FINAL

Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison Army Aviation Support 

Facility #2

Madison, Wisconsin

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic 

Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

August 2020

Prepared for:

Army National Guard Bureau

111 S. George Mason Drive

Arlington, VA 22204

UNCLASSIFIED
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

i

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

1.5.3 Hydrology.......................................................................................................7

1.5.4 Climate...........................................................................................................7

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

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

3. Non-Fire Training Areas ...................................................................................................12

4. Emergency Response Areas............................................................................................14

5. Adjacent Off-Facility Sources...........................................................................................15

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

7. Conclusions .....................................................................................................................21

8. References ......................................................................................................................24
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

ii

Tables

Table ES-1 AOI at Madison AASF #2

Table 7-1 AOI at Madison AASF #2

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, Madison AASF #2, WI

Figure 1-1 Facility Location

Figure 1-2 Groundwater Features

Figure 1-3 Surface Water Features

Figure 3-1 Non-Fire Training Areas

Figure 5-1 Adjacent Sources

Figure 6-1 Area of Interest 

Figure 6-2 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model, AOI 1 West Ramp

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

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

iii

Acronyms and Abbreviations

AASF Army Aviation Support Facility

AECOM 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 conceptual site model

DEQ Department of Environmental Quality

EDRTM Environmental Data Resources, Inc.TM

HEF High Expansion Foam

°F degrees Fahrenheit

FTA fire training area

PA Preliminary Assessment

PFA perfluoroalkoxy

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

USAF United States Air Force

USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

WIARNG Wisconsin Army National Guard

WIANG Wisconsin Air National Guard
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

1

Executive Summary

The Army National Guard (ARNG) is performing Preliminary Assessments (PAs) and Site 

Inspections (SIs) for Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) 

Impacted Sites at ARNG Facilities Nationwide. A PA for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances 

(PFAS)-containing materials was completed for the Madison Army Aviation Support Facility 

(AASF) #2 (also referred to as the “facility”) in Madison, Wisconsin to assess potential PFAS 

release areas and exposure pathways to receptors. The land is split into two different parcels of 

land. The parcel where the ramps, hangars, and main AASF building are situated, is owned by 

Dane County Regional Airport, who leases it to the United States Air Force (USAF) for the term 

of 1982-2050. The USAF permits the parcel of land to the United States Army, who licenses the 

parcel to the Wisconsin Army National Guard (WIARNG) from 1988-2041. 

The performance of this PA included the following tasks: 

• Reviewed available administrative record documents and Environmental Data Resources,

Inc. (EDR)TM report packages to obtain information relevant to potential PFAS releases, such

as: drinking water well locations, historical aerial photographs, Sanborn maps, and

environmental compliance actions in the area surrounding the facility;

• Conducted a site visit on 7 May 2019 and completed visual site inspections at locations where

PFAS-containing materials were suspected of being stored, used, or disposed;

• Interviewed current Wisconsin ARNG personnel during the site visit as well as environmental

managers and operations staff;

• Identified Area(s) of Interest (AOIs) and developed a preliminary conceptual site model (CSM)

to summarize potential source-pathway-receptor linkages of potential PFAS in soil,

groundwater, surface water, and sediment for each AOI.

One AOI related to a potential PFAS release was identified at the facility during the PA. The AOI 

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

Table ES-1: AOI at Madison AASF #2

Area of 

Interest Name Used By Potential Release Date

AOI 1 West Ramp WIARNG Prior to 2008

Based on potential PFAS releases at AOI 1, there is potential for exposure to PFAS contamination 

in media at or near the facility. The preliminary CSM for AOI 1, which presents the potential 

receptors and media impacted, is shown on Figure ES-2. Based on the US Environmental 

Protection Agency (USEPA) Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) data, it was 

indicated that no PFAS were detected in a public water system above the USEPA’s lifetime Health 

Advisories (HAs) within 20 miles of the facility. The HA is 70 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFOA, 

individually or combined. PFAS analyses performed in 2016 had method detection limits that were 

higher than currently achievable. Thus, it is possible that low concentrations of PFAS were not 

detected during the UCMR3 but might be detected if analyzed today. 
Starkweather Creek

Equipment

Shelter

Aviation

Crash

Dane County

Burn Pit

Dane County

Former FTA

Nozzle Test

Area 2

Building 503

Parking Lot

Fuel Spill Ditch Nozzle Test Area 1

Bulding 430

Hangar 414 Former Building 403

Hangar 400

Hangar 406

Madison College Fire

Education Center

West Ramp AOI 1

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SI

6/11/2020

6/11/2020

Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Madison AASF #2, WI

6/11/2020

1:8,040 ­ Figure ES-1 PM RG 6/11/2020

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Summary of Findings

Base Map:

C:\Users\stankevichm\OneDrive - AECOM Directory\ARNG_PFAS_GIS_60552172\MXDs\WI\Madison_AASF_2_Figures\Fig_ES-1_Madison_AASF2_Summary.mxd

0 335 670 1,340

Feet

Legend

Area of Interest

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Canal/Ditch

2
Media

SOURCE PATHWAY RECEPTOR

AOI 1 TriMaxTM Fire

Extinguisher

PFAS in

Surface Soil

Human

Activities

Precipitation/

Run-Off

Leaching/

Infiltration

Airborne Soil

Particulate

Surface Soil

at AOIs

Surface

Water/

Sediment

Shallow

Groundwater

Subsurface

Soil

Source Release

Mechanism Media Transportand Migration

Media Exposure

Routes

Inhalation of

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors:

Current/ Future

Flow-Chart Continues

Partial / Possible Flow

Flow-Chart Stops

Incomplete Pathway

Potentially Complete Pathway

Complete Pathway

Site

Worker2

Construction

Worker2 Resident1,2 RecreationalUser1,2

Site

Worker2

Construction

Worker2 Resident1,2 Recreational

User1,2

LEGEND

Figure ES-2

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

Madison AASF #2

Potential

Off-Facility

Source Not

under

Control of

ARNG

/

/

Ingestion

/ / / /

Notes:

1. The resident and recreational users

receptors refer to an off-facility resident and

off-facility recreational users.

