Bulletin #60: another State Action on AFFF
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) in Connecticut:
‘The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is investigating after Burlington [CT] firefighters allegedly used firefighting foam illegally to put out a car fire. A DEEP spokesperson said fire officials responded to a fully engulfed car fire on Route 6, Wednesday night. Universal Gold AFFF foam [National Foam], which contains the chemical PFAS, was used to put out the fire, they said. No one was put in harm’s way during the fire, according to DEEP.’1
It was reported that a minimum of one gallon to three gallons was used in extinguishing the fire.
‘The type of foam used is no longer allowed in routine firefighting situations. This is because PFAS is a group of chemicals, per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, that can be dangerous if it gets into rivers and groundwater.
Officials are figuring out when to dispose of the collected waste at a secure chemical disposal facility out of state.
DEEP said the state of Connecticut typically seeks to recover costs from those responsible for releasing chemicals. They said it’s possible Burlington fire officials will be asked to pay these funds.’2
Fire departments may find themselves being fined for using fluorinated firefighting foams which means their own citizens, towns and cities will be covering these costs.
Foam Exposure Committee: codepfas@gmail.com
Notes
1 NBC, DEEP Investigates Illegal Use of PFAS in Burlington, December 23, 2021, www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/deep-investigates-illegal-use-of-pfas-in-burlington/2678512/
2 ibid.
