. 

The AFFF from annual testing 

gets washed down this area, 

which discharges to a storm

drain and ultimately leads to 

the Milwaukee River.

Photograph No. 4

Description: 

This is the storm drain on the 

western boundary of the 

facility, approximately 40 feet 

from the room that holds the 

fire suppression system. This 

grassy area is where annual 

fire suppression system 

testing was conducted.