2. Dermal contact exposure pathway is

incomplete for PFAS.

/

/

/

/

/

/ /

/ /

/ / /

/ /

3
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

4

1. Introduction

Authority and Purpose

The Army National Guard (ARNG) G9 is the lead agency in performing Preliminary Assess

ments (PAs) and Site Inspections (SIs) for Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at Impacted Sites at ARNG Facilities Nationwide. This work is 

supported by the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Baltimore District and 

their contractor AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) under Contract Number W912DR12-D-0014, Task Order W912DR17F0192, issued 11 August 2017.

The ARNG is assessing potential effects on human health related to processes at their facilities

that used per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (a suite of related chemicals), primarily

releases of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) although other sources of PFAS 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 (HAs) for PFOA and PFOS in May 2016, but there are currently no promulgated

national standards regulating PFAS in drinking water. The HA is 70 parts per trillion for PFOS and

PFOA, individually or combined. In the absence of federal maximum contaminant levels, some

states have adopted their own drinking water standards for PFAS.

This report presents findings of a PA for PFAS at the Madison Army Aviation Support Facility

(AASF) #2 (also referred to as the “facility”) in Madison, 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 Part 300), and Army requirements and guidance.

This PA documents potential locations where PFAS containing materials are stored and have the

potential to be released into the environment at or adjacent to 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 available administrative record documents and Environmental Data Resources,

Inc. (EDR)TM report packages to obtain information relevant to potential PFAS releases, such

as: drinking water well locations, historical aerial photographs, Sanborn maps, and

environmental compliance actions in the area surrounding the facility;

• Conducted a site visit on 7 May 2019 and completed visual site inspections at locations where

PFAS-containing materials were suspected of being stored, used, or disposed;

• Interviewed current Wisconsin ARNG (WIARNG) personnel during the site visit as well as

environmental managers and operations staff;
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

5

• Identified Area(s) of Interest (AOIs) and developed a preliminary conceptual site model (CSM)

to summarize potential source-pathway-receptor linkages of potential PFAS in soil,

groundwater, surface water, and sediment for each AOI.

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

identified during the site visit

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

• Section 5 – Adjacent 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 Areas of Interest (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 is in the southern portion of the Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin

(Figure 1-1). The facility is on the northeastern city limits of Madison and is adjacent to Lake

Mendota and Lake Monona. The city of Madison and communities of Token Creek, Westport,

Maple Bluff, and Burke lie within 5 miles of the AASF.

The AASF land ownership is split into two different parcels of land. The 14.7 acre parcel where

the ramps, hangars, and main AASF building are situated, is owned by Dane County Regional

Airport, who leases it to the United States Air Force (USAF) for the term of 1982-2050. The USAF

permits the parcel of land to the United States Army, who licenses the parcel to the WIARNG. The

term of the permit to the United States Army and license to the WIARNG is from 1988-2041. The

second parcel of land includes approximately 5.11 acres of land that leases directly to the

WIARNG from Dane County Regional Airport for the term of 2011 to 2045. See Appendix A for

real estate documents.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

6

Facility Environmental Setting

The AASF is in the city of Madison, south-central Wisconsin, and on predominantly level ground 

near the western margin of the Great Lakes Section of the Central Lowlands Physiographic 

Province. This section is characterized by numerous lakes with associated lacustrine plains, 

prominent end moraines, poorly integrated drainage, and a still partially exposed cuestaform 

topography (PEER, 1988). There are three lakes within 10 miles of the AASF. Lakes Monona and 

Waubesa to the south of the AASF, and Lake Mendota is southwest of the AASF. The AASF is at 

an elevation of approximately 890 feet above mean sea level. 

1.5.1 Geology

The AASF is in the Central Lowlands Physiographic Province, which is characterized by mostly 

Paleozoic bedrock, with some Cretaceous rocks underlying the western boundary. The underlying 

glacial deposits in the region are largely horizontal Paleozoic sandstones, shales, limestones, 

conglomerates, and coals. (National Park Service, 2018). The topography of the region is a result 

of glaciation and is characterized structurally by numerous domes, and uplifts control regional 

dips. With the exception of the southern border, the entire province is bounded by topography that 

is higher in elevation (PEER, 1988). The glacial deposits in the southern Wisconsin vary in 

thickness from only a few feet to several hundred feet. The AASF is located directly above a 

section of glacial drift that is approximately 300 feet thick.

The native soils present at the AASF are represented by three series as defined by the US 

Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. In the northern region, the Wacousta Series, 

consists of poorly drained soils formed in silty sediments. The surface layer is a black, silty, clay 

loam, the subsoil is a dark gray and olive gray mottled silty loam. In the southwest region, the 

Hayfield Series consists of moderately well drained soils formed in loamy glacial outwash 

underlain by sand and gravel. The surface layer consists of dark gray loam, the subsurface 

consists of brown mottled loam, and the substratum consists of a yellow/brown, mottled, coarse 

sand. The third series of soil found at the AASF is the Batavia Series, which occupies all of the 

south central and southeastern regions. The surface soil is a dark gray, silty loam, the subsoil is 

a brown silt loam and brown, gravelly, loamy sand, and the substratum is a pale brown stratified 

sand and gravel (PEER, 1988). 

