26 Sep Good News for Vista Field Soil Sample Results Show Limited Presence of PFAS
Kennewick, Wash. – Port of Kennewick has good news to report. The results from soil sampling conducted at Vista Field show levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) are extremely low and below state cleanup levels, with exception on one sample. The Port Commission received a full briefing at its regular meeting on Tuesday September 23, 2025.
The Port was informed in June that soil samples collected by a property owner from a utility trench at its property contained low concentrations of PFAS. The Port then took steps to initiate additional sampling from that property, to determine the validity of the initial sampling results, and from the larger Vista Field area. The Port hired Landau Associates to evaluate the presence of PFAS at Vista Field utilizing a sampling methodology that meets Ecology standards.
In August, 47 soil samples were collected and analyzed, and results show limited presence of PFAS at Vista Field, with exception on one sample. This means that after a written report of the soil investigation is completed, sent to and evaluated by Washington Department of Ecology, there should be no PFAS-related reason that construction and development of Vista Field can’t proceed on track.
PFAS are a variety of synthetic chemicals used around the world since the 1950s. PFAs have been found in everyday consumer items like non-stick cookware, water- and stain-resistant products, grease-resistant food packaging, and industrial uses such as firefighting foam and de-icing chemicals.
Landau is currently preparing the sampling report, which will be submitted to Ecology later this fall. The Port is committed to transparency and will continue to keep all stakeholders, media, and the public informed with what we learn from the soil investigation as soon as possible. Once submitted, the sampling report and data will be evaluated by Ecology. Following Ecology’s response, we will better understand when and how the Port and property owners will move forward at Vista Field.
These results are great news and reflect the Port’s ongoing mission to act quickly and be transparent about our efforts to determine if there was a PFAS problem.
The Port is committed to protecting the health and safety of our community and is keeping the Washington State Department of Ecology fully informed of this ongoing investigation.
“The Port’s environmental team is committed to ensuring the investigation process is transparent and the public and our investment partners are informed about the nature and scope of PFAS detection at Vista Field,” stated Port CEO, Tim Arntzen.
Arntzen continues saying, “Today’s report is very good news! The Port believes that Ecology’s response will provide a good direction for next steps as we continue working to transform that former airfield into a regional town center.”
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Port of Kennewick is developing assets to create sustainable family wage jobs, user-friendly transportation systems, and quality-of-life enhancements for visitors and residents of the port district.