Defense Department would start interim PFAS cleanup at delayed military sites

The Defense Secretary would start interim PFAS cleanup measures at at least 100 covered sites. Covered sites are among 727 Defense Department installations assessed for PFAS use or possible use whose investigation or study end dates slipped between the department’s 2024 and 2026 lists. The requirement would apply only when consistent with the named federal cleanup law and other applicable laws. The Secretary could use fewer than 100 sites only if too few covered sites meet a federal response factor cited in the proposal. If using that exception, the Secretary would have to report to Congress that every covered site was assessed and not enough qualified. The Secretary would have to start the measures no later than two years after enactment.

The Defense Secretary would have to ensure timely completion of ongoing interim PFAS cleanup measures. This would cover interim PFAS cleanup measures at Defense Department installations. It would apply only to measures already underway on the date of enactment; the proposal gives no specific completion date.

The Defense Secretary would brief the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on PFAS cleanup status and outlook. The briefing would cover the delayed Defense Department sites defined by the proposal. The briefing would be due no later than 30 days after enactment.