1.5.2 Hydrogeology

An Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR)TM report conducted a well search for a 1-mile 

radius surrounding the facility (Appendix A). There are two types of aquifers at the AASF. The 

Sandstone and Dolomite Aquifers consist of layers of sandstone and dolomite bedrock that vary 

greatly in their water-yielding properties. The Dolomite Aquifer has groundwater within the 

fractures of the rocks, while the Sandstone Aquifer groundwater occurs in pore spaces between 

loosely cemented sand grains. The sandstone aquifer is further broken down into an Upper 

Sandstone Aquifer and Lower Sandstone Aquifer. The Upper Sandstone Aquifer is composed of 

sandstone and dolomite of the Ancell and Prairie du Chien Groups of Ordovician age. This aquifer 

is not a major source of groundwater in the region due to erosion by other formations. The Lower 

Sandstone Aquifer is composed of a thick sedimentary sequence of Cambrian sandstone. The 

aquifer is wedge-shaped, and the water yields increase to the southeast. The Lower Sandstone 

Aquifer is an important source of water for municipalities and industries due to the ability to yield 

approximately 1,000 gallons of water per minute. Infiltration from snowmelt and precipitation are 

the main sources of recharge for the shallow aquifers. The majority of recharge to the aquifers 

occurs in the winter months, where precipitation and snowmelt are high, and evapotranspiration 

is low. (Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, 2002). Groundwater at the 

facility has been encountered at depths ranging from 5 to 10 feet below ground surface (bgs). 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

7

Groundwater flow direction around the facility is generally to the southeast, towards Starkweather 

Creek (Figure 1-2). 

Using the EDRTM report and additional online resources, such as state and local GIS databases, 

wells were researched to a 4-mile radius of the facility. No potable water wells are located within 

the boundary of the AASF; however, unknown wells exist within 4 miles of the facility (Figure 1-

2). No domestic or drinking well locations were available. Drinking water for the AASF is supplied 

by the city of Madison, which obtains its public water supply from the Lower Sandstone Aquifer

(Madison Water Utility, 2018). The nearest municipal water supply well is located approximately 

1 mile southeast of the facility. The USEPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3)

data indicate that PFOS/PFOA were not detected in a public water system above the USEPA HA 

within a 20-mile radius of the facility. The HA is 70 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFOA, 

individually or combined. PFAS analyses performed in 2016 had method detection limits that were 

higher than currently achievable. Thus, it is possible that low concentrations of PFAS were not 

detected during the UCMR3 but might be detected if analyzed today. 

1.5.3 Hydrology 

The AASF is in the Starkweather Creek Watershed, which is a 24-square mile basin that 

encompasses parts of the city of Madison, and the towns of Burke and Blooming Grove. The 

bodies of water that are in the surrounding regions of the AASF include Lake Mendota to the west, 

Lake Monona to the south, and Starkweather Creek, which surrounds the facility. Lake Mendota 

is a 9,781-acre lake located in Dane County and has a maximum depth of 83 feet. Lake Monona 

is connected to Lake Mendota by the Yahara River, which is located on the southern border of 

Lake Mendota. Lake Monona is a 3,359-acre lake located in Dane County and has a maximum 

depth of 74 feet. Both lakes are accessible by recreational users via public beaches and boating 

activities. Starkweather Creek consists of two branches that total 20 miles in length. The West 

Branch of the creek originates in Token Creek Country Park, and the East Branch of the creek 

originates near the city of Sun Prairie. Both branches eventually converge and empty into Lake 

Monona, located in the Lake Monona-Yahara River Watershed (Figure 1-3) (Nelson Institute for 

Environmental Studies 2006). 

The AASF has a storm water collection system consisting of a storm sewer system on the northern 

portion, and man-made ditches with underdrains around the south ramp. The storm water system 

discharges east into Starkweather Creek, which surrounds the AASF on the west, east and south 

sides. The Starkweather Creek empties into Lake Monona, which is approximately 2 miles to the 

south (Figure 1-3). 

1.5.4 Climate 

The climate at the AASF consists of four clearly separated seasons, with a humid continental 

climate that is characterized by variable weather patterns. Seasonally, temperatures vary from 

average summer highs of 83.3 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to average winter lows of 8.1 °F. The 

mean annual rainfall is 31.0 inches. The average snowfall is 50.9 inches (NOAA, 2019). 

1.5.5 Current and Future Land Use

The AASF is a controlled access facility with public roads and is adjacent to the Dane County 

Regional Airport and the Wisconsin Air National Guard (WIANG) at Truax Field. Reasonably 

anticipated future land use is not expected to change from the current land use; however, future 

infrastructure improvements, land acquisitions, and land use controls at the Dane County 

Regional Airport and WIANG at Truax Field are unknown. 
^_

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SI

6/13/2019

6/13/2019

Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Madison AASF #2, WI

6/13/2019

1:63,360 ­ Figure 1-1 PM RG 6/13/2019

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Facility Location

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

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

Q:\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\WI\Madison_AASF_2_Figures\Fig_1-1_Madison_AASF2_Facility_Location.mxd

0 0.5 1 2

Miles

Legend

Facility Boundary

Madison AASF #2

8
A!

A!

A! A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

AA

!! A!A! A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A! A!

A! A!

A! A!A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A! A!A! A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!

A! A!A! A!

A! A! A!

A!A! A! A! A! A!

A!

A! A! A!

A! A!

A! A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!A!A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!A!

A!A! A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!A!A!

A!A!

AA!!

A!

A!

A!

AA!!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A! A!

A!

A! A! A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!!

A A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A! A!

A! A! ! A! A

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!

A!AA!!

A! A!

A!A! A! A!

A! A!A! A!

A!

A!A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A! A!

A! A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!A!A! A! A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A! A! A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!

A!

A!

A! A!! A! A

A! A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A! A! A!

A!

A!A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A! A!A!

A! A!

A!

A!A! A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!

A!A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A! A!A!

A! A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A! A! A!

A! A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A! A! A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A! A! A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A! A!

A! A!

A! A!A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A! A! A! A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A! A!

A!

AA!! A!

A! A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!A!

A!

A!A!

