b'34 SEAENVIRONMENTALSeattle-Tacoma Intl Fans the Flamesof Innovation With Transitionto PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam BY JENNIFER DAACK WOOLSONFACTS&FIGURESIn 2018, Washington stateairports like Seattle-Tacoma International Project: Cleaning Residual PFAS from Firefightingmandated the phased eliminationAirport (SEA), which the Port of Seattle Vehicles of per- and polyfluoroalkyloperates, to transition to a safer and Component of: Transition to Fluorine-Free substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam formore environmentally friendly fluorine-free Firefighting Foam anything other than emergency response.alternative.Location: Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport, in WA That ruled out its use by airport crews forAviation Senior st training or equipment testing. PFAS, whichEnvironmental Program Distinction: 1U.S. airport to use soap-based have long been used in firefighting foam PFAS removal process Manager Megan because of their effectiveness, are also nowKing, who manages Cost: $50,000-$70,000/vehicle known for their harmful effects on people, Budget: $600,000 wildlife and the environment. the Ports aviation-related contaminated Funding: Airport; potential FAA grant reimbursementThe new statesites program and Timeline: JuneAugust 2024 legislation presentedpartnered with KrauseMEGAN KINGProduct Used: PerfluorAd a challenge for Randyin the transition Provider: TRS Group Krause, Port of Seattleprocess, underscores the benefits of this ARFF Vehicles: 2 Oshkosh Striker 3000s, Fire Department chief,important milestone. The primary benefit 2 Rosenbauer Panther 6x6s, 1 Oshkosh Striker 4500HRETbecause at that timeto us is removing a potential point of Water Testing: Analysis of PFAS in first rinse water,FAA required airports exposure to people who work here at the final rinse water & treated rinse water discharged to sewer to use fluorine- RANDY KRAUSE fire department, people who work more Waste Disposal: Treated rinse water is discharged tocontaining foams.broadly at the airport and also the traveling sanitary sewer; solid waste (PFAS sludge) from treatmentThat changed in October 2023 when thepublic, she says. The second benefit is process is sent to non-hazardous landfill or hazardousU.S. Department of Defense approved athe environmental benefit of not putting this waste incineration facility, per test results fluorine-free foam that met FAAs rigoroustoxic material into the environment where Key Benefits: Reducing PFAS exposure risk forstandards, previously achievable only withit can contaminate soil, groundwater and firefighters, airport personnel & general public; minimizingaqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), whichsurface water runoff that could potentially release of harmful PFAS to the environment contain PFAS. That cleared the way formigrate away from our property.October 2024AirportImprovement.com'