Environmental Group Finds Concerning PFAS Levels Near Pittsburgh Airport

Waterways around Pittsburgh International Airport show high concentrations of 'forever chemicals'

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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An environmental group called Three Rivers Waterkeeper has discovered elevated levels of PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', in waterways surrounding the Pittsburgh International Airport. Some readings were thousands of times higher than EPA standards for drinking water, raising concerns about public health and environmental impacts.

Why it matters

PFAS are a class of synthetic chemicals that do not easily break down in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time, potentially leading to serious health issues. The discovery of high PFAS levels near the airport is alarming as these waterways flow into the Ohio River, a major source of drinking water for the region.

The details

Three Rivers Waterkeeper has been monitoring water quality in the Pittsburgh area since 2023 and found that waterways near the airport, such as Montour Run, contain PFAS levels as high as 400 parts per trillion - far exceeding the EPA's drinking water standard of 4 parts per trillion. The group also reported data from the airport itself showing discharges over 50,000 parts per trillion, which they initially thought was a typo due to how high the number was. Airports are a known source of PFAS contamination due to the firefighting foams they have historically used.

  • Since 2023, Three Rivers Waterkeeper has been testing waterways around the Pittsburgh region for PFAS.
  • In recent months, the group has found the highest PFAS levels near the Pittsburgh International Airport.

The players

Three Rivers Waterkeeper

An environmental group that monitors water quality in the Pittsburgh region and has discovered elevated PFAS levels near the airport.

Heather Hulton VanTassel

The executive director of Three Rivers Waterkeeper, who is concerned about the PFAS contamination and its potential impacts on the community.

Allegheny County Airport Authority

The organization that operates the Pittsburgh International Airport, which has historically used PFAS-containing firefighting foams that have led to the contamination.

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What they’re saying

“As a ratepayer, I don't necessarily want to pay to clean an industry's waste out of the waterways when they should not be dumping it in the first place.”

— Heather Hulton VanTassel, Executive Director, Three Rivers Waterkeeper (cbsnews.com)

“The number was so large that we just couldn't even think that was real.”

— Heather Hulton VanTassel, Executive Director, Three Rivers Waterkeeper (cbsnews.com)

“They bioaccumulate, which means they stay in our system, and the more we consume, the more we have in our system.”

— Heather Hulton VanTassel, Executive Director, Three Rivers Waterkeeper (cbsnews.com)

“We should take steps before we start seeing long-term side effects in our communities.”

— Heather Hulton VanTassel, Executive Director, Three Rivers Waterkeeper (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Three Rivers Waterkeeper has spoken with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to work on preventing further PFAS contamination and exposure in the region.

The takeaway

The discovery of high PFAS levels near the Pittsburgh International Airport highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing 'forever chemicals' in the environment and the need for proactive measures to protect public health and the local ecosystem before long-term impacts emerge.