A! A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!A! A!A!A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

!C(

Lake Mendota

Lake Wingra

Lake Monona

Token Cree k

Yah ar a River

Si xmi leCreek

D oorCreek

Starkwe ather Creek

Pheasant Branch

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SI

8/17/2020

8/17/2020

Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Madison AASF #2, WI

8/17/2020

1:95,040 ­ Figure 1-2 PM RG 8/17/2020

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Groundwater Features

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

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

C:\Users\stankevichm\OneDrive - AECOM Directory\ARNG_PFAS_GIS_60552172\MXDs\WI\Madison_AASF_2_Figures\Fig_1-2_Madison_AASF2_Groundwater.mxd

0 0.75 1.5 3

Miles

Legend

Facility Boundary

Water Body

River/Stream

Canal/Ditch

Inferred Groundwater Flow Direction

Geology

Cambrian, undivided

Ordovician Sinnipee Group

Ordovician Ancell Group

Ordovician Prairie du Chien Group

Wells

!C( Municipal Well 15

A! Unknown Well

9
Lake Mendota

Starkweather Creek

Yahara River

Sta rkweather Creek

Cherokee

Lake-Yahara

River Watershed

Lake Mendota-Yahara

River Watershed

Starkweather

Creek

Watershed

Lake

Monona-Yahara

River Watershed

Lake Monona-Yahara

River Watershed

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SI

6/14/2019

6/14/2019

Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Madison AASF #2, WI

6/14/2019

1:36,000 ­ Figure 1-3 PM RG 6/14/2019

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Surface Water Features

Base Map: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye,

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

\\URSGermantown.us.ie.urs\Germantown\Projects\ENV\GEARS\GEO\ARNG PFAS\900-CAD-GIS\920-GIS or Graphics\MXD\WI\Madison_AASF_2_Figures\Fig_1-3_Madison_AASF2_Surface_Water.mxd

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Facility Boundary

Water Body

River/Stream

Canal/Ditch

Surface Water Flow

Direction

10
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

11

2. Fire Training Areas

No FTAs were identified at the AASF during the PA through interviews (Appendix B), historical 

document review, or the Environmental Data Resource Report. 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

12

3. Non-Fire Training Areas

In addition to FTAs, the PA evaluated areas where PFAS-containing materials may have been 

broadly used, stored, or disposed. This may include buildings with fire suppression systems, paint 

booths, AFFF storage areas, and areas of compliance demonstrations. Information on these 

features obtained during the PA are included in Appendices A and B. Two non-FTAs where AFFF 

was stored and/or potentially released were identified during the PA. A description of each nonFTA is presented below, and the non-FTAs are shown on Figure 3-1. Additionally, no fire 

suppression systems are present within any facility building.

Fire Extinguishers – West Ramp

The AASF facility housed several 60-gallon TriMaxTM fire extinguishers in various locations on the 

West Ramp area. It is unknown when the TriMaxTM fire extinguishers arrived at the AASF; 

however, they were present until 2008. There was no documentation of training with the fire 

extinguishers. No records of routine or annual maintenance were located during the site visit; 

however, any maintenance would have been conducted off the facility by contractors. There were 

no reported leaks or AFFF releases from the TriMaxTM units. In 2008, the TriMaxTM units were 

removed from the facility and sent to Volk Field, Wisconsin. Purple K mobile fire extinguishers 

have been present on the ramps ever since 2008 and were present during the site visit. Based 

on the presence of the TriMaxTM fire extinguishers, the West Ramp is considered a potential PFAS 

release area.

Equipment Shelter

At the south end of the AASF, there is an equipment shelter that houses two fire baskets that can 

be used for firefighting in remote areas (Figure 3-1). One fire basket contains a tank that has the 

capability to hold AFFF but has never been filled with water or AFFF. The fire baskets have never 

been used by the WIARNG. The exact date in which the fire baskets were brought to the AASF 

is unknown, but they have been there for at least 10 years.
West Ramp

Equipment

Shelter

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SI

6/11/2020

6/11/2020

Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Madison AASF #2, WI

6/11/2020

1:4,200 ­ Figure 3-1 PM RG 6/11/2020

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Non-Fire Training Areas

Base Map:

C:\Users\stankevichm\OneDrive - AECOM Directory\ARNG_PFAS_GIS_60552172\MXDs\WI\Madison_AASF_2_Figures\Fig_3-1_Madison_AASF2_Non-Fire_Training_Area.mxd

0 175 350 700

Feet

Legend

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

13
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

14

4. Emergency Response Areas

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

interviews (Appendix B), historical document review, or the Environmental Data Resource 

Report. The WIANG at Truax Field Fire Department responds to all emergency incidents at the 

AASF. 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

15

5. Adjacent Off-Facility Sources

Several potential off-facility sources of PFAS adjacent to the AASF, not under the control of the 

ARNG, were identified during the PA. Based on interviews with WIARNG personnel (Appendix 

B) and historical document review, all identified adjacent areas with potential AFFF releases are

outside the AASF boundaries. Descriptions of the adjacent sources are presented below and are

shown on Figure 5-1.

Wisconsin Air National Guard Property 

According to a PA conducted by engineering firm BB&E in 2015, several potential areas of 

potential use, storage, or release of AFFF have historically occurred at the WIANG at Truax Field

(BB&E, 2015). These locations are described below. 

• Hangar 406: The former fire suppression system was supplied with AFFF until 2006 when it

was then retrofitted for use of High Expansion Foam (HEF). There were no documented

releases, however any release would have been routed to the trench drains, from which is

then discharged to the sanitary sewer system.

• Hangar 400: The former fire suppression system was supplied with AFFF until 2009 when it

was then retrofitted for use of HEF. Fire suppression system testing occurred at an unknown

frequency; however, any release would have been routed to the trench drains, from which it

is then discharged to an oil/water separator and ultimately to the sanitary sewer system.

• Former Building 403: Prior to relocation to Building 430, the Truax Fire Department was

stationed in Building 403. AFFF was in use and stored at Building 403 from 1988 until it was

demolished in 1995/1996. There is no record of AFFF nozzle testing from this time period.

