Tucson Airport Authority agrees to investigate groundwater pollution under EPA settlement
Tucson Airport Authority agrees to investigate groundwater pollution under EPA settlement Arizona Public Media
sdgtalks
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Reaches Settlement Agreement with Tucson Airport Authority to Address Groundwater Contamination
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent with the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) to investigate and address groundwater contamination near the Tucson Superfund site. This agreement is a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and Goal 15: Life on Land.
Investigating PFAS Contamination in the Tucson Aquifer
The settlement agreement requires the TAA to investigate the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) in the Tucson aquifer, which originated from the Tucson International Airport Area (TIAA). PFAS are known to have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. By addressing this contamination, the EPA and TAA are working towards Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 14: Life Below Water, and Goal 15: Life on Land.
Collaboration with Tucson Water and the Tucson Area Remediation Project (TARP)
Michael Montgomery, Director of Superfund and Emergency Management Division at EPA, emphasized the involvement of the commercial airport authority in the agreement. The TAA has agreed to conduct the necessary investigatory work and clean up the source of contamination at their facility. Additionally, they will engage in discussions with Tucson Water to reach an agreement on the cost of treatment at the Tucson Area Remediation Project (TARP) facility. This collaborative effort aligns with Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
Waiting for a Cleanup Plan from the U.S. Air Force
While the settlement agreement with the TAA is a positive development, the EPA is still awaiting a cleanup plan from the U.S. Air Force regarding PFAS contamination. In May, the EPA issued an emergency order urging the military to address the imminent health risks posed by these contaminants. This ongoing negotiation is crucial for achieving Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Conclusion
The settlement agreement between the EPA and the TAA marks a significant step towards addressing groundwater contamination near the Tucson Superfund site. By investigating and cleaning up PFAS contamination, and collaborating with Tucson Water and the TARP facility, the parties involved are actively working towards the SDGs, particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 14: Life Below Water, and Goal 15: Life on Land. The ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Air Force further demonstrate the commitment to achieving Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. Continued efforts and collaboration are essential to ensure a sustainable and healthy environment for all.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, the investigation of the presence of PFAS in the Tucson aquifer and the cleanup plan from the U.S. Air Force regarding PFAS can be used as indicators to measure progress towards the targets.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | Investigation of PFAS presence in the Tucson aquifer |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | No specific indicators mentioned |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Cleanup plan from the U.S. Air Force regarding PFAS |
Source: azpm.org
