AVIATION
WHAT AIRPORT OPERATORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PFAS
THE RACE IS ON FOR AN AFFF REPLACEMENT
In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) issued a revised performance specification for fluorine-free firefighting foams (F3), which enabled the industry to release a new fluorine-free AFFF. This recent development allows the commercial aviation industry and Part 139 airports to replace their AFFF with PFAS-free foams that meet the DOD specifications.
MAKING THE CONNECTION
Traditional Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), the Class B firefighting foam used to fight aviation and other chemical fires, typically contains PFAS and other listed fluorinated chemicals known to cause cancer. When AFFF is used by firefighters during training or emergencies, or accidentally leaks or spills, it gets deposited on airport surfaces and seeps into the soil and groundwater. PFAS constituents are being found in our aquifers and contaminating public and private drinking water supplies.
TESTING AFFF FOR PFAS
Since the storage and use of AFFF has been required by the FAA for decades, many airport operators have stockpiled legacy AFFF. To make the situation worse, the regulatory agencies have done their research and found PFAS and other fluorinated compounds in AFFF can cause cancer and other deadly diseases. AFFF will soon be considered a hazardous material and require cleanup and disposal by manufacturers and other responsible parties. In a recent move to get rid of the legacy AFFF, the airports have had to replace the impacted firefighting equipment, storage containers, piping, and other appetences because there is no way to remove the PFAS.
REASONS TO CHOOSE PFAS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
EXPERIENCE
We are industry leaders in PFAS assessment, remediation, and mitigation. Our technical expertise comes from years investigating, advising, and addressing PFAS contamination.
We are on the cutting edge of science, research, and regulations dealing with PFAS. We employ the experts that devote their careers to environmental challenges and mitigating negative impacts.
INNOVATIVE
FULL SERVICE
Our team deals with all aspects of PFAS, including assessment, design, construction & remediation oversight, case closure, and litigation support.
COLLABORATIVE
We are true team players. We partner with our clients to solve their most pressing PFAS challenges in a highly cost-effective and timely manner. We are highly effective at communicating thoroughly and frequently.
We are well-regarded for our ability to respond with immediacy. We recognize that environmental issues cannot wait; so we are prepared to deploy our trained staff at a moment’s notice.