• Fuel Spill Ditch: In 1981, approximately 2,000 gallons of jet fuel were spilled due to an

overflow. In response to the spill, the Truax Fire Department foamed the fuel and flushed it

down the ditch, where it soaked into the ground and was covered with straw. One month after

the spill, the affected soil in the ditch was removed to a depth of 6 feet. The type of foam used

to cover the fuel is unknown.

• Building 503 Parking Lot: The soil that was excavated from the Fuel Spill Ditch was relocated

to what is now the parking lot west of Building 503. The contaminated soil was placed on

concrete pads and spread out to elicit volatilization. The area was then excavated to 3 feet,

and all of the soil and concrete was disposed of off-site. The parking lot was paved the same

year.

• Hangar 414: Hangar 414 has had an AFFF fire suppression since 1994. Annual testing of the

hangar fire suppression system has been conducted since 1994 and included discharging

foam every other year. No other AFFF releases were documented. The hangar is outfitted

with trench drains that discharge to a sanitary sewer system.

• Nozzle Test Area 1 and Area 2: The Truax Fire Department vehicles require nozzle testing

every 6 months. The tests were conducted in the grassy areas on the northwest and

southwest sides of Building 430. After the foam was released, the grassy area was typically

watered down, and the foam was allowed to soak into the grass.

• Building 430: Building 430 has been the location of the Truax Fire Station since 1995 and is

where the fire department keeps the firetrucks and bulk storage of AFFF. AFFF is transferred

to vehicles within the fire station via overhead fill. Additionally, Truax Fire Department vehicles

are washed within the fire station or at the outside truck bays when necessary. There are

trench drains both in the fire station and downgradient of the truck bays; therefore, any AFFF
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

16

releases due to vehicle washing would be captures by the trench drains, which discharge into 

the sanitary sewer system. 

Based on the proximity of these locations to WIARNG property as well as fluctuation in 

groundwater flow direction, there is the potential for AFFF releases from WIANG property to 

impact the AASF. Surface water flow is directed by a man-made surface drainage system that 

connects to Starkweather Creek and generally discharges to the south towards Lake Monona 

(BB&E, 2015). 

Aviation Crash

A small aviation plane crash occurred at the south end of the air strip, just north of Anderson

Street. The exact type of aircraft, date, and owner information of the aviation crash are unknown. 

The approximate geographic coordinates are 43°7'20.91"N; 89°20'31.91"W. The WIANG 

responded to the crash, and it is unknown if AFFF were dispensed at the crash site by the WIANG. 

Dane County Former FTA and Dane County Burn Pit

Based on WIANG PFAS investigations, the Dane County former FTA and Dane County Burn Pit 

were identified as potential AFFF release sources due to reported accounts of firefighting training 

activities potentially using perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) foams. The geographic coordinates for the Dane 

County Former FTA are 43°7'44.83"N; 89°20'50.56"W and the Dane County Burn Pit are 43° 

7'25.39"N; 89°20'13.70"W. 

Madison College Fire Education Center and Dane County Burn 

Pit 

The Madison College Fire Education Center is a public technical college which teaches several 

different types of firefighting courses for firefighter certifications. There is no information regarding 

the types of firefighting training that occurs; however, based on the nature of the activities that 

take place at the Madison College Fire Education Center, there is a possibility of the use of AFFF. 

The Dane County burn pit is adjacent to the Madison College Fire Education Center, where 

several firefighting courses are taught. The type and volume of PFAS foams that were used is 

unknown. 
Aviation Crash

Dane County Former FTA

Hangar 400

Hangar 406

Former Building 403

Hangar 414

Building 430

Nozzle Test Area 1 Fuel Spill Ditch

Building 503 

Parking Lot

Nozzle Test Area 2

Dane County

Burn Pit

Madison College Fire

Education Center

Starkweather Cree k

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SI

8/17/2020

8/17/2020

Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Madison AASF #2, WI

8/17/2020

1:8,040 ­ Figure 5-1 PM RG 8/17/2020

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Adjacent Sources

Base Map:

C:\Users\stankevichm\OneDrive - AECOM Directory\ARNG_PFAS_GIS_60552172\MXDs\WI\Madison_AASF_2_Figures\Fig_5-1_Madison_AASF2_Adjacent_Sources.mxd

0 335 670 1,340

Feet

Legend

Potential PFAS Release

Facility Boundary

Canal/Ditch

17
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

18

6. Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

Based on the PA findings, one non-FTA was identified where PFAS may have been spilled or 

discharged to the ground surface: AOI 1 West Ramp. As such, this area is determined to be an 

AOI and may be a potential PFAS source area. The AOI location is shown in Figure 6-1. 

The following section describes the CSM components and the specific preliminary CSM 

developed for AOI 1. 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. The preliminary CSM for AOI 1 is shown in Figure 

6-2.

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 

are sparse and continue to be the subject of PFAS toxicological study (National Ground Water 

Association, 2018). Receptors for the facility include site workers, construction workers, off-facility 

residents, and off-facility recreational users. The preliminary CSM for the facility indicates which 

specific receptors could potentially be exposed to PFAS.

AOI 1 West Ramp

AOI 1 is the West Ramp, which historically had several 60-gallon TriMaxTM fire extinguishers in 

various locations on the West Ramp area. It is unknown when the TriMaxTM fire extinguishers 

arrived at the AASF; however, they were present until 2008. There are no records of training, 

routine maintenance, or annual maintenance. There were no reported leaks or AFFF releases 

from the TriMaxTM fire extinguishers, however it is possible that leakages may have occurred. 

Potential AFFF releases identified at the AASF may have occurred on paved surfaces. Releases 

to the paved surfaces could have migrated a short distance onto the surrounding surface soil. 

