FINAL

Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia 

Virginia Army National Guard

Perfluorooctanesulfonic 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

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

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Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.5.1 Soil .................................................................................................................6

1.5.2 Geology .........................................................................................................7

1.5.3 Hydrogeology .................................................................................................7

1.5.4 Hydrology .......................................................................................................8

1.5.5 Climate ...........................................................................................................8

1.5.6 Current and Future Land Use .........................................................................8

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

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

3.1 VAANG Civil Engineer Unit Property .......................................................................14

3.2 Building 424 ............................................................................................................14

3.3 Fueling Station ........................................................................................................14

3.4 Maintenance Building ..............................................................................................15

3.5 Readiness Center ...................................................................................................15

3.6 1970s Controlled Burn Area ....................................................................................15

3.7 Building 4 ................................................................................................................15

3.8 Helipad – Halon Staging Area .................................................................................15

3.9 Building 410 ............................................................................................................16

4. Emergency Response Areas ............................................................................................18

5. Adjacent Sources .............................................................................................................19

5.1 NAS Oceana ...........................................................................................................19

5.2 Virginia Beach Fire Training Center and Fire Station 12 ..........................................20

5.3 2012 Navy Jet Crash Site .......................................................................................20

6. Preliminary Conceptual Site Model ..................................................................................23

6.1 AOI 1: Building 4 .....................................................................................................23

6.2 AOI 2: Helipad ........................................................................................................24

AOI 3: Building 410 .................................................................................................24

7. Conclusions and Data Uncertainty ...................................................................................27

7.1 Findings ..................................................................................................................27

7.2 Uncertainties ...........................................................................................................28

7.3 Potential Future Actions ..........................................................................................29

8. References ......................................................................................................................32
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Tables

Table ES-1 AOIs at Camp Pendleton

Table 1-1 Soil Component Properties

Table 5-1 Suspected Releases at NAS Oceana

Table 7-1 AOIs at Camp Pendleton

Table 7-2 No Suspected Release Areas

Table 7-3 Sources of Uncertainties

Table 7-4 PA Findings Summary

Figures

Figure ES-1 Summary of Findings

Figure ES-2 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model for Camp Pendleton

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 Areas of Interest

Figure 6-2 Preliminary Conceptual Site Model AOI 1 Building 4, AOI 2 Helipad, and AOI 3

Building 410

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

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

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Acronyms and Abbreviations

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

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CSM conceptual site model

EDRTM Environmental Data Resources, Inc.TM

FTA fire training area

HA Health Advisory

NAS Naval Air Station

NPS National Park Service

PA Preliminary Assessment

PFAS per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances

PFOA perfluorooctanoic acid

PFOS perfluorooctanesulfonic acid

SI

SMR

Site Inspection

State Military Reservation

US United States

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers

USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

USGS United States Geological Survey

VA

VAARNG

Virginia

Virginia Air National Guard

VAARNG Virginia Army National Guard

VSI visual site inspection

WWTP wastewater treatment plant
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

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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 Camp Pendleton, Virginia (VA), to assess

potential PFAS release areas and exposure pathways to receptors. 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 6 February 2019 and completed visual site inspections at locations

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

· Interviewed personnel with first-hand knowledge of Camp Pendleton and its surrounding

areas during the site visit, including the Camp Pendleton Buildings and Grounds Supervisor

and City of Virginia Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief;

· 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.

Three AOIs related to potential PFAS releases were identified at Camp Pendleton based on PA

data (Figure ES-1) and is summarized in Table ES-1 below:

Table ES-1: AOIs at Camp Pendleton

Area of Interest Name Used by Potential Release Dates

AOI 1 Building 4 VAARNG, Navy 1990s-2010

AOI 2 Helipad VAARNG, non-ARNG units Unknown

AOI 3 Building 410 VAARNG 1969-1976

Based on the possible releases of PFAS releases at the AOIs, there is potential for exposure to

PFAS contamination in media at or near the facility. The preliminary CSM for Camp Pendleton,

which presents the potential receptors and media impacted, is shown on Figure ES-2.

Additionally, several adjacent sources of potential PFAS release were identified in areas

surrounding Camp Pendleton including Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, the Virginia Beach Fire

Department Fire Station Number 12, and numerous jet crash emergency response locations. It is

possible that a potential PFAS release at one of the adjacent sources identified may have

contributed to PFAS within environmental media at Camp Pendleton. Adjacent off-facility potential

PFAS sources are shown on Figure ES-1.

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 USEPA Health Advisory level within 20

miles of Camp Pendleton. 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.
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Atlantic Ocean

Lake

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Great Nec k

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Wolfsnare Creek

Owl Creek

London

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ridg

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2012 Navy

Jet Crash

NAS Oceana Dam

Neck Annex

NAS Oceana

Virginia Beach Fire

Department Station No. 12

Virginia Beach Fire Dept

Fire Training Center

Area of InterestPotential PFAS ReleaseNo Suspected ReleaseFacility LocationWater BodyWetland

River/StreamCanal/Ditch

Building 4

Building 410

He

S

1970s Contro

Bu

Fueling S

Maintenance Building

Readines

VAANG Prop

AOI 1

AOI 3 

0 2,225 4,450 8,900

Feet
Media

SOURCE PATHWAY RECEPTOR

AOI 1

AOI 2

AOI 3

Potential

historical use or

storage of

PFAS-containing

materials

PFAS in

Surface Soil

Human

Activities

Precipitation/

Run-Off

Leaching/

Infiltration

Airborne Soil

Particulate

Surface Soil

at AOI

Surface

Water/

Sediment

Subsurface

Soil

Shallow

Groundwater

Source Release

Mechanism Media Transportand Migration Media ExposureRoutes

Inhalation of

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors:

Current/ Future

Flow-Chart Continues

Partial / Possible Flow

Incomplete Pathway

Potentially Complete Pathway

Complete Pathway

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker Resident

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker Resident

/ / / /

/ / / /

LEGEND

/ / / /

/ / / /

/ / / /

Figure ES-2

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

Camp Pendleton

Potential

Off-Facility

Source Not

under

Control of

ARNG

Recreational User

Recreational User

Notes:

1. The resident and recreational user

receptors refer to an off-site resident and

recreational user.

2. The site worker and construction worker

receptors refer only to Camp Pendleton site and

construction workers.

3. Dermal contact exposure pathway is

incomplete for PFAS.

Flow-Chart Stops

3
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1. Introduction

Authority and Purpose

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

(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 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. 

This report presents the findings of a PA for PFAS-containing materials at Camp Pendleton (also 

referred to as the “facility”), Virginia (VA), 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 Army 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 Camp Pendleton. 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 6 February 2019 and completed visual site inspections at locations 

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

· Interviewed personnel with first-hand knowledge of Camp Pendleton and its surrounding 

areas during the site visit, including the Camp Pendleton Buildings and Grounds Supervisor 

and City of Virginia Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief;

· 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. 
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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 potential or suspected 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 – 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

Camp Pendleton, formerly known as Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation (SMR), is 

located just south of the main resort area of Virginia Beach, VA (Figure 1-1). Camp Pendleton 

provides support facilities for the VAARNG, as well as tenants including the Commonwealth 

ChalleNGe Program, and federal and local government. Camp Pendleton occupies a parcel of 

land owned by the Navy and leased to the VAARNG. Real property documents for Camp 

Pendleton are included in Appendix A. The Virginia Air National Guard (VAANG) 203rd Civil 

Engineer Flight Unit also occupies a portion of the facility. Camp Pendleton incorporates 

approximately 327 acres and is bounded by General Booth Boulevard to the west, Birdneck Road 

to the south, the Croatan residential neighborhood to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the 

east. 

The facility was founded by the Virginia state militia, the precursor to the VAARNG, and began 

construction in 1912. It originally comprised approximately 400 acres. During the height of its 

training mission, Camp Pendleton consisted of as much as 1,200 acres. The facility was 

constructed during three distinct building campaigns with interspersed construction on a smaller 

scale since its establishment as the State Rifle Range in 1912. The first campaign laid out the 

original core of the rifle range, and the layout remains extant. The second campaign of major 

construction, performed by the U.S. Navy in 1919, brought further development of the rifle ranges. 

Although the buildings constructed by the U.S. Navy no longer exist, the layout and configuration 

of the original development areas have been retained. The final major construction campaign, 
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completed by the U.S. Army during World War II, provides the majority of extant buildings and 

denotes when the facility was dedicated as Camp Pendleton.

 Facility Environmental Setting

Information presented in this section was gathered from several sources, including the National 

Register of Historic Places (National Park Service [NPS], 2013), a 2018 Final SI report for the 

adjacent Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana (CH2M, 2018), a 2017 Navy Integrated Natural 

Resources Management Plan for NAS Oceana (Navy, 2017), and a 1998 Feasibility Study for the 

conversion of Camp Pendleton into a state park (JLARC, 1998). Camp Pendleton was originally 

established on farmland and beachfront and has since been surrounded by the development of 

the city of Virginia Beach. The overall terrain of Camp Pendleton consists of a largely level area; 

elevations that do exist are located primarily near the beach Rifle Range, with dunes in the area 

tending to be more gently sloping terrain and ranging from approximately 3 to 7 feet in height. The 

facility also contains some drainage areas, consisting of sloping to steep areas with moderately 

drained soils. The elevation of the facility is approximately 26 feet above sea level (NPS, 2013). 

