National IGE Report: January-February 2026

Avoiding PFAS Overload; Partnership in Action

In October 2021, SAME’s Environmental COI launched a National IGE Project to address the challenge of overwhelming information being available across the Defense Department concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The complexity and abundance of PFAS guidance, while well-intentioned, created confusion more often than clarity. Particularly in the wake of widespread impacts from PFAS-containing aqueous film forming foam used in firefighting at military bases, the SAME-led initiative focused on making resources accessible and actionable. Rather than duplicating work underway by others, the project condensed extensive technical and regulatory content into concise, defense-specific training sessions and fact sheets.

With wide-ranging impacts affecting everything from military construction projects to environmental restoration and base closures, the IGE Project successfully distilled vast, complex material into targeted, actionable training and resources for military personnel and contractors.

Over nearly four years, the team delivered 13 webinars and nine fact sheets. In total, its information-sharing efforts reached over 1,000 people directly and led to the establishment of partnerships with multiple agencies and branches with the Defense Department. By bridging the gap between technical guidance and operational needs, the project ensured that those responsible for safeguarding installations and nearby communities were equipped with the tools and knowledge required to manage PFAS impacts responsibly and efficiently.

All content was vetted by subject matter experts and delivered by experienced trainers and volunteers. Recordings of webinars and copies of fact sheets can be found on the Environmental COI webpage (www.same.org/environmental-community).