Ground-disturbing activities in these grassy areas as well as, beneath the paved surfaces may 

result in potential exposure to surface soils via ingestion and inhalation of dust particles for site 

workers and construction workers. AFFF releases to the paved surfaces could have infiltrated the 

subsurface via cracks in the pavement or joints between areas that are paved with different 

materials. Ground-disturbing activities may result in potential exposure to subsurface soils and 

groundwater for construction workers. 

PFAS are water soluble and can migrate readily from soil to groundwater via leaching. Drinking 

water for the AASF is supplied by the City of Madison, which obtains its public water supply from 

the Lower Sandstone Aquifer (Madison Water Utility, 2018). The nearest municipal water supply 

wells are located approximately 1 mile southeast of the facility. Additionally, it is possible 

unregistered, private, domestic wells exist downgradient of the identified AOIs which may result 

in potential exposure via ingestion of groundwater; therefore, the exposure pathway for 

groundwater is considered potentially complete for off-facility residents. 

TheAASF has a storm water collection system consisting of a storm sewer system that discharges 

east into Starkweather Creek, which surrounds the AASF on the west, east and south sides. The 

Starkweather Creek empties into Lake Monona, which is approximately 2 miles to the south. It is 

possible that PFAS migrated to the nearby surface waters, resulting in potential exposure via 

ingestion of surface water and/or sediment to recreational users. Maintenance activities on the 

storm water systems may result in potential exposure to surface water and/or sediment via

ingestion to site workers and construction workers. The preliminary CSM for AOI 1 is shown on 

Figure 6-2. 
A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A! A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

A!

Starkweather

Creek

Watershed

Starkweathe r Creek Equipment

Shelter

Aviation

Crash

Dane County

Burn Pit

Dane County

Former FTA

Nozzle Test

Area 2

Building 503

Parking Lot

Fuel Spill Ditch

Bulding 430

Hangar 414

Hangar 400 Former Building 403

Hangar 406

Madison College Fire

Education Center

West Ramp AOI 1

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SI

7/29/2020

7/29/2020

Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Madison AASF #2, WI

7/29/2020

1:12,000 ­ Figure 6-1 PM RG 7/29/2020

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Area of Interest

Base Map:

C:\Users\stankevichm\OneDrive - AECOM Directory\ARNG_PFAS_GIS_60552172\MXDs\WI\Madison_AASF_2_Figures\Fig_6-1_Madison_AASF2_AOI.mxd

0 500 1,000 2,000

Feet

Legend

Area of Interest

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Canal/Ditch

Surface Water Flow Direction

Inferred Groundwater Flow Direction

A! Unknown Well

19
Media

SOURCE PATHWAY RECEPTOR

AOI 1 TriMaxTM Fire

Extinguisher

PFAS in

Surface Soil

Human

Activities

Precipitation/

Run-Off

Leaching/

Infiltration

Airborne Soil

Particulate

Surface Soil

at AOIs

Surface

Water/

Sediment

Shallow

Groundwater

Subsurface

Soil

Source Release

Mechanism Media Transportand Migration Media ExposureRoutes

Inhalation of

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors:

Current/ Future

Flow-Chart Continues

Partial / Possible Flow

Flow-Chart Stops

Incomplete Pathway

Potentially Complete Pathway

Complete Pathway

Site

Worker2

Construction

Worker2 Resident1,2 RecreationalUser1,2

Site

Worker2

Construction

Worker2 Resident1,2 Recreational

User1,2

LEGEND

Figure 6-2

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

AOI 1 West Ramp

Potential

Off-Facility

Source Not

under

Control of

ARNG

/

/

Ingestion

/ / / /

Notes:

1. The resident and recreational users

receptors refer to an off-facility resident and

off-facility recreational users.

2. Dermal contact exposure pathway is

incomplete for PFAS.

/

/

/

/

/

/ /

/ /

/ / /

/ /

20
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

21

7. Conclusions

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

use, storage, or release 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

One AOI related to a potential PFAS release was identified at the AASF during the PA. The AOI 

is shown on Figure 7-1 and described in Table 7-1 below:

Table 7-1: AOI at Madison AASF #2

Area of Interest Name Used By Potential Release Date

AOI 1 West Ramp WIARNG Prior to 2008

Based on potential PFAS releases at AOI 1, there is potential for exposure to PFAS contamination 

in media at or near the facility. The preliminary CSM for AOI 1 is shown on Figure 6-2, which 

presents the potential receptors and media impacted. 

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

suspected PFAS releases (Table 7-2).

Table 7-2: No Suspected Release Areas

No Suspected 

Release Area Used by

Rationale for No Suspected Release 

Determination

Equipment Shelter WIARNG

The Fire Baskets had the capability of holding 

AFFF, however, the tanks were never filled or 

used. 

Uncertainties 

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

PFAS-containing materials to have been stored, 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 disposition and use 

of PFAS in training, firefighting, or other non-traditional activities. 

The conclusions of this PA are based on all available information, including: previous 

environmental reports, EDRsTM, observations made during the VSI, and interviews. Interviews of 

personnel with direct knowledge of a facility generally provided the most useful insights regarding 

a facility's historical and current PFAS-containing materials. 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 were first used (1969 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 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, current personnel were interviewed, multiple persons were interviewed 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

22

for the same potential source area, and potential source areas were visually inspected. The 

uncertainties associated with the PA are summarized in Table 7-3. 

Table 7-3: Uncertainties

Area Source of Uncertainty

AASF Direct interviewee knowledge is not available before 

1985. Whether potential use, storage, or release of 

PFAS-containing materials occurred at this facility prior 

to 1985 is unknown. 

AOI 1 West Ramp It is unknown when the TriMaxTM fire extinguishers 

arrived at the facility. 

Potential Future Actions 

Interviews and records (covering 1985 to present) indicate that ARNG activities may have resulted 

in a potential PFAS release at the one AOI identified during the PA. Based on the preliminary CSM 

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

media at or near the facility. Table 7-4 summarizes the rationale used to determine if the AOI 

should be considered for further investigation under the CERCLA process and undergo an SI. 

