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Public Hearing on PFAS at the Richmond Airport

October 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Join the James River Association for a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) public hearing and information session on Richmond International Airport’s proposed stormwater discharge permit. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 28 at 6pm a the Henrico Theatre. Learn more about PFAS pollution and urge DEQ to strengthen protections for our waterways, communities, and future generations.

Why this matters

Stormwater runoff from the airport flows into the White Oak Swamp area and Gillies Creek in Henrico County, ultimately reaching the Chickahominy and James Rivers. As rainfall moves across airport property, it can pick up contaminants from the ground and sediment.

Stormwater leaving the airport has been documented to contain elevated levels of PFAS—persistent “forever chemicals” linked to environmental and human health concerns. This contamination is likely associated with the airport’s historic and ongoing use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams.

DEQ’s draft permit includes monitoring requirements and a pollution minimization plan, but it does not establish numeric discharge limits or benchmarks specifically for PFAS. JRA is urging DEQ to strengthen the permit to address this pollution.

What we’re asking DEQ to do

  • Set limits or benchmarks for PFAS pollution discharged from the airport.
  • Make the airport’s PFAS pollution minimization plan available for public review and comment.
  • Limit the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams at the airport.

Make your voice heard

Attend the hearing to learn more and share your concerns with regulators. Your participation can help push for a permit that provides meaningful, transparent, and enforceable protections for the James River watershed.

Learn more before the hearing

Details

Venue