PFAS Contamination in South Dakota

South Dakota's PFAS contamination is concentrated around Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City and agricultural applications across the state's farming regions. Ellsworth AFB, home to B-1 strategic bombers, has documented soil and groundwater contamination from firefighting foam use, affecting the Cheyenne River watershed and Black Hills region water supplies. The base's strategic importance and long operational history have created contamination requiring specialized remediation approaches.

South Dakota's extensive agricultural economy faces potential PFAS contamination from biosolids applications and industrial sources affecting livestock operations and crop irrigation. The Missouri River system, which provides water to much of the state, requires protection from contamination sources throughout the watershed. The state's location on the High Plains creates unique hydrogeological conditions affecting contamination transport and remediation.