ARNG will evaluate the need for an SI at Madison AASF #2 based on the potential receptors, the 

potential migration of PFAS contamination off the facility, and the availability of resources.

Table 7-4: PA Findings Summary

Area of Interest AOI Location Rationale Potential Future Action

AOI 1 West Ramp 43°7'33.37"N

89°20'22.60"W 

Several 60-gallon TriMaxTM

fire extinguishers were 

located on the West Ramp 

area.

Proceed to SI, focus 

on soil, groundwater, 

surface water, 

sediment
Starkweather Creek

Equipment

Shelter

Aviation

Crash

Dane County

Burn Pit

Dane County

Former FTA

Nozzle Test

Area 2

Building 503

Parking Lot

Fuel Spill Ditch Nozzle Test Area 1

Bulding 430

Hangar 414 Former Building 403

Hangar 400

Hangar 406

Madison College Fire

Education Center

West Ramp AOI 1

CLIENT

REVISED

SCALE

ARNG

GIS BY

CHK BY

MS

SI

6/11/2020

6/11/2020

Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Madison AASF #2, WI

6/11/2020

1:8,040 ­ Figure 7-1 PM RG 6/11/2020

12420 Milestone Center Drive

Germantown, MD 20876

Summary of Findings

Base Map:

C:\Users\stankevichm\OneDrive - AECOM Directory\ARNG_PFAS_GIS_60552172\MXDs\WI\Madison_AASF_2_Figures\Fig_7-1_Madison_AASF2_Summary.mxd

0 335 670 1,340

Feet

Legend

Area of Interest

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Boundary

Canal/Ditch

23
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

24

8. References

BB&E, Inc. 2015. Final Perfluorinated Compounds Preliminary Assessment Site Visit Report 

Wisconsin Air National Guard Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin. Prepared for Headquarters Air 

National Guard. December 2015. 

Madison Water Utility. 2018. Annual Water Quality Report.

National Ground Water Association, 2018. Groundwater and PFAS: State of Knowledge and 

Practice. January.

National Park Service. 2018. Series: Physiographic Provinces, Central Lowland Province. April. 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2019. Local Climate Data from Dane 

County Airport. Retrieved June 2019, from 

https://www.weather.gov/images/mkx/climate/avg_30_year_snowfall.png

Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison. 2006. 

Starkweather Creek Watershed: Current Conditions and Improvement Strategies in an Urban 

Context. 

PEER Consultants, P.C (PEER). 1988. Final Preliminary Assessment, 128th Tactical Fighter 

Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin. August. 

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

Preliminary Assessments under CERCLA. September.

Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. 2002. Groundwater Resources of 

Southeastern Wisconsin. June. 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

Appendix A 

Data Resources
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2, Madison, Wisconsin

Data Resources will be provided separately on CD. Data Resources for Madison AASF #2.

Madison AASF #2 Leases, Licenses, and Permits

• 1983 DACA Lease Renewal for Air National Guard

• 2003 DACA Supplemental Agreement No. 3

Madison AASF #2 Documentation

• 2015 Final Perfluorinated Compounds Preliminary Assessment Site Visit Report for 

Wisconsin Air National Guard, Truax Field

• 2016 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan for Dane County Regional Airport and Tenants

• 2018 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Letter Regarding Dane County Burn Pit 

and Former FTA

• 2019 Final Report FY16 Phase 1 Regional Site Inspections for Perfluorinated Compounds, 

Truax Field Air National Guard Base, Madison, Wisconsin

EDR Report

• 2019 Madison AASF #2 EDR Report
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

Appendix B

Preliminary Assessment Documentation
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

Appendix B.1

Interview Records
PA Interview Questionnaire - Other Facility: Madison AASF #2

Interviewer:

Date/Time: 5/7/19 0900

Interviewee: 

Title: Maintenance Supervisor

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:

 has been the Maintenance Supervisor for 34 years at Madison AASF #2. 

All the hangars were built in the early 1950s. There were approximately 35 aircrafts at the AASF from 

1985 to 1998. 

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?

 stated that there were 4 – 60 gallon TriMax mobile fire extinguishers 

present on the ramps at the AASF until 2008. Any maintenance that was needed for 

the TriMax fire extinguishers were handled by a contractor off the facility. No 

solution changing occurred at the AASF. To the best of knowledge, AFFF 

was never dispensed at the AASF. In 2008, the TriMax units were removed from the 

facility and sent to Volk Field. Purple K mobile fire extinguishers have been present 

on the ramps ever since the removal of the TriMax units. There has never been bulk 

AFFF storage at the AASF. 

None of the hangars are equipped with a fire suppression system. 

was unaware of any fires at the AASF. There was an aviation crash west of 

the AASF property boundary and on the south end of the flight-line. 

One of the hangars is equipped with a wash rack and trench drains in the building. 

No washing occurred outside of the wash rack. Two hangars have drains/trench 

drains that go to an oil/water separator, then to the sanitary WWTP. 

There is a college fire training center on the other side of Starkweather Creek on the 

east side of the property. stated that it has been there for about 15 years. 

There was an Olympic sized pool where the college would fill with waste oil and 

fuels, then light it on fire and practice putting the fire out. It is unknown is water or 

foam was used to extinguish these fires. 

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

Interviewer:

Date/Time: 5/7/19 0900

Interviewee: 

Title: Maintenance Officer

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:

has been a Maintenance Officer for 10 years at the Madison AASF #2. 

. 

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?

 states confirmed with that the TriMax fire extinguishers had 

never been dispensed at the AASF and they were removed in 2008 to be replaced 

with Purple K mobile fire extinguishers. 

The emergency fire fighting services are provided by the Air National Guard at 

Truax Field, adjacent to the AASF. stated that for certification drills, they 

only ever used water; not foam for fire drills. 

All outside drains on the ramps discharge to Starweather Creek to the east of the 

property boundary. 