In addition to the Atlantic Ocean, which borders the facility to the east, Lake Christine extends into 

the facility footprint. Lake Christine is a freshwater body that spans approximately one-half mile 

from north to south and one-half mile from east to west. The facility’s cottage residences are 

scattered along the west and south sides of Lake Christine, including the Governor's Cottage to 

the south, across Jefferson Avenue, and the Post Superintendent's House at the southern end of 

the lake (NPS, 2013).

Although the majority of Camp Pendleton’s grounds consist of open, grassy spaces, there are 

wooded areas, including the largely wooded zone along the central portion of the facility’s northern 

boundary and east of Lake Christine. These wooded areas contain a variety of coniferous and 

deciduous trees and shrubs. The remainder of the facility landscape is developed with paved 

roads, buildings, and structures (NPS, 2013).

The facility is restricted to the general public by locked fence and guarded entryways but is 

unrestricted to Camp Pendleton personnel. Facility roads are open only to personnel associated 

with Camp Pendleton. The areas surrounding Camp Pendleton consist of commercial and 

suburban residential areas, as well as municipal facilities and recreational areas

1.5.1 Soil

According to the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan Soil Map (Stantech, 2016), there 

are five major soil components found at Camp Pendleton: Acredale, Tetotum, Augusta, 

Chapanoke, and Tomotleys. The properties of each soil component are listed in Table 1-1 below:

Table 1-1: Soil Component Properties

Soil Component 

Name

Soil Surface 

Texture

Hydrologic 

Group

Soil Drainage 

Class

Hydric 

Status

Corrosion 

Potential

Acredale Silt loam Class D Poorly drained Yes High

Tetotum Loam Class C Moderately well 

drained

No High

Augusta Loam Class D Somewhat 

poorly drained

No Moderate
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

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Soil Component

Name

Soil Surface

Texture

Hydrologic

Group

Soil Drainage

Class

Hydric

Status

Corrosion

Potential

Chapanoke Silt loam Class D Somewhat

poorly drained

No High

Tomotley Loam Class C Poorly drained Yes High

Web Soil Survey, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2019

1.5.2 Geology

Camp Pendleton is on the outer edge of the Atlantic Coastal Plain physiographic province. The

Atlantic Coastal Plain is a broad wedge of unconsolidated sediments that dip and thicken to the

east. In the vicinity of Camp Pendleton, these sediments consist of several thousand feet of

unconsolidated sand, clay, silt, and gravels and are underlain by granite basement rock. The

sediments range in age from late Cretaceous to Recent. The eastern portions of Camp Pendleton

are underlain by beach sand and dune sand deposits, as well as marsh and intertidal mud

deposits. The central and western portions of Camp Pendleton are underlain by the Tabb

formation Lynnhaven and Poquoson Members (USGS, 1993) (Figure 1-2). The Lynnhaven

Member is pebbly and cobbly, fine to coarse gray sand grades upward into clayey and silty fine

sand and sandy silt. Locally, at the base of the unit, medium to coarse cross-bedded sand and

clayey silt containing abundant plant material fill channels cut into underlying stratigraphic units.

The Poquoson Member is the surficial sediment over much of the Tabb formation area and

consists of fluvial estuarine fine to medium sand and sandy clay (USGS, 1993).

The geologic units described in previous environmental investigations at the adjacent NAS

Oceana are the Yorktown Formation and the Columbia Group. The Columbia Group is present at

the ground surface in the vicinity of the Base and generally extends to approximately 20 feet

below ground surface (bgs). The Yorktown Formation underlies the Columbia Group. The upper

Yorktown Formation consists of interbedded layers of shelly, very fine to coarse sands, clayey

sands, and sandy clay of Tertiary age. Regionally, the uppermost of these silt and clay beds

separates the Yorktown Formation from the sediments of the Columbia Group that overlie it. This

uppermost bed consists of massive, well-bedded yellowgray to greenish-gray clays and silty

clays, commonly containing shells, fine sand, and mica. The clay layers within the confining bed

are generally extensive but are a series of coalescing clay beds rather than a single deposited

unit. This unit was deposited in a shallow open-marine environment of broad lagoons and quiet

bays (Meng and Harsh, 1984). The sediments of the Columbia Group consist of interbedded

gravels, sands, silts, and clays of Pleistocene and Holocene age. The Pleistocene and Holocene

sediments were deposited in fluvial-marine terrace and near-shore marine environments such as

lagoons, beaches, tidal flats and barrier islands (CH2M, 1991).

1.5.3 Hydrogeology

The surficial hydrogeologic unit at the adjacent NAS Oceana consists of the Columbia aquifer,

which extends to a depth of approximately 17 to 30 feet bgs at the facility. The hydrogeologic unit

at NAS Oceana is anticipated to be similar at Camp Pendleton. This hydrogeologic unit is

underlain by the Yorktown confining unit across much of coastal Virginia; however, this unit is 

absent across most of Camp Pendleton. Where present, the confining unit is underlain by the

Yorktown aquifer. Aquifer conditions are unconfined in the Columbia Group and unconfined to

semiconfined within the upper Yorktown Formation. When the clay confining unit overlying the

Yorktown is absent, the upper Yorktown and Columbia aquifers act as a single, unconfined,

hydrogeologic unit. The approximate thickness of the Yorktown aquifer is 100 feet, based on The
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Virginia Coastal Plain Hydrogeologic Framework (USGS, 2006). Groundwater flow beneath Camp

Pendleton is unknown; however, groundwater flow at the adjacent NAS Oceana generally flows 

north on the northern side of the base, west-northwest at the eastern portion of the base, and

south-southwest across the southern side of the base (CH2M, 2018). Groundwater at NAS

Oceana is generally within 4 to 10 feet of the land surface (USGS, 2006).

Groundwater is not used for drinking water at Camp Pendleton. Public water services are provided

by the Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities; water is sourced from Lake Gaston, via the

Lake Gaston Water Supply Pipeline. The 2018 Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR)TM

Geocheck Radius Map Report indicated that there are no drinking water wells at Camp Pendleton.

VAARNG staff confirmed that no operational wells exist at Camp Pendleton; however, the Virginia

Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Geology and Mineral Resources spatial

data for Camp Pendleton shows three groundwater wells located within the camp boundary, as

shown on Figure 1-2 (DMME, 2018). The wells are listed as public/municipal/government wells.

Interviewees at Camp Pendleton believe the wells may have been previously abandoned and

confirmed that they are not used for drinking water.

The USEPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) data indicate that

PFOS/PFOA were not detected in a public water system above the USEPA Health Advisory (HA)

within a 20-mile radius of the facility. 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.

1.5.4 Hydrology

Owl Creek and Lake Christine are the main drainage features surrounding Camp Pendleton.

Surface water in the northwestern section of the site flows north to northwest to a stormwater

pond at the northern end of the site and into Owl Creek. Surface water in the eastern section of

the site flows into Lake Christine. In the southern section of the site, surface water flows north to

northwest towards Owl Creek. A series of in-ground pipes and ditches take water towards two

stormwater ponds and eventually discharge in Owl creek.

The city of Virginia Beach's elevation and proximity to water makes it susceptible to flooding.

According to the city of Virginia Beach’s Online Mapping Service, portions of Camp Pendleton are

identified as areas with 0.2% annual chance of flooding, areas with a 1% chance of annual

flooding, and areas that are part of the base floodplain (City of Virginia Beach, 2017). The majority

of Camp Pendleton is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, which means it has a lower

risk for flooding.

1.5.5 Climate

Camp Pendleton is located in an area where temperature extremes are moderated by the Atlantic

Ocean. The average yearly temperature is 60.0 degrees Fahrenheit, with an annual precipitation

of 45.7 inches. Winds on average blow from a northerly direction from January through March

and again in September and October. During the remaining months, winds generally blow from a

southerly direction. (Navy, 2017)

1.5.6 Current and Future Land Use

Camp Pendleton’s primary purposes are the training of soldiers and personnel. Both VAARNG

and Virginia Air National Guard (VAANG) control portions of the facility. When the facilities are

not used by military organizations, state and local civilian agencies also conduct training at the

site. Virginia Beach City authorities have repeatedly requested to convert the camp to other uses,

including partial or complete conversion to a state park (JLARC, 1998). The facility is also
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currently listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and on the National Register of Historic

Places.

