Disposal Planned For 25,000 Gallons Of 'Forever Chemical' Waste In WI

WISCONSIN — With a $1 million state budget award, Wisconsin authorities on Monday announced plans to collect and dispose of at least 25,000 gallons of firefighting foam that contains PFAS from fire departments across the state.

The state Department of Natural Resources celebrated the beginning of the program. A contract to collect and dispose of the foam waste was given to North Shore Environmental Construction, Inc, a news release from the DNR said.

“Removing PFAS-containing firefighting foam from our local fire houses is an important step in not only protecting firefighters from occupational exposure to PFAS, but also protecting our land and water from contamination during emergency fire operations,” said DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole in the release.

State law prohibits the use of firefighting foam that contains PFAS except for during emergency operations or at a safe facility, the DNR release pointed out, and many departments have made the switch to foams that don't have PFAS.

PFAS, sometimes known as "forever chemicals," are man-made substances used in a variety of products, such as firefighting foam, but also consumer and food products. This summer, federal authorities released new guidance stating the chemicals were more dangerous than previously thought. The chemicals have been linked to infertility, thyroid problems and several types of cancer.

At least seven sites in Wisconsin are contaminated with forever chemicals, according to activist organization Environmental Working Group. New research has, however, sought out ways to break the chemicals down.