Hunter
02/19/24
Officials at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids say plans to use geothermal heating and cooling for the final phase of its expansion project have been scrapped due to “forever chemicals” on site.
The Gazette reports the airport started the final phase of a ten-year renovation project last year. The $68 million Phase 4 includes adding 32,000 square feet with four additional jet bridges, a larger patio that serves alcohol and an indoor pet relief area. Geothermal heat was included in the Terminal B expansion completed in 2019, and officials wanted the same for Phase 4.
Concerns about PFAS were raised after they were detected in private wells around the property.
Two test wells were dug for the proposed 105-well project to check for PFAS, nicknamed “forever chemicals” for how long they stay in the body. One was free of PFAS but the other had levels below a standard for safe drinking water the federal government is expected to set. The wells were not to be used for potable water.
While waiting for DNR approval, airport officials decided to omit the wells from Phase 4 and instead will build a plant housing traditional boilers and chillers to heat and cool the buildings. They hope to have the project finished by Spring 2025.