The Camp proper consists of 229.87 acres owned by the VAARNG. Within the Camp, parcels

are leased to the city of Virginia Beach, including 1.4 acres for equipment and materials storage,

a 12.2-acre parking lot used by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, 600 feet of

beachfront, and approximately 505 parking spaces in a beachfront lot. The historic district of the

Camp includes a 60.37-acre complex leased to the U.S. Air Force for use by a VAANG Civil

Engineer Unit; 2.5 acres for the VAARNG Virginia Beach Readiness Center (Armory), 27.5 acres

owned by the US Navy, and the remainder is Lake Christine. Also, within the Camp, the

Commonwealth of Virginia's Youth ChalleNGe Academy uses barracks and other buildings in

Regimental Camp Area No. 2, located in the southwestern portion of the Camp, between 3rd

Street and the Camp boundary along South Birdneck Road (NPS, 2013). Future land use is not

expected to change.
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2. Fire Training Areas

FTAs are considered a primary potential release area for PFAS because of common use of AFFF

in training events. No FTAs were identified at Camp Pendleton during the PA through interviews,

historical documentation, or the EDRTM Reports. Personnel interviewed have institutional

knowledge spanning 1982-present. Historical aerial imagery included in the 2018 EDRTM report

did not indicate that any areas were previously used as FTAs.
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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. Nine non-FTAs where AFFF 

was potentially stored and/or used were investigated during the PA. A description of each nonFTA is presented below, and they are shown on Figure 3-1, with photographs appearing in 

Appendix C. 

VAANG Civil Engineer Unit Property

The VAANG occupies a 60.37-acre complex in the northern portion of Camp Pendleton (Figure 

3-1). The VAANG leases property at the facility from the VAARNG (beginning in 1987). The 

VAANG has no aviation assets present at Camp Pendleton, but use the facility for equipment 

storage. According to VAANG staff, AFFF is not stored or used by VAANG at the facility. No 

evidence gathered during the PA indicates that AFFF has been released within the VAANG 

property at Camp Pendleton.

According to interviewees, a burn pit for wood and construction debris was used by the VAARNG 

in the 1970s and 1980s. The burn pit existed in what is now part of the VAANG Civil Engineering 

Unit property. The geographic coordinates for the center of the former burn pit are approximately 

36°49'11.79"N; 75°58'42.51"W. The VAARNG discontinued use of the pit before the construction 

of the VAANG complex. There are no documented uses or releases of AFFF at the former burn 

pit, and interviewees stated that AFFF has never been used in association with the burn pit. The 

VAANG Civil Engineer Unit property is not considered a potential PFAS release area due to the 

lack of evidence indicating historical use or storage of AFFF.

Building 424

Building 424 is located within the VAANG Civil Engineer Unit property, adjacent to the fueling 

station on the northern side of Camp Pendleton (Figure 3-1). According to interviewees, Building 

424 was burned down by the Virginia Beach Fire Department between 2010 and 2011 as part of 

a controlled burn. According to Virginia Beach Fire Department staff, no AFFF was used during 

the burn, and the Virginia Beach Fire Department has never used or stored AFFF at Camp 

Pendleton. The geographic coordinates for the building are 36°82'11.90"N; 75°97'91.08"W. The 

historical function and use of Building 424 prior to its demolition is unknown. Building 424 is not 

considered a potential PFAS release area due to the lack of evidence indicating historical use or 

storage of AFFF.

Fueling Station

The Fueling Station is located adjacent to the VAANG Civil Engineer Unit property, on the northern 

side of Camp Pendleton (Figure 3-1). The geographic coordinates are 36°82'12.31"N; 

75°98'0.19"W. Various fire suppression systems and/or devices are often staged at fueling 

stations, which may include AFFF. According to VAARNG staff, no AFFF is staged at the Fueling 

Station; fire suppression systems at Camp Pendleton rely upon dry chemical extinguishers. 

Additionally, no accidents resulting in fire at the Fueling Station were recalled by staff during 

interviews. No buildings at Camp Pendleton are constructed with AFFF fire suppression systems. 

The Fueling Station is not considered a potential PFAS release area due to the lack of evidence 

indicating historical use or storage of AFFF.
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Maintenance Building

The Maintenance Building is located adjacent to the Armory, in the southwest portion of Camp 

Pendleton (Figure 3-1). Maintenance buildings are common places for equipment storage, which 

may include AFFF concentrate. The geographic coordinates are 36°81'32.34"N; 75°98'74.73"W. 

There is no historical evidence indicating that AFFF has ever been stored or used at the 

Maintenance Building in Camp Pendleton. The Maintenance Building is not considered a potential 

PFAS release area due to the lack of evidence indicating historical use or storage of AFFF.

Readiness Center

The Readiness Center is located near the southwestern corner of Camp Pendleton (Figure 3-1). 

Readiness centers are commonly used for storage of equipment, which may include fire 

suppression system supplies. The geographic coordinates are 36°81'15.40"N; 75°98'53.02"W. 

Fire suppression at the Readiness Center consists only of dry chemical ABC fire extinguishers. 

According to interviewees, there has never been AFFF storage or use, nor any accidents requiring 

emergency fire suppression at the Readiness Center. The Readiness Center is not considered a 

potential PFAS release area due to the lack of evidence indicating historical use or storage of 

AFFF.

1970s Controlled Burn Area

The 1970s Controlled Burn Area is an approximately 15,000 ft long by 215 ft wide area located in 

the southwestern portion of Camp Pendleton, adjacent to the barracks (Figure 3-1). The 

geographic coordinates of the approximate center of the area are 36°81'33.02"N; 75°98'60.76"W. 

In the 1970s, approximately 80 buildings in the former barracks area were burned down for 

demolition purposes. According to interviewees, no AFFF was used in during the building 

demolitions. Interview documents appear in Appendix B. Due to the lack of historical evidence 

of the usage and storage of AFFF during the 1970s Controlled Burn, a potential PFAS release to 

the area is not suspected.

Building 4

Building 4 is located adjacent to the VAANG Civil Engineer Unit Property, in the northern portion 

of Camp Pendleton (Figure 3-1). The geographic coordinates are 36°81'92.16"N; 75°98'20.19"W. 

According to VAARNG interviewees, Building 4 was leased by the Navy from the late 1990s to 

2010 and supported the Military Sea Lift Command. During its operation as a Navy building, a 

Halon fire suppression system was present within the building. The specific type of Halon foam 

product used by the suppression system is unknown, but its contents were never released, 

according to VAARNG staff. Halon is a fire extinguishing agent, almost universally used as an 

aircraft fire extinguisher, that contains bromochlorodifluoromethane. As a chlorofluorocarbon, 

Halon production has ceased, but many Halon products remain in circulation until used for their 

intended purpose. The Halon fire suppression system was removed in 2010, when the building 

was transferred to the VAARNG; it is unknown how the Navy disposed of their Halon after 

removal. Based on the prevalent use and storage of AFFF at Navy facilities and the lack of Navy 

interviewees available during this PA, it is possible that undocumented PFAS-containing materials 

were used or stored at Building 4. Building 4 is considered a potential PFAS release area.

Helipad – Halon Staging Area

The Helipad is located directly south of the VAANG property in the northern portion of Camp 

Pendleton (Figure 3-1). The geographic coordinates for the approximate center of the Helipad 

are 36°81'61.42"N; 75°97’87.72"W. Similar to Building 4, a wheeled Halon fire extinguisher was 
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formerly staged at the Helipad. The unit described also resembles the AMEREX Halon 1211 

wheeled fire extinguisher. According to interviewees, the Halon unit was never used for training 

or emergency response purposes and was disposed of in 2012. A copy of the 2012 disposal 

manifest is included in Appendix A, as is the safety data sheet for the AMEREX model Halon 

1211 wheeled fire extinguisher. Based on the storage of Halon foam at the Helipad and it’s use 

by non-ARNG units, it is possible that undocumented use and storage of PFAS-containing 

materials occurred there. The Helipad is considered a potential PFAS release area.

Building 410

Building 410 served as the Camp Pendleton Fire Department prior to the 1970s and is currently 

used as a classroom and storage building. Building 410 is located in the central portion of Camp 

Pendleton (Figure 3-1), and its approximate geographic coordinates are 36°81'64.79"N; 

75°98'36.06"W. According to interviewees, Building 410 has never been a place for storage or 

use of AFFF products, nor does it have an AFFF fire suppression system. During the site visit, 

hoses stamped in 1976 were observed at Building 410 and appeared to have function for water 

only; use of PFAS for firefighting purposes by the Department of Defense began in 1969. Based 

on the date stamped on firehoses, Building 410 may have been used as the Camp Pendleton Fire 

Department after the introduction of PFAS-containing materials to the ARNG. Although no 

evidence gathered for Building 410 indicates that AFFF was ever used of stored at the building, it 

is possible that undocumented storage or use of PFAS-containing materials occurred at the 

building based on its uncertain dates of use. Building 410 is considered a potential PFAS release 

area. 
Atlantic Ocean

Lake 

Christine

Owl Creek

1970s Controlled Burn Area

Building 424

Former Burn Pit

Fueling Station

Maintenance Building

Readiness Center

VAANG Property

Building 4

Building 410 Helipad - Halon

Staging Area

0 450 900 1,800

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Facility Location

Water Body

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4. Emergency Response Areas

VAARNG and City of Virginia Beach Fire Department staff stated that no crashes or emergencies

have resulted in the use of AFFF at Camp Pendleton during their tenure (1982-present).

