PFAS Contamination in Nebraska

Nebraska's PFAS contamination centers on Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha and agricultural applications across the state's farming regions. Offutt AFB, home to Strategic Command, has documented extensive soil and groundwater contamination from firefighting foam use, with contamination plumes extending toward the Missouri River and potentially affecting Omaha's water supply system. The base's critical national security role and long operational history have created widespread contamination requiring sophisticated remediation approaches.

The Platte River watershed, critical for irrigation and municipal water supplies, faces contamination risks from various sources including potential biosolids applications and industrial activities. Nebraska's extensive agricultural economy, particularly cattle and corn production, requires protection from PFAS contamination that could affect livestock health and crop irrigation. The High Plains aquifer system underlying much of the state needs protection from expanding contamination sources.