The story about contaminated groundwater beneath Spokane’s West Plains is well known. For years, firefighters at Fairchild and Spokane International Airport used fire suppression foam containing chemicals known as PFAS. Those chemicals are believed to be harmful to human health. In 2017, Fairchild discovered foam had made its way into the groundwater and spread beyond the boundaries of the base. Contamination was also discovered at the airport. PFAS was detected in the wells of nearby homes and businesses.
Scientists, such as Eastern Washington University geology professor Chad Pritchard, are tracking the whereabouts of PFAS and where it’s migrating. Pritchard’s PFAS work is co-mingled with other research he began around the time the contamination was discovered. He was looking for the answer to the question: how much water lies beneath the West Plains?
This interview was lightly edited for brevity and clarity. …