Numerous crashes have occurred in the areas surrounding Camp Pendleton, including NAS

Oceana. Emergency responses to crashes sometimes require flame suppression, which may

result in the release of PFAS to the environment in the form of AFFF. No emergency response

locations involving the potential release of AFFF were identified within Camp Pendleton during

the site visit, although there is little or no information available prior to 1982.
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5. Adjacent Sources

Three off-facility potential PFAS release areas that are not under the control of the VAARNG were 

identified adjacent to the Camp Pendleton facility, during the PA site visit. A description of each 

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

NAS Oceana

The NAS Oceana base is located approximately 2 miles west of Camp Pendleton (Figure 5-1). 

The base, including the NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex located approximately 1.3 miles 

southwest of Camp Pendleton, was established in 1943 as a small auxiliary airfield. Since 1943, 

NAS Oceana has grown to 16 times its original size and is now 6,000 acres. NAS Oceana Range 

Control controls aviation operations at Camp Pendleton (CH2M, 2018). 

According to interviewees, NAS Oceana has its own Fire Department that stores and uses AFFF 

during fire training exercises within the base. The NAS Oceana Fire Department has responded 

to numerous Navy crashes within the base and its vicinity using AFFF. Fire training practices and 

schedule, as well as firefighting equipment maintenance and disposal routines, are unknown. 

According to the 2018 CH2M NAS Oceana SI, only water is used during fire training at NAS 

Oceana; however, other releases are reported in the SI as listed in Table 5-1 below.

Table 5-1: Suspected Releases at NAS Oceana

Known or Suspected 

NAS Oceana AFFF 

Releases

Nature of Release

1986 Plane Crash A plane crashed off Oceana Boulevard. SI interviews indicated 

that AFFF was used in response to this crash.

1995 Plane Crash A plane crashed in the woods on the installation, but SI 

interviewees could not recall whether there was an associated 

fire.

2007 Plane Crash A civilian plane crashed during an air show practice off runway 

5L. SI interviewees could not recall whether AFFF was used.

2012 Plane Crash An F18 jet crashed into the nearby Mayview Apartments. AFFF 

was used on the subsequent fire. This source area is described 

in section 5.3.

1100 Area Training 

Release

During training near the Hush House an AFFF release was 

accidentally triggered by staff. The concrete area where AFFF 

was released was sprayed down to push AFFF into surrounding 

grass.

Building 145 Accidental 

Release

An AFFF release was accidentally triggered causing AFFF to spill 

out into the parking lot. Personnel were advised to cover the 

storm drains as well as they could, and spray water to wash the 

AFFF onto the grass. Remaining AFFF was vacuumed by and 

disposed of by a contractor.

Hangar 111 Accidental 

Release

An accidental release occurred during floor nozzle retrofitting.
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Groundwater samples collected during the SI indicate that PFOS and PFOA concentrations in 

groundwater beneath the base exceed the USEPA HA of 70 parts per trillion. One off-base potable 

well east of the facility showed detections of PFOA and PFOS, but did not exceed the USEPA HA. 

Groundwater flow at the base generally flows north on the northern side of the base, westnorthwest at the eastern portion of the base, and south-southwest across the southern side of the 

base (CH2M, 2018). The 2018 SI for NAS Oceana is included in Appendix A.

Virginia Beach Fire Training Center and Fire Station 12

The Virginia Beach Fire Training Center and Station 12 are located approximately 0.2 miles 

southwest of Camp Pendleton (Figure 5-1). The City of Virginia Beach Fire Department is 

responsible for emergency response at Camp Pendleton. Universal Gold 1%/3% AR-AFFF is 

stored in 5-gallon buckets within the vehicle maintenance bays at Fire Station 12. Universal Gold 

1%/3% AR-AFFF is known to contain fluoroalkyl surfactants; its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is 

included in Appendix A. National Foam Knockdown Class A Foam Concentrate (non-AFFF) is 

also stored at Station 12. Its SDS is also included in Appendix A. When needed, the Fire 

Department mixes AFFF from the concentrate with water for use at a response scene. According 

to City of Virginia Beach Fire Department staff, most of the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department 

fire stations have one AFFF-capable firetruck and two to three non-AFFF-capable response 

vehicles. No City of Virginia Beach Fire Department firetrucks have a history of maintenance 

issues related to AFFF. The City of Virginia Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief confirmed that 

AFFF is not used for washing spills or as a precaution for fuel spills, nor has it been used for 

emergency response at Camp Pendleton. No joint fire training with AFFF occurs between 

VAARNG and the Fire Department at Camp Pendleton. To the knowledge of both VAARNG and 

City of Virginia Beach Fire Department staff, AFFF has never been released at Camp Pendleton. 

Fire Department staff could not confirm whether AFFF is used during training operations at the 

neighboring Virginia Beach Fire Training Center.

2012 Navy Jet Crash Site

The 2012 Navy Jet Crash Site is located approximately 2.2 miles north of Camp Pendleton, near 

the intersection of North Birdneck Road and Fleming Drive. The geographic coordinates are 

36°85'11.92"N; 75°99'28.02"W (Figure 5-1). The crash destroyed three buildings, and two were 

damaged. According to VAARNG and City of Virginia Beach Fire Department interviewees, as 

well as the 2018 NAS Oceana SI Report, AFFF was used by the Navy Fire Department at the 

Known or Suspected 

NAS Oceana AFFF 

Releases

Nature of Release

Hangar 500 Accidental 

Releases

Accidental releases of AFFF occurred approximately monthly due 

to suppression system sensor malfunctions. The date range of 

the monthly activations is unknown. 

Building 139 Accidental 

Release

In 2010 a spill occurred at the corrosion control facility. The AFFF 

was pushed outside to the grass swale on the southeast side of 

the building, and then cleaned up with a vacuum truck. Multiple 

releases have occurred at Building 139.

Hangar 122 Accidental 

Release

In 2011 a storm caused stormwater to back up and fill the overflow 

tanks in Hangar 122, releasing AFFF to the storm drain and storm 

ditch.
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crash scene. The volume and type of AFFF used in response to the fire is unknown. Photo number

2 in Appendix C shows the discharged AFFF at the scene of the crash.
Atlantic Ocean

Lake

Tecumseh

James Swamp

Littl e NeckCr e ek

Great N eck Creek

Malbon Swamp

Wolfsnar e Creek

Owl Creek

West Neck Creek

Lond onB ridgeCre ek

2012 Navy

Jet Crash

NAS Oceana Dam

Neck Annex

NAS Oceana

Virginia Beach Fire

Department Station No. 12 Virginia Beach Fire Dept

Fire Training Center

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6. Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

Based on the PA findings, three non-FTAs were identified where PFAS may have been stored or 

discharged to the ground surface. As such, these AOIs may be potential PFAS source areas. The 

AOIs and preliminary CSMs for the AOIs are shown on Figure 6-1 and Figure 6-2, respectively, 

and the AOIs are summarized below. 

The following AOIs were identified as a potential PFAS source area:

· AOI 1 – Building 4

· AOI 2 – Helipad

· AOI 3 – Building 410

The following sections describe the CSM components and the specific preliminary CSMs 

developed for each AOI. 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.

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 Camp Pendleton include site workers, construction workers 

and recreational users. The preliminary CSMs for the AOIs indicate which specific receptors could 

potentially be exposed to PFAS.

AOI 1: Building 4

AOI 1 includes Building 4, which was historically leased by the Navy (Figure 6-1). Although no 

historical evidence available during the PA indicates that PFAS releases have occurred at Building 

4, unknown and undocumented releases may have occurred based on the prevalent use and 

storage of AFFF at Navy facilities and the lack of Navy interviewees available during this PA. 

Potential PFAS releases at AOI 1 may have occurred within Building 4 or on the grassy areas 

surrounding the building. Ground-disturbing activities in these grassy areas as well as beneath 

the pavement may result in potential exposure to PFAS in surface soils via ingestion and 

inhalation of dust particles for site workers and construction workers. Because the facility is a 

fenced and guarded facility with controlled access, trespassers are not anticipated to be exposed 

to PFAS in site media. Ground-disturbing activities may result in potential exposure to subsurface 

soils and groundwater via ingestion for construction workers.

PFAS are water soluble and can migrate readily from soil to groundwater via leaching, but there 

are no active drinking water wells at Camp Pendleton. Based on the topographic features, the 

inferred groundwater flow is to the northeast. According to Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals 

and Energy, Division of Geology and Mineral Resources spatial data, two wells identified as 

public, municipal, or government wells are located downgradient of the identified AOI; however, 

they are located on the north side of Owl Creek, which is expected to act as a hydraulic barrier. 

As such, groundwater is not considered a potential pathway for PFAS exposure to site workers 

or off-facility residents. Groundwater depth at the facility is presumed to be shallow due to the 

proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, so PFAS exposure to construction workers via ingestion of 

groundwater during ground-disturbing activities is considered potentially complete. 

It is unknown whether Building 4 contains floor drains, and if so, where those drains connect. If 

floor drains in Building 4 connect to sanitary system sewers, then PFAS may have migrated offsite 

to a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). There are no WWTPs at Camp Pendleton. Stormwater 
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runoff from AOI 1 is expected to flow northwest towards a stormwater pond at the northern end of 

Camp Pendleton and ultimately to Owl Creek. Runoff may also flow into wetlands in the wooded 

area west of AOI 1. It is possible that PFAS migrated to Owl Creek and may result in potential 

exposure via ingestion of surface water and/or sediment to recreational users of Owl Creek and 

its tributaries, and to site and construction workers entering the stormwater pond or other wetlands 

within Camp Pendleton. The preliminary CSM for AOI 1 is shown on Figure 6-2. 

