Hillsborough Community College Fire Academy

The Hillsborough Community College Fire Academy is located at:

5610 East Columbus Drive
Tampa, FL 33619

This facility is utilized for day use only training exercises. It is served by a municipal water supply system that provides its drinking water. The facility has one onsite well which is used to supply the facility’s fire hydrants.

On March 27-28, 2019, DEP and state contractor staff completed sampling of soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater at the facility. Based on the results of this initial sampling, onsite groundwater contamination by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as well as soil contamination were present above provisional cleanup target levels.

DEP advised the Florida Department of Health (DOH) of these results and directed them to develop and implement a community sampling plan. DOH completed the sampling of ninety-three potable wells around the Hillsborough Community College Fire Academy on Feb. 7, 2020, and found twenty-seven wells that exceeded the Health Advisory Level. DOH efforts are ongoing. 

DEP is currently performing supplementary assessment to define the extent of the contamination and oversee the development of a cleanup plan.

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. 

A link summarizing important events at this facility is included below.  More information about this site can be accessed through DEP's information portal.  The Facility/Site ID is ERIC_7397.

• Timeline of Activities.

Return to the Fire Training Facility Site Assessments page.