DNR Will Draft Regulations on Firefighting Foam Containing PFAS
The agency got the go-ahead from the state's Natural Resources Board.
The state Natural Resources Board has unanimously approved allowing the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to begin drafting regulations to enforce restrictions on firefighting foam that contains chemicals known as PFAS.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, are chemicals that are found in products ranging from firefighting foam to nonstick cookware. The chemicals have raised concerns because they don’t break down easily in the environment, and research has linked the substances to thyroid disease, decreased fertility in women and cancer.
Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill earlier this year that bans the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS except in emergencies. The bill also allows testing and storage under specific conditions. The DNR must come up with regulations to put the restrictions in place by September.
Kate Strom Hiorns, the agency’s solid waste section chief, said fire departments can still store and contain firefighting foam that contains PFAS. They’re not required to dispose of it.
There would be cost for disposing of the foam if departments choose to do so.
The DNR has been surveying fire departments to see if they are storing firefighting foam that contain PFAS. The agency is finalizing the results of that survey and hopes to provide their findings by July.
The Wisconsin Fire Chiefs Association has noted that lawmakers did not pass legislation that would provide financial assistance to departments in disposing of PFAS-containing foam.
The anticipated economic impact of the rule is expected to be less than $5 million per year, according to the board’s agenda documents. Strom Hiorns said they’re not expecting an annual economic impact from the regulations. However, there may be costs related to storage and disposal.
The Wisconsin Fire Chiefs Association has estimated it would cost $50 per gallon to collect and dispose of foam, while replacing foam is expected to cost $35 per gallon.
Wisconsin DNR Can Begin Crafting Regulations To Restrict Firefighting Foam Containing PFAS was originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio.
More about the PFAS Problem
- Evers Won’t Rule Out Court Challenge to Force Release of PFAS Funds - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 16th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Vetoes PFAS Bill, Calls Special Meeting of Budget Committee - Baylor Spears - Apr 10th, 2024
- DNR, DHS Respond To EPA’s Announcement Of Maximum Contaminant Levels For PFAS In Drinking Water - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Apr 10th, 2024
- GOP Leaders Urge Gov. Evers to Sign Divisive PFAS Bill - Baylor Spears - Apr 2nd, 2024
- UW-Madison to Open PFAS Center - Robert D'Andrea - Apr 1st, 2024
- Gov. Evers Slams Republicans for Continued Delays Releasing Critical Funds to Fight PFAS Statewide, Stabilize Healthcare Industry in Western Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - Mar 11th, 2024
- Wisconsin DNR Update On WMC And Leather Rich, Inc V. DNR - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Mar 8th, 2024
- State Appeals Court Blocks DNR’s Regulation of PFAS - Danielle Kaeding - Mar 6th, 2024
- Evers Seeks Compromise on Republican PFAS Bill - Danielle Kaeding - Feb 27th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Urges Lawmakers to Support Compromise to Release $125 Million to Fight PFAS Contaminants Statewide - Gov. Tony Evers - Feb 27th, 2024
Read more about PFAS Problem here