AOI 2: Helipad

AOI 2 is the Camp Pendleton Helipad. Although there are no documented AFFF releases from 

the Helipad, undocumented use of the Helipad by non-ARNG units presents a data gap in which 

AFFF may have been stored or used at the Helipad.

Any release of PFAS-containing materials at the Helipad would have occurred on grassy surfaces. 

As such, ground-disturbing activities at the AOI may result in potential exposure to PFAS in 

surface soils via ingestion and inhalation of dust particles for site workers and construction 

workers. Subsurface soil and groundwater may also expose construction workers to PFAS via 

ingestion during ground-disturbing activities. Groundwater and surface water at AOI 2 flows 

towards the northeast along a drainage channel and drains to Lake Christine. As such, 

recreational users of Lake Christine as well as site and construction workers entering the drainage 

ditch may be exposed to PFAS in surface water and sediment via ingestion. The pathways and 

receptors for AOI 2 are the same as described in Section 6.1. The preliminary CSM for AOI 2 is 

shown on Figure 6-2. 

AOI 3: Building 410

AOI 3 is Building 410, the former Camp Pendleton Fire Department. Although there are no 

documented AFFF releases from the fire station building, the dates of use for the Fire Department 

indicate that it is possible that AFFF could have been used or stored at the AOI. 

Any released AFFF may have occurred within Building 410 or on the grassy areas surrounding 

the building. Stormwater runoff at Building 410 drains to Owl Creek and its tributaries. The 

pathways and receptors for AOI 3 are the same as described in Section 6.1. The preliminary 

CSM for AOI 3 is shown on Figure 6-2. 
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Pacific Ocean

Rudee Inlet-Atlantic

Ocean Watershed

Lynnhaven

River

Watershed

Sand Ridge-Atlantic

Ocean Watershed

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West Neck

Creek

Watershed

Lake

Tecumseh

James Swamp

Great Nec k

Creek

Malbon Swamp

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Wolfsnare Creek

OwlCreek

London Bridge C reek

2012 Navy

Jet Crash

NAS Oceana Dam

Neck Annex

NAS Oceana

Virginia Beach Fire

Department Station No. 12

Virginia Beach Fire Dept

Fire Training Center

AOI 1

AOI 3 AOI 2

Area of Interest

Potential PFAS Release

No Suspected Release

Facility Location

Water Body

Wetland

River/Stream

Canal/Ditch

Surface Water Flow Direction

Inferred Groundwater Flow

Direction

!P Domestic Well

!5 Industrial Well

!C( Public/Municipal/Government

Well

A! Monitoring/Observation Well

!C(

!C(

!C(

Building 4

Building 410

Helipad - Halon

Staging Area

1970s Controlled Burn Area

Building 424

Former Burn Pit

Fueling Station

Maintenance Building

Readiness Center

VAANG Property

Lake

Christine

Rudee

Inlet-Atlantic

Ocean Watershed

Ashville Bridge

Creek Watershed

Owl Creek

AOI 1

AOI 3 AOI 2

0 475 950 1,900

Feet

0 2,225 4,450 8,900

Feet

25
Media

SOURCE PATHWAY RECEPTOR

AOI 1

AOI 2

AOI 3

Potential

historical use or

storage of

PFAS-containing

materials

PFAS in

Surface Soil

Human

Activities

Precipitation/

Run-Off

Leaching/

Infiltration

Airborne Soil

Particulate

Surface Soil

at AOI

Surface

Water/

Sediment

Subsurface

Soil

Shallow

Groundwater

Source Release

Mechanism Media Transportand Migration Media ExposureRoutes

Inhalation of

Dust

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Ingestion

Human Receptors:

Current/ Future

Flow-Chart Continues

Partial / Possible Flow

Incomplete Pathway

Potentially Complete Pathway

Complete Pathway

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker Resident

Site

Worker

Construction

Worker Resident

/ / / /

/ / / /

LEGEND

/ / / /

/ / / /

/ / / /

Figure 6-2

Preliminary Conceptual Site Model

AOI 1 Building 4, AOI 2 Helipad, and AOI 3 Building 410

Potential

Off-Facility

Source Not

under

Control of

ARNG

Recreational User

Recreational User

Notes:

1. The resident and recreational user

receptors refer to an off-site resident and

recreational user.

2. The site worker and construction worker

receptors refer only to Camp Pendleton site and

construction workers.

3. Dermal contact exposure pathway is

incomplete for PFAS.

Flow-Chart Stops

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7. Conclusions and Data Uncertainty

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

and storage of AFFF and other PFAS-related activities at the VAARNG Camp Pendleton. The PA 

findings are based on the personnel interviews, environmental investigations and reports, 

historical documents, and the VSI (Appendices A, B, and C).

Findings

Three AOIs related to potential PFAS releases were identified at Camp Pendleton based on PA 

data (Figure 7-1) and is summarized in Table 7-1 below:

Table 7-1: AOIs at Camp Pendleton

Area of Interest Name Used by Potential Release Dates

AOI 1 Building 4 VAARNG, Navy 1990s-2010

AOI 2 Helipad VAARNG, non-ARNG units Unknown

AOI 3 Building 410 VAARNG 1969-1976

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 CSM for the Camp Pendleton are 

shown on Figure 6-2, which presents the potential receptors and media impacted. It is possible 

that a potential PFAS release at one of the adjacent sources identified may have contributed to 

PFAS within environmental media at Camp Pendleton. Potential adjacent sources are shown on 

Figure 7-1.

The NAS Oceana base was identified as an off-facility potential PFAS source. The base has its 

own Fire Department that stores and uses AFFF and has responded to numerous Navy crashes 

within the base and its surrounding areas using AFFF. The 2018 CH2M SI for NAS Oceana 

indicates that PFAS is present in groundwater beneath the base at levels exceeding the USEPA 

HA of 70 parts per trillion and is detectable in water from a potable source east of the base.

The City of Virginia Beach Fire Training Center was identified as an off-facility potential PFAS 

source. AFFF is stored at Fire Station 12 but is only formulated as necessary at the scene of an 

accident. No trucks have historical records of leakages, and according to interviewees, AFFF has 

not been used in any capacity at Camp Pendleton. 

The 2012 Navy Jet Crash Site at the Mayview Apartments complex was identified as an off-facility 

potential PFAS source. According to interviewees, AFFF was used by the Navy Fire Department 

in response to the crash. 

The following areas discussed in Section 3 were determined to have no suspected PFAS 

releases to the environment (Table 7-2):
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

28

Table 7-2: No Suspected Release Areas

No Suspected 

Release Area Used by Rationale for No Suspected Release Determination

VAANG Civil 

Engineer Unit 

Property

VAARNG Readily available information indicates no evidence of the 

use of storage of PFAS-containing materials at this location.

Building 424 VAARNG Readily available information indicates no evidence of the 

use of storage of PFAS-containing materials at this location.

Fueling Station VAARNG Readily available information indicates no evidence of the 

use of storage of PFAS-containing materials at this location.

Maintenance 

Building VAARNG Readily available information indicates no evidence of the use of storage of PFAS-containing materials at this location.

Readiness 

Center VAARNG Readily available information indicates no evidence of the use of storage of PFAS-containing materials at this location.

1970s Controlled 

Burn Area VAARNG Readily available information indicates no evidence of the use of storage of PFAS-containing materials at this location.

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 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, such as the wells listed by the Virginia Department of 

Mines, Minerals and Energy. Gathered information has a degree of uncertainty due to the absence 

of written documentation, the limited number of personnel with direct knowledge due to staffing 

changes, the time passed since PFAS was first used (1969 to present), and a reliance on personal 

recollection. Inaccuracies may arise in potential PFAS release locations, 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, 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:
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

29

Table 7-3: Sources of Uncertainty

Location Source of Uncertainty

Camp Pendleton 

VAANG Civil 

Engineer Unit 

Property

During the interview process, no VAANG personnel were available to be 

interviewed. VAANG aviation assets have never been present, but it is 

unclear what materials may have historically been stored at the facility. 

The frequency of use of 1970s burn pit is unclear. The burn pit is believed 

to have been used by the VAARNG for burning wood and construction 

debris, which is usually extinguished with water, not AFFF.

Helipad It is unknown how long the Halon wheeled fire extinguisher was staged 

at the helipad. Although no leakages were reported, it is unknown if 

corrosion could have jeopardized the soundness of the tank. 

Documented use of the Helipad by non-ARNG units is unavailable.

1970s Controlled 

Burn Area

No personnel with first-hand knowledge of the burn area were available 

to interview during this PA.

Building 4 The method of disposal for the Halon formerly charged in the Building 4 

fire suppression system is unknown. Building 4 fire suppression system 

maintenance activities are also unknown.

Building 410 No former firefighters from the Fire Station located on Camp Pendleton 

were available for interview. The specific date range of operation for the 

Fire Station at Camp Pendleton is unknown. The routine practices 

(training, maintenance of equipment) of the former firefighters, and 

inventory of equipment at the fire station is unknown.

