ECT2, a Montrose Environmental Group Company, was proud to have been selected by the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) and to complete the first Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle foam cleanout of PFAS-laden firefighting foam and transition to a fluorine-free foam in the state of Florida.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Aqueous fire-fighting foams (AFFF) have been widely used for decades to combat fuel and oil fires due to their effectiveness and ease of application. However, it was later discovered that AFFF contains perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS), a synthetic chemical in the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) group. PFOS is toxic to aquatic life and has been found in human and animal blood worldwide, raising significant health concerns.
Production of PFOS was halted in the early 2000 s, and efforts to phase out 44 different fire-fighting foams and components began. However, AFFF continued to be used until a safer, equally effective alternative could be developed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create and test new, environmentally friendly fluorine-free foam formulas. In January and September 2023, the FAA issued guidance to Part 139 certificated airports on new military specifications for fluorine-free aircraft fire-fighting foam (F3), and in May 2024, provided transition guidance based on the Department of Defense’s research.
With the approval of new PFAS free firefighting foams on the Qualified Products List (QPL), the Federal Aviation Administration has given airports across the country an alternative to PFAS-laden AFFF. Airports can now conduct AFFF exchanges on ARFF vehicles to comply with evolving regulations, protect the environment, and enhance safety. The United States Department of Defense has mandated the transition from PFAS-containing foams to fluorine-free alternatives due to the significant health and environmental risks associated with PFAS. The FAA and many states are following that guidance and instituting their own transition requirements.
EXECUTION:
ECT2 mobilized to the Naples Airport in June 2024 and performed a clean out and transition of two ARFF vehicles within the airport’s fire station. The Company’s proprietary process and solvent, which is based on over 30 blends of cleaning chemistry and methodology, collected, and removed PFAS-laden foam residue and concentrated it for off-site disposal, preventing any release of contaminants into the environment.
“We are grateful for the expertise of our partners that have helped the NAA to be an environmental leader in Florida while ensuring we continue to provide exceptional firefighting services for our customers and community,” said NAA Executive Director Chris Rozansky.
OUR EXPERTISE:
David Kempisty, ECT2’s director of emerging contaminants stated, “These are the types of projects we excel at. To date, we’ve treated over nine billion gallons of PFAS-impacted water, and in doing so, have acquired a lot of experience with what works and what doesn’t. For the Naples Airport Authority AFFF effort, we started in the lab, identified a cleaning solution with better performance characteristics than conventional tap water, and then optimized the process dialing in the right temperatures and times. From ‘a concept’ to project completion, finding solutions to today’s environmental challenges – that’s what makes this work satisfying.”
CONCLUSION
While the transition from PFAS firefighting foams to fluorine-free alternatives is a significant undertaking, partnering with an experienced team can streamline the approach. ECT2’s team understands the overall objectives and potential complications, offers a demonstrated know-how, has differentiated technology, and comprehensive service offerings.
Start the conversation today with our team by filling out this form, and one of our experienced team members will be in touch with you soon!
David Kempisty, Ph.D., P.E.Director of Emerging ContaminantsDavid is a licensed engineer with over 20 years of experience in the water treatment and environmental remediation space. His current role at ECT2 focuses on the use of novel technologies for the removal of emerging contaminants such as PFAS, 1,4 dioxane, and carcinogenic volatile organics from the environment. Before this, he spent 22 years in the United States Air Force as an environmental engineer, occupational health consultant, and assistant professor. As editor of two books on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and author of over 20 peer-reviewed papers and presentations on a variety of environmental topics, Dave provides a well-balanced perspective on today’s environmental issues..
