Fire Training Facility Site Assessments

DEP has conducted initial environmental assessments related to the historic and current use of chemicals found in aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) at fire training facilities throughout Florida. These chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are synthetic industrial chemicals that have been identified as Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC).

CECs are chemicals that have been recently detected in the environment which may pose public health or ecological risks. Because of this long-term potential risk to human health and the environment, DEP, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), has been working with fire training facilities across the state to address CECs associated with AFFF.

In 2018, DEP conducted a statewide survey of 45 certified fire training facilities. This survey gathered information regarding each facility’s historic use of AFFF and the source of each facility’s drinking water. In addition, the survey identified the likely locations of nearby public and private potable wells. This information was used to prioritize the order in which the facilities were evaluated.

By February 2020, DEP’s Site Investigation Section (SIS) completed preliminary assessments at 26 fire training facilities where the use of AFFF was either confirmed or suspected. Where contamination was identified, DEP worked with the facility to develop a cleanup plan to remove or contain the contamination to prevent future environmental impact and human exposure.  Since 2020, three (3) additional fire training facilities have been identified and sampled by SIS. Currently, DEP is undertaking assessment and remediation obligations at State of Florida-owned properties, including the Florida State Fire College. 

Through the DEP’s Water Supply Restoration Program, if a well is contaminated with a man-made chemical that does not meet health advisory guidance, DEP is able to provide potable water while funding resources are available. Available options may include connection to public water supply water system, a treatment device or financial assistance with installation of new well depending on each situation. 

DEP is committed to providing timely information to the public regarding these efforts. This web page will be dedicated to making information readily available and accessible to the public.

Assessment Information

Below is a map and list of links to additional site-specific assessment information on current and former fire training facilities.

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Return to the DEP Efforts to Address PFOA and PFOS in the Environment page.