Non-VAARNG 

Use at Camp 

Pendleton

Although VAARNG staff stated that no known AFFF releases have 

occurred, it is unclear whether non-VAARNG units have ever brought 

AFFF onto Camp Pendleton as a precautionary measure during airfield 

operations.

NAS Oceana The frequency of use and/or maintenance activities at NAS Oceana that 

may result in AFFF releases is unknown. Although release locations are 

specified in the 2018 CH2M SI report, the volumes of releases are not 

always specified. Because groundwater flow direction is unclear, it is 

unknown If this release affects media at Camp Pendleton.

City of Virginia 

Beach Fire 

Station and 

Training Center

It is unknown if training or maintenance activities that may result in AFFF 

release occur at the adjacent City of Virginia Beach Fire Training Center. 

Because groundwater flow direction is unclear, it is unknown if potential 

releases at the Fire Training Center affect media at Camp Pendleton.

2012 Navy Jet 

Crash Site

The type and volume of AFFF used in response to the Navy jet crash are 

unknown. 

 Potential Future Actions

Interviews with VAARNG facility staff and City of Virginia Beach Fire Department staff whose firsthand knowledge at their positions span 1982-present indicate that no AFFF use has occurred at 

the facility. Based on data gaps and uncertainties surrounding Building 4, the Helipad, and 

Building 410 however, it is possible that unknown and undocumented use and storage of PFAScontaining materials may have resulted in PFAS releases. These areas have been identified as 

AOIs. Based on the preliminary CSM developed for the AOIs, there is potential for PFAS to be 

exposed to human receptors (see Section 7.1). 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. 
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

30

Table 7-4: PA Findings Summary

Area of

Interest AOI Location Rationale Potential Future Action

AOI 1

Building 4

36°81'92.16"N; 

75°98'20.19"W

Uncertainties surrounding

use by the Navy

Proceed to an SI, focus on soil, surface

water, sediment and groundwater.

AOI 2

Helipad

36°81'61.42"N; 

75°97’87.72"W

Uncertainties surrounding

use by non-ARNG units

Proceed to an SI, focus on soil, surface

water, sediment and groundwater.

AOI 3

Building 410

36°81'64.79"N; 

75°98'36.06"W

Uncertainties surrounding

use as a Fire Department

Proceed to an SI, focus on soil, surface

water, sediment and groundwater.

ARNG will evaluate the need for an SI at Camp Pendleton based on the potential receptors, the

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

CLIENTREVISEDSCALE

PROJECT

ARNG

Preliminary Assessment for PFAS at Camp Pendleton, VA

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C:\Users\stankevichm\OneDrive - AECOM Directory\ARNG_PFAS_GIS_60552172\MXDs\VA\Camp_Pendleton_Figures\PA_Figures\Fig_7-1_Camp_Pendleton_Summary.mxd

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Fire Training Center

Area of InterestPotential PFAS ReleaseNo Suspected ReleaseFacility LocationWater BodyWetland

River/StreamCanal/Ditch

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PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

32

8. References

CH2M HILL, Inc. (CH2M). 1991. Interim RCRA Facility Investigation, Naval Air Station, Oceana,

Virginia Beach, Virginia. August 1991.

CH2M Hill Inc. (CH2M). 2018. Basewide Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, Naval Air Station,

Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia, August 2018.

City of Virginia Beach, 2017. City of Virginia Beach's Online Mapping Service; 2015 Updated 

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/planning/environment/Pages/Flood-ZoneMaps.aspx. Accessed June 2019.

Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission of the Virginia General Assembly (JLARC).

1998. The Feasibility of Converting Camp Pendleton to a State Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia,

November 1998.

Meng, Andrew A. and Harsh, John F. 1984. Hydrogeologic Framework of the Virginia Coastal

Plain, Open-File Report 84-728, U.S. Geological Survey.

National Park Service, 2013. National Register of Historic Places Evaluation/Return Sheet for

Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation Historic District. December 20, 2013.

Navy, 2017. Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, Naval Air Station Oceana and

Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, Cities of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, Virginia. April

Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 2016. Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan, SMR

Camp Pendleton, Virginia beach, Virginia, August 2016

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

Preliminary Assessments under CERCLA. September 1991.

United State Geological Survey (USGS), 1993. Digital Representation of the 1993 “Geologic

Map of Virginia, 2003, CD ROM (ISO-9660).

https://mrdata.usgs.gov/geology/state/state.php?state=VA. Accessed June 2019.

United States Geological Survey (USGS), 2006. The Virginia Coastal Plain Hydrogeologic

Framework. May 2006.

Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Geology and Mineral Resources

(DMME), 2018. https://www.dmme.virginia.gov/dgmr/mapspubs.shtml. Accessed June 2019.

Web Soil Survey, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2019.

websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx. Accessed April 2019.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

Appendix A

Data Resources
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, VA

Data resources will be provided separately on CD. Data resources for Camp Pendleton include:

Camp Pendleton Real Property Documents

• 1992 Department of the Army License for National Guard Purposes DACA65-3-93-11

• 2001 Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to License Contract No. DACA-65-3-92-08

• 2014 Supplemental Agreement No. 3 to License DACA65-3-92-08

Environmental Data Resources

• 1985 Soil Survey of City of Virginia Beach, Virginia by the United States Department of 

Agriculture

• 2016 State Military Reservation / Camp Pendleton Comprehensive Stormwater 

Management Plan, Virginia Beach, VA

• 2017 State Military Reservation / Camp Pendleton Spill Prevention, Control and 

Countermeasure Plan

Camp Pendleton EDR Report

• 2019 Camp Pendleton Environmental Data Resource Report

Adjacent Facility PFAS Reports

• 2018 Basewide Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Report for Naval Air Station Oceana

Firefighting Material Documents

• 2012 Halon Disposal Record

• 2018 Safety Data Sheet for Knockdown Class A Foam Concentrate

• 2019 Safety Data Sheet for AMEREX Halon 1211

• 2019 Safety Data Sheet for National Foam Universal Gold 1%/3% AR-AFFF
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

Appendix B

Preliminary Assessment Documentation
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

Appendix B.1

Interview Records
PA Interview Questionnaire – Fire Station Facility:_Camp Pendleton_

Interviewer:_ __________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019________

Interviewee:_

Title: Battalion Chief/Special Ops Hazmat Team

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 __________________________

1. Roles or activities with the Facility/years working at the Facility.

15 years with the Virginia Beach Fire Department (2003/4 – Present)

3 Years as Battalion Chief

BC spoke with District Chief for his recollection for the purpose of this interview.

2. What can you tell us about the history of AFFF at the Facility? Was it used for any of the following

activities, circle all that apply and indicate years of active use, if known? Identify these locations on a

facility map.

Maintenance (e.g., ramp washing) Truck maintenance occurs at the City Vehicle Maintenance shop at

Princess Anne Rd and Seaboard Rd

Fire Training Areas – Fire training has occurred at Camp Pendleton but never with AFFF

Firefighting (Active Fire) – No AFFF use in firefighting at Camp Pendleton

Crash – Numerous crashes around Camp Pendleton, but none at Camp Pendleton

Fire Suppression Systems (Hangers/Dining Facilities) – No AFFF at Camp Pendleton

Fire Protection at Fueling Stations – Unknown by FD staff

Non-Technical/Recreational/ Pest Management – No creative uses

3. Are any current buildings constructed with AFFF dispensing systems or fire suppression systems?

What are the AFFF/suppression system test requirements? What is the frequency of testing at the

AFFF/suppression systems?

Fire Station 12 (adjacent to Camp Pendleton) has a water sprinkler system. No AFFF suppression

system, but AFFF is stored at the Fire Station.

FD staff did not know the historic capability of the former Camp Pendleton Fire Department.

4. Are fire suppression systems currently charged with AFFF or have they been retrofitted for use of

high expansion foam?

No, AFFF is not charged in suppression system at Fire Station No. 12, nor any buildings at Camp

Pendleton.

5. How is AFFF procured? Do you have an inventory/procurement system that tracks use?

Universal Gold AFFF is procured by the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department. It is procured

through the city.
PA Interview Questionnaire – Fire Station Facility:_Camp Pendleton_

Interviewer:_ __________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019________

6. What type of AFFF has been/is being used (3%, 6%, Mil Spec Mil-F-24385, High Expansion)?

Manufacturer (3M, Dupont, Ansul, National Foam, Angus, Chemguard, Buckeye, Fire Service Plus)?

Universal Gold 1% / 3% AR-AFFF (National Foam brand).

Fire Station No. 12 also stores National Foam Knockdown Class A Foam Concentrate (non-AFFF)

7. Is AFFF formulated on base? If so, where is the solution mixed, contained, transferred, etc.?

Fore Fire Department purposes, AFFF is formulated at the scene of the response from 5 gallon buckets.

Most fire stations have 1 AFFF-capable truck, and 2-3 non-AFFF trucks.

8. Where is the AFFF stored? How is it stored (tanks, 55-gallon drums, 5-gallon buckets)? What

size are the storage tanks? Is the AFFF stored as a mixed solution (3% or 6%) or concentrated

material?

