KENNEWICK, Wash. – Soil testing at Vista Field in Kennewick revealed PFAS levels above state limits, prompting immediate action by the Port of Kennewick, the port said in a release.
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals” in drinking water, are synthetic chemicals used since the 1950s that are found in numerous consumer and industrial products.
PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body, potentially leading to health issues including cancer, liver and kidney damage and developmental problems in children.
Concerns arose when a private-sector report, received on June 26, 2025, highlighted elevated PFAS levels, the port said.
But the port cited no immediate health concerns and that Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting will perform comprehensive soil testing at Vista Field in mid-July.
Construction of parking lots and utilities has been temporarily halted pending the results, the port said.
