The Department of Ecology has notified Vista Field they can resume development, following another inspection, operations expected to resume very soon.

    Vista to Resume Construction

Tuesday, June 16th Officials released information that no traces of PFA's or forever chemicals were present.  In June of 2025, one test showed a slightly elevated level of polyfluoroalkyl substances, referred to as PFA's was found in a small spot on Lot #31 that was being developed. 

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Following the removal of two dumptruck loads of soil that were carefully monitored, Ecology says Vista can resume operations, all systems go.

  PFA's Don't Erode or Degrade Easily

PFA's, according to health officials, can accumulate in a person's body over the years, causing significant health issues.  Common sources of these chemicals that don't break down include airport firefighting foam, stain resistant carpets, cooking oil--literally hundreds of household uses.   The small amounts of PFA found at Vista are attributed to years of airfield operations.

 

Vista Field Development Port of Kennewick
Vista Field Development Port of Kennewick
Vista Field Development Port of Kennewick

A small soil sample was detected in a five foot square at the Lot 31 site, but now it's considered clean.  According to information released by Vista Field:

"Ecology’s communication comes after the successful removal of approximately two dump trucks of soil in late February from a small spot on Lot 31 (about 5 feet in diameter) that tested for PFAS slightly above allowable limits last year.

 Following excavation, samples taken of the remaining soil showed no PFAS concerns remained – and the port’s environmental contractor backfilled the hole with clean, controlled-density fill."

To learn more about the Vista Field Development project and it's multiple phases, click here.

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