In the truck bays at each fire station.

9. How is the AFFF transferred to emergency response vehicles, suppression systems, flightline

extinguishers? Is/was there a specified area on the facility where vehicles are filled with AFFF and

does this area have secondary containment in case of spills? How and where are vehicles storing

AFFF cleaned/decontaminated?

AFFF is mixed at the scene of emergency and mixed directly from 5 gallon buckets.

10. Provide a list of vehicles that carried AFFF, now and in the past, and where are/were they located?

See response to question 7.

11. Any vehicles have a history of leaking AFFF? Do you/did you test the vehicles spray patterns to

make sure equipment is working properly? How often are/were these spray tests performed and can

you provide the locations of these tests, now and in the past?

No fire trucks have a history of leaking.
PA Interview Questionnaire – Fire Station Facility:_Camp Pendleton_

Interviewer:_ __________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019________

12. How many FTAs are/were on this facility and where are they? Locate on a map. How many FTAs

are active and inactive? For inactive FTAs, when was the last time that fire training using AFFF

was conducted at them?

No confirmed fire training areas at Camp Pendleton by the Virginia Beach Fire Department.

13. What types of fuels/flammables were used at the FTAs?

NA

14. What was the frequency of AFFF use at each location? When a release of AFFF occurs during a fire

training exercise, now and in the past, how is/was the AFFF cleaned and disposed of? Were

retention ponds built to store discharged AFFF? Was the AFFF trickled to the sanitary sewer or

left in the pond to infiltrate?

NA. Virginia Beach Fire Department has not used AFFF at Camp Pendleton. The 2012 Navy Jet Crash at

Birdneck Rd and Laskan Rd was responded to with AFFF by the Navy Fire Department. The Navy has

their own Fire Department that responds to accidents at NAS Oceana, and Navy relatred incidents in the

surrounding areas.

15. Are there mutual aid/use agreements between county, city, local fire department? Please list, even if

informal. If formalized, may we have a copy of the agreement? Can you recall specific times when city,

county, state personnel came on-post for training? If so, please state which state/county agency,

military entity? Do you have any records, including photographs to share with us?

The City of Virginia Beach Fire Department has a mutual aid agreement with other military entities in the

surrounding area, as well as Camp Pendleton.

16. Did individual units come on-post with their own safety personnel, did they also bring their own AFFF?

Was training with AFFF part of these exercises? How were emergencies handled under these

circumstances?

Virginia Beach FD has trained on Camp Pendleton but never with AFFF.
PA Interview Questionnaire – Fire Station Facility:_Camp Pendleton_

Interviewer:_ __________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019________

17. Did military routinely or occasionally fire train off-post? List units that you can recall used/trained at

various areas.

No known Camp Pendleton staff training off-post.

18. Are there specific emergency response incident reports (i.e., aircraft or vehicle crash sites and fires)? If

so, may we please copy these reports? Who (entity) was the responder?

Yes, a Navy jet crashed in the area in 2012 and was responded to with AFFF. Numerous navy incidents

have occurred.

19. Do you have records of fuel spill logs? Was it common practice to wash away fuel spills with

AFFF? Is/was AFFF used as a precaution in response to fuel releases or emergency runway

landings to preventfires?

No

20. Was AFFF used for forest fires or fire management on-post/off-post? If so, please describe what

happened and who was involved?

No

21. Can you provide any other locations where AFFF has been stored, released, or used (i.e. hangars,

buildings, fire stations, firefighting equipment testing and maintenance areas, emergency response

sites, storm water/surface water, waste water treatment plants, and AFFF ponds)?

AFFF is stored at other Virginia Beach Fire Departments in the city, but no known locations at Camp

Pendleton. AFFF is also stored/used at NAS Oceana.
PA Interview Questionnaire – Fire Station Facility:_Camp Pendleton_

Interviewer:_ __________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019________

22. Are you aware of any other creative uses of AFFF? If so, how was AFFF used? What entities were

involved?

No known creative uses.

23. How is off-spec AFFF disposed (used for training, turned in, or given to a local Fire Station)? If

applicable, do you know the name of the vendor that removes off-spec AFFF? Do you have copies of

the manifest or B/L?

Unknown.

24. Do you recommend anyone else we can interview? If so, do you have contact information for them?

No other Fire Department staff recommended.
PA Interview Questionnaire Facility:_Camp Pendleton_____

Interviewer:_ __________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019__________

Interviewee:_ ______

Title:_Buildings and Grounds 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 __________________________

1. Roles or activities with the Facility/years working at the Facility.

Grounds Supervisor; 1982-Present

2. Where can I find previous facility ownership information?

1988 Virginia Guard Post provides some information. VARRNG HQ could probably provide ownership

information.

3. What can you tell us about the history of PFAS including aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) at the

Facility? Was it used for any of the following activities, circle all that apply and indicate years of active

use, if known? Identify these locations on a facility map.

Maintenance – No VAARNG AFFF use at maintenance areas

Fire Training Areas – No VAARNG FTAs

Firefighting (Active Fire) – no VAARNG firefighting activities using AFFF at Camp Pendleton

Crash – Numerous off-facility crash locations using AFFF; most of them at or near NAS Oceana

Fire Suppression Systems (Hangers/Dining Facilities) – Dry chemical fire suppression in kitchen

hoods; Navy Building 4 had Halon

Fire Protection at Fueling Stations – No AFFF at fueling station

Non-Technical/Recreational/ Pest Management – No AFFF use by VAARNG, or known AFFF use by

other entities

Metals Plating Facility – None known

Waterproofing Uniforms (Laundry Facilities) – None known

Other

4. Fill out CSM Information worksheet with the Environmental Manager.

5. Are any current buildings constructed with AFFF dispensing systems or fire suppression systems?

What are the AFFF/suppression system test requirements? What is the frequency of testing the

AFFF/suppression system? Do you have “As Built” drawings for the buildings?

No, no buildings constructed with AFFF fire suppression systems
PA Interview Questionnaire Facility:_Camp Pendleton_____

Interviewer:_ __________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019__________

6. Are fire suppression systems currently charged with AFFF or have they been retrofitted for use of

high expansion foam? If retrofitted, when was thatdone?

No AFFF fire suppression systems. Old Fire Department (Building 410 or T-140) is now a

classroom/storage building. Hoses from the old Fore Department stamped in 1976 do not indicate AFFF

use. Only water known to have been used.

7. How is AFFF procured? Do you have an inventory/procurement system that tracks use?

AFFF is not procured at Camp Pendleton by VAARNG; however, other military entities use

Camp Pendleton for training and other activities. Their use of AFFF is unknown.

8. What type of AFFF has been/is being used (3%, 6%, Mil Spec Mil-F-24385, High Expansion)?

Manufacturer (3M, Dupont, Ansul, National Foam, Angus, Chemguard, Buckeye, Fire Service Plus)?

No AFFF. A wheeled Halon extinguisher was taken off-facility in July 2012. It was previously stored

at Cottage 100 (former Motor Pool), now used as a helipad.

9. Where is the AFFF stored? How is it stored (tanks, 55-gallon drums, 5-gallon buckets)? What

size are the storage tanks? Is the AFFF stored as a mixed solution (3% or 6%) or concentrated

material?

No AFFF is stored at Camp Pendleton by VAARNG.

10. How many FTAs are/were on this facility and where are they? Locate on a map. How many FTAs

are active and inactive? For inactive FTAs, when was the last time that fire training using AFFF

was conducted at them?

A former Burn Pit for wood and construction debris was used in the 1970s and 1980s exists in what is

now VAANG engineering property. VAANG has no aviation assets at Camp Pendleton. Air Guard

construction began in 1986, after burn pit use.

Other controlled burns have occurred at Camp Pendleton. 80 buildings in the former barracks area in

the southwestern portion of the facility was burned in the 1970s, using no AFFF in response.

NAS Oceana has performed fire training with AFFF at their facility.
PA Interview Questionnaire Facility:_Camp Pendleton_____

Interviewer:_ __________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019__________

11. When a release of AFFF occurs during a fire training exercise, now and in the past, how is the

AFFF cleaned and disposed of? Were retention ponds built to store discharged AFFF? Was the

AFFF trickled to the sanitary sewer or left in the pond to infiltrate?

No AFFF realeases by VAARNG, none known by other entities.

12. Can you recall specific times when city, county, and/or state personnel came on-post for training? If so,

please state which state/county agency or military entity? Do you have any records, including

photographs to share with us?

Camp Pendleton is regularly used by other military entities. NAS Oceana range control controls aviation

operations at Camp Pendleton. Records for the use of Camp Pendleton by other entities are not available.

AFFF is not suspected, but unknown.

13. Did military routinely or occasionally fire train off-post? List the units that you can recall used/trained

at various areas.

No regular training off-post by VAARNG.

14. Did individual units come with their own safety personnel, did they also bring their own AFFF? Was

training with AFFF part of these exercises? How were emergencies handled under these circumstances?

Yes, see answer to question 12. Other entities brought their own safety personnel and equipment when

training/operating at Camp Pendleton.

