American Lake Gardens/McChord AFB

Overview

The American Lake Gardens/McChord AFB site covers about a half square mile near Tacoma, Washington. From the mid-1940s to the early 1970s, the Air Force disposed of trichloroethylene (TCE) and other hazardous chemicals that contaminated groundwater in the area. The site includes the American Lake Garden Tract and Area D, where former landfills now lie beneath a golf course. Area D is managed by the Army as part of Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), formed when McChord AFB merged with Fort Lewis.

Contaminants of concern span several media, including groundwater and soil. Volatile organic compounds include trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, benzene, toluene, and chloroethene. Chlorinated compounds, heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, pesticide residues including DDT and chlordane, and petroleum-related compounds are also present. A separate investigation into PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, began in April 2021. A 2019 review found PFAS levels below the EPA lifetime health advisory of 70 parts per trillion at the American Lake Gardens Tract.

Cleanup started with removal actions in the 1980s and 1990s that provided bottled water and public water connections to affected residents. The main remedy, constructed between 1993 and 1994, uses groundwater extraction, treatment with carbon adsorption, and ongoing monitoring. Treated water is discharged and reused for irrigation. Institutional controls include zoning restrictions and a 1,000-foot prohibition on new groundwater extraction wells. The Army confirmed in a 2022 five-year review that cleanup remains protective of human health and the environment.

The site reached Sitewide Ready for Anticipated Use status in September 2011, meaning all cleanup goals for current and foreseeable land uses have been met and no unacceptable risks remain. Human exposure is under control. However, EPA has not yet determined whether contaminated groundwater migration is fully stabilized, and monitoring will continue to track that question. The site has not been deleted from the National Priorities List. The next five-year review is estimated between September and November 2027.

Community members with questions can contact the EPA Remedial Project Manager. The Community Involvement Coordinator is also a resource. Site documents are available through EPA's Superfund database and at the Public Information Repository at the Tacoma Main Public Library, Northwest Room.