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Environmental Management

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Since 2000, the Santa Barbara Airport has been implementing the largest environmental restoration project on the south central coast as mitigation for the Airfield Safety Projects.

Approximately one-half of the Airport property - about 430 acres - is comprised of the Goleta Slough State Marine Park. As proud stewards of the Slough, the Santa Barbara Airport is actively managing 55-acres of the Park that is currently undergoing planting, maintenance, and monitoring, as part of this restoration effort. This coastal wetland is recognized as one of the few remaining saltmarsh habitats in California.

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What are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are human-made chemicals that have been extensively used around the world in a variety of applications since the 1940’s.
PFAS are found in products like some non-stick cookware, food packaging, carpeting, furniture and waterproof clothing.
PFAS has also been a mandated component in firefighting foam, also known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), required to be used at commercial airports, including SBA, to quickly suppress fuel fires.
PFAS are highly durable, meaning they don't easily break down in the environment.

Why did SBA use PFAS?

Federal regulations required SBA, like all commercial airports, to use PFAS-containing foams because of their proven effectiveness in quickly suppressing flammable liquid fires, particularly those involving jet fuel.
As a result, airports had no choice but to use AFFF containing PFAS to comply with federal laws and ensure public safety during aviation emergencies.
SBA used PFAS to quickly suppress fuel fires and for required equipment testing and firefighting training exercises to ensure that first responders were in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and prepared for emergencies.

What has been done regarding AFFF use at airports nationally?

In December 2022, Congress directed the FAA to develop a plan for airports to transition from using AFFF to a replacement firefighting foam (fluorine-free foam or F3) that does not contain PFAS.
In January 2023, after extensive testing, the FAA announced that F3 could be used as a fire-extinguishing agent at airports served by airlines once products had been certified. In September 2023, the FAA certified the first F3 that could be used at airports.

What is SBA doing to address PFAS?

To assess the presence of PFAS from the mandated use of AFFF, SBA has hired experts to conduct extensive investigation and monitoring of the airport property.
SBA ceased deployment of AFFF for equipment testing and firefighter training exercises more than five years ago.
SBA is among the first California airports to purchase the new F3 foam once it had been certified by the FAA in September 2023.
The transition from AFFF to F3 is complex and SBA is committed to a safe transition. SBA is working with other airports to find the preferred transition method while implementing the most rigorous safety and environmental standards for that transition.
SBA has committed to working with regulators and our community to identify, monitor, and address PFAS associated with the airport property.

Why are PFAS a problem?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is evidence that exposure to certain types of PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes to humans. Testing is ongoing to more fully understand the potential impacts to health from various types of PFAS.
Exposure to PFAS can happen in a variety of ways including through food, water, soil, and consumer products. Once ingested, some PFAS can accumulate in the body. Research shows that the majority of Americans have detectable levels of some PFAS in their blood.

How does PFAS get into the environment?

Does my drinking water contain PFAS?

Where can I find more information on PFAS?

The following state and federal agencies have more information on PFAS:
- California State Water Resources Control Board: http://www.Waterboards.ca.gov/pfas
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): http://www.Epa.gov/pfas
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): http://www.Fda.gov/food/chemical-contaminants-food/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): http://www.Atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas

Environmental Management

Goleta Slough Wetland Restoration Projects

Sea Level Rise Plan

PFAS Frequently Asked Questions

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Environmental Management

Goleta Slough Wetland Restoration Projects

Sea Level Rise Plan

PFAS Frequently Asked Questions

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