State Rep. Sue Allor today advocated before the House Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee on behalf of her proposal to contain and control PFAS contamination caused by AFFF fire-fighting foam.

“Firefighting foam used to contain fuel fires at military bases and airports is one of the most substantial sources of PFAS contamination – not just in Michigan, but across the nation,” Allor said. “Though use of this firefighting foam is on the decline, we must contain the effects of AFFF foam use in any way we can.  Proper and consistent reporting on the uses of AFFF is a common sense and necessary first step. This plan treats the use of AFFF foam just as any other known contamination, by requiring reporting to proper authorities.”

Allor’s plan provides a regulatory structure and turn-in program for PFAS-containing AFFF firefighting foam. It would require fire departments to report use of firefighting foam containing PFAS to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (MDEGLE) within 48 hours, including:

• The purpose for which the foam was used
• The specific location it was used
• The quantity of concentrate and water used
• The water body potentially affected by any runoff, with specific information on where it could flow;
• Practices used for proper cleanup and disposal.

The plan also instructs MDEGLE to establish a collection program for fire departments to safely dispose of AFFF foam.

AFFF foam is used by fire departments to suppress petroleum-based fires. While manufacturers voluntarily stopped making PFAS-containing foam in 2002, in exchange for a safer alternative, many facilities still have the older foam on hand. The military has begun efforts to eliminate these inventories, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has initiated its rule-making process to regulate all forms of PFAS.

“While the federal government has begun the process of addressing use of this chemical, it could take up to three years,” said Allor, of Wolverine. “I know we can do better, especially with this specific project,” Allor said.