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

Interviewer: 

Date/Time: 5/7/2019 1300

Interviewee: Wisconsin Air National Guard 

Truax Field 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 Air National Guard Truax Field personnel were present and contributed to the

information brief that occurred at 1300 at the WI DMA HQ:

 (State Environmental Manager for Truax Field, 12 years at facility)

 (Truax Field, 15 years at facility)

 (115 W Environmental Manager, 21 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 meeting at 1300 on May 7, 2019. 

The Wisconsin Air National Guard (WIANG) had contracted a PFAS site 

inspection (SI), where several areas of interest within the boundary of the WI 

ANG Truax Field facility were identified. During the investigation, soil and 

groundwater samples were taken, but no surface water/sediment samples were 

taken. The PFAS SI report provided outlines which areas of the facility exceeds 

regulatory criteria. The WIANG stated that the recommendation of the PFAS SI 

report is to proceed to a remedial inspection for certain areas of interest at ANG 

Truax Field facility. 

One potential adjacent source to the ANG facility that was discussed included an 

aviation crash fire that occurred at the south side of the flight line and southwest 

of the Madison AASF facility, where it is unknown if AFFF was used to put out 

the fire. 

The WIANG confirmed that there has never been an AFFF fire suppression 

system at the Madison AASF. The WIANG provides emergency support 

services to the AASF and inspects the buildings on an annual basis. No fire 

training activities ever occurred at the Madison AASF. 

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 

Interviewer: 

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:

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

 (Buildings and grounds supervisor, 15 years at facility) 

 (Real Estate Specialist, 1 year at facility)

 (Real Estate Specialist, 2 years at facility)

 (Architect, 32 years at facility)

 (Environmental Branch Chief, 10 years at facility) 

 (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.

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
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

Appendix B.2

Visual Site Inspection Checklists
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

Names(s) of people performing VSI:

Recorded by:

ARNG Contact:

Date and Time: 5/7/2019 8am

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

Source/Release Information

Site Name / Area Name / Unique ID: Madison AASF #2

approximately 20.1 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:

Madison AASF #2 has building built as early as the 1950's, and is adjacent to the 

WIANG Truax Field. 

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

Access to the area is restricted to WIARNG. 

N/A

WIANG Truax Field, Dane County Regional Airport, and residental are adjacent. 

Dane County Regional 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 south-east from ramp 

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

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

Yes, the stormwater system includes both ditches with underdrains and subsurface storm sewers. 

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: 

East and south of the facility, there are culverts and ditches for surface water run-off.

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

n/a

n/a

Other Significant Site Features: 

Migration Potential:

No fire suppression system.

n/a

Yes, WIANG Truax Field, and Dane County Regional Airport. 

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): 

N/A

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 south and west

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

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

Technical college within 2 miles.

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

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

Site Workers / Construction Workers / Trespassers / Residential / Recreational 

Users / Ecological

creeks and riverines on the west, east, and south regions of the facility that all collect and drain the south 

towards Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. 

The facility has controlled access

vegetated except for ramp and parking areas

Significant Topographical Features: 

Page 3 of 4
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

Additional Notes

Photographic Log

Photo ID/Name

1

2

3

4

5/7/2019, Hangar Buildings

5/7/2019, AASF Ramps

Photograph Description

The mobile Purple K fire extinguishers that are scattered around 

the ramps at the AASF.

Starkweather Creek that runs on the east side of the facility. 

Hangar Pod 7. These hangars were built in the 1950’s and do not 

contain fire suppression systems. 

Date & Location

A stormwater drain to direct surface water off the ramps and into 

Starkweather Creek. 5/7/2019, Starkweather Creek

5/7/2019, Starkweather Creek

Page 4 of 4
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

Appendix B.3

Conceptual Site Model Information
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Site Name: Madison Army Aviation Support Facility #2

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 WIANG, Dane County Former FTA, and Dane County Burn Pit.

Training Events

Have any training events with AFFF occurred at this site? No

If so, how often? N/A

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

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

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

pathways to larger water bodies?

Surface Water:

Surface water flow direction? Southeast toward Starkweather Creek.

Average rainfall? 31 inches

Any flooding during rainy season? Yes

Direct or indirect pathway to ditches? Direct

Direct or indirect pathway to larger bodies of water? Direct Starkweather Creek; Indirect Lake Monona

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? Yes, but ANG permit

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

Groundwater:

Groundwater flow direction? Southeast toward Starkweather Creek.

Depth to groundwater? 5 to 10 feet

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

Any groundwater treatment systems? None known

Any groundwater monitoring well locations near the site? I

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

its public water supply from the Lower Sandstone Aquifer.
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

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

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?

The AASF has no firefighting equipment.

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?

The AASF has two mobile fire baskets stored in the canvas shelter building on the fuel tanker pad, on the 

south side of the hangar areas. There has never been any AFFF in the baskets and they have never been 

used for any other purpose. 

3. Other?

Firefighting services for the AASF are provided by WIANG at Truax Field Fire Department.

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)?

Homes and farmland Light industrial, airport, Madison College, and Fire Education Center.

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 man-made drainage system, that eventually drains to the 

Starkweather Creek, which empties into Lake Monona. The AASF is bounded on three sides (east, west, 

south) by the Starkweather Creek.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2

Madison, Wisconsin 

Appendix C

Photographic Log
Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2, Madison, 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 Madison AASF #2 Wisconsin

Photograph No. 1

Description:

The mobile Purple K fire 

extinguishers that are placed

around the ramps at the 

AASF.

Photograph No. 2

Description:

Starkweather Creek that runs 

on the east side of the facility. 
Preliminary Assessment Report

Madison AASF #2, Madison, 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 Madison AASF #2 Wisconsin

Photograph No. 3

Description:

Hangar Pod 7. These hangars 

were built in the 1950’s and 

do not contain fire 

suppression systems. 

Photograph No. 4

Description: 

A stormwater drain to direct 

surface water off the ramps 

and into Starkweather Creek.