15. Are there specific emergency response incident reports (i.e., aircraft or vehicle

crash sites and fires)? If so, may we please copy these reports? Who (entity) was

the responder?

Virginia Beach Fire Department would have emergency response records, if

available. They are responsible for emergency response at Camp Pendleton, and

have a fire station and fire training center located off-facility nearby to the

southwest.
PA Interview Questionnaire Facility:_Camp Pendleton_____

Interviewer: __________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019__________

16. Do you have records of fuel spill logs? Was it common practice to wash away fuel spills with

AFFF? Is/was AFFF used as a precaution in response to fuel releases or emergency runway

landings to preventfires?

No

17. Was AFFF used for forest fires or fire management on-post/off-post? If so, please describe what

happened and who was involved?

No

18. Are there mutual aid/use agreements between county, city, and local fire department? Please list, even

if informal. If formalized, may we have a copy of the agreement?

Mutual Aid Agreement may be available through Virginia Beach Fire Department.

19. Can you provide any other locations where AFFF has been stored, released, or used (i.e. hangars,

buildings, fire stations, firefighting equipment testing and maintenance areas, emergency response

sites, storm water/surface water, waste treatment plants, and AFFF ponds)?

AFFF may has been used in response to a Navy jet crash at the Birdneck Rd and Laskin Rd. Probably used

for training at NAS Oceana, and in response to numerous Navy crashes. The Fire Department may also

store/use AFFF.

20. Are you aware of any other creative uses of AFFF? If so, how was AFFF used? What entities were

involved?

No
PA Interview Questionnaire Facility:_Camp Pendleton_____

Interviewer:_ ___________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019__________

21. Are there past studies you are aware of with environmental information on plants/animals/

groundwater/soil types, etc., such as Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plans or Integrated

Natural Resources Management Plans?

If available, they are available through VAARNG headquarters.

22. What other records might be helpful to us (environmental compliance, investigation records, admin

record) and where can we find them?

1988 Virginia Guardpost issue.

23. Do you have or did you have a chrome plating shop on base? What were/are the years of operation

of that chrome plating shop?

No.

24. Do you know whether the shop has/had a foam blanket mist suppression system or used a fume

hood for emissions control? If foam blanket mist suppression was used, where was the foam

stored, mixed, applied, etc.?

NA

25. How is off-spec AFFF disposed (used for training, turned in, or given to a local Fire Station)? If

applicable, do you know the name of the vendor that removes off-spec AFFF? Do you have copies of

the manifest or B/L?

NA
PA Interview Questionnaire Facility:_Camp Pendleton_____

Interviewer:_ ___________

Date/Time:_2/6/2019__________

26. Do you recommend anyone else we can interview? If so, do you have contact information for them?

Fire Department. NAS Oceana.
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

Appendix B.2

Visual Site Inspection Checklists
Visual Site Inspection Checklist

Names(s) of people performing VSI:

Recorded by:

ARNG Contact:

Date and Time:

Method of visit (walking, driving, adjacent):

Source/Release Information

Site Name / Area Name / Unique ID:

Historic Site Use (Brief Description):

Current Site Use (Brief Description):

Physical barriers or access restrictions:

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

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

2. Has usage been documented? Y / N

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

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

3a. Indicate what businesses are located near the site

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

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

Site / Area Acreage:

Page 1 of 4

February 6, 2019

Walking

Virginia Beach Fire Department Number 12

Approximately 0.25 acres

Fire Station

Fire Station

access is unrestricted

AFFF is stored at the station, but has never been used there or trained with at 

Camp Pendleton. The adjacent fire training center has likely had AFFF use.

Unknown, reports requested for the FTC

Camp Pendleton, Birdneck Elementary School, Seatak Elementary School, Owl 

Creek Municipal Tennis Center, residential areas, Ocean Breeze Waterpark

No, it is located adjacent to Camp Pendleton
Visual Survey Inspection Log

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

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

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

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

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

Transport / Pathway Information

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

1a. If so, note observation and location:

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

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

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

3a. If so, please note the location:

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

4a. If so, please note the location:

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

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

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

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

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

Other Significant Site Features:

Migration Potential:

Page 2 of 4

No AFFF suppression system exists at the Fire Station but AFFF is

stored there in 5 gallon buckets

Truck maintenance occurs at the City of Virginia Beach Maintenance Shop near 

Seaboard Rd and Princess Anne Rd

AFFF replacement is unknown

Channelized drainage is unknown, but wetlands and ocean inlets surround the 

local area

Area drainage is unknown.

Channelized flow is unknown but NWI indicates wetlands are present

near the fire station

No known monitoring wells on the fire station property. Camp Pendleton monitoring wells are unknown.

See previous answers

No

Oceana NAS has used AFFF in response to emergencies in

the area and at NAS Oceana.
Visual Survey Inspection Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Receptor Information

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

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

2. Who can access the site?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Significant Topographical Features:

Site Workers / Construction Workers / Trespassers / Residential / Recreational

Users / Ecological

Page 3 of 4

No changes known

Grassy yard on several sides of the fire station

None observed

See previous answer

No, access is unrestricted

Fire station staff

Residences located approximately 0.3 miles east of the fire station

Closest daycare on google is approximately 2.25 miles southwest, but two elementary school exist within 0.1 mile.

See previous responses
Visual Survey Inspection Log

Additional Notes

Photographic Log

Photo ID/Name Date & Location Photograph Description

Page 4 of 4
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

Appendix B.3

Conceptual Site Model Information
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Site Name: Camp Pendleton, VA

Why has this location been identified as a site?

Facility is a training site with an aviation support area, runway, fire station, and vehicle maintenance

areas. There are confirmed releases in the runway areas. AFFF is currently stored or used at the facility.

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

The NAS Oceana Base, VA Beach Fire Training Center, VA Beach Fire station #12

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? Northeast, towards Owl Creek

Average rainfall? 4.4 inches

Any flooding during rainy season? No

Direct or indirect pathway to ditches? Direct

Direct or indirect pathway to larger bodies of water? Indirect pathway to Owl Creek and Lake Christine

Does surface water pond any place on site? Unknown

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? No
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Groundwater:

Groundwater flow direction? Generally to the north in the north of the base, and to the south-southwest

at the southern half of the base

Depth to groundwater? 4-10 ft

Uses (agricultural, drinking water, irrigation)? Unknown

Any groundwater treatment systems? No

Any groundwater monitoring well locations near the site? Yes (3)

Is groundwater used for drinking water? No

Are there drinking water supply wells on installation? No

Do they serve off-post populations? No

Are there off-post drinking water wells downgradient ? Unknown

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?

Do we understand the fate of sludge waste? No

Is surface water from potential contaminated sites treated? Unknown

Equipment Rinse Water

1. Is firefighting equipment washed? Where does the rinse water go? n/a – No fire fighting equipment

is washed at Camp Pendleton

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?

n/a – No fire fighting equipment is washed at Camp Pendleton

3. Other?
Preliminary Assessment – Conceptual Site Model Information

Identify Potential Receptors:

Site Worker: n/a

Construction Worker: n/a

Recreational User: n/a – potentially complete pathways may exist as a result of tire training at the

adjacent VA Beach fire training center

Residential: n/a – potentially complete pathways may exist as a result of tire training at the adjacent

VA Beach fire training center

Child: n/a – potentially complete pathways may exist as a result of tire training at the adjacent VA

Beach fire training center

Ecological: Potentially (Depending on adjacent source releases)

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

Recreational area, Housing complex

Documentation

Ask for Engineering drawings (if applicable).

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

None known
PFAS Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton, Virginia

Appendix C

Photographic Log
Appendix C - Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary 

Assessment for PFAS

Camp Pendleton Virginia Beach, VA

Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites 

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

Photograph No. 1

Description:

Building 410; former fire 

station at Camp Pendleton

Orientation:

West

Date 2/6/2019

Time 11:45

Photograph No. 2

Description:

Historical photo of AFFF use

in response to an off-facility

Navy jet crash circa 2013.

Photo shows an aerial image 

of damaged apartment buildings, an active jet of foam at 

the left, and white foam 

residue covering much of the 

ground pictured.

Orientation:

East

Date 2/6/2019

Time 12:14

AECOM Page 1 of 3
Appendix C - Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary 

Assessment for PFAS

Camp Pendleton Virginia Beach, VA

Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites 

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

Photograph No. 3

Description:

Class A foam stored at the offfacility Virginia Beach Fire 

Station Number 12

Orientation:

South

Date 2/6/2019

Time 12:26

Photograph No. 4

Description:

National Foam Universal 

Gold AFFF stored at the offfacility Virginia Beach Fire 

Station Number 12

Orientation:

South

Date 2/6/2019

Time 12:27

AECOM Page 2 of 3
Appendix C - Photographic Log

Army National Guard, Preliminary 

Assessment for PFAS

Camp Pendleton Virginia Beach, VA

Preliminary Assessment Report

Camp Pendleton

Perfluorooctane-Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and 

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Impacted Sites 

ARNG Installations, Nationwide

Photograph No. 5

Description:

Off-facility Virginia Beach 

Fire Department Fire Training 

center

Orientation:

Southwest

Date 2/6/2019

Time 12:33

AECOM Page 3 of 3