Public records reveal that the Hydrocarbon Burn Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC), located roughly 2,000 feet west of the Banana River and north of NASA Parkway East on Merritt Island, is a significant site of PFAS contamination tied to decades of firefighting training.
History of the Site
From 1966 to 1994, the Hydrocarbon Burn Facility was used for firefighter training. Fuels were pumped through underground piping into large and small hydrocarbon burn pans to create practice fires. This long-term use left a legacy of contamination, not only from fuels but also from firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals.
Environmental Investigations and Cleanups
In 1999, investigations documented groundwater contamination with chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and petroleum-related light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL). In 2017, a major remediation effort removed 14,250 cubic yards of contaminated soil and 6,095 gallons of LNAPL-containing liquid, which were transported off-site for disposal.
While soil and petroleum contamination have been partly addressed, groundwater monitoring continues due to persistent VOCs.
PFAS Findings
Recent sampling paints an even more concerning picture. PFOS and PFOA, two of the most harmful PFAS “forever chemicals,” were detected in all 12 monitoring wells at the Hydrocarbon Burn Facility, with concentrations exceeding federal Health Advisory Levels. To reduce exposure risks, effluent water has since been routed through Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment.
Public Health and Accountability
The Hydrocarbon Burn Facility underscores the enduring environmental risks associated with firefighting foam use at federal installations. Despite decades of cleanup efforts, PFAS compounds remain in groundwater, highlighting the scale of contamination challenges at Kennedy Space Center.
Full public records can be accessed via the Florida Department of Environmental Protection:DEP Record Link
