The military is checking U.S. bases for groundwater contamination due to a toxic chemical used to control petroleum fires. But some local fire departments are required to have this same chemical on-hand, leading to questions of public safety.
Currently, Illinois agencies don't regulate how this foam is used. But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to put out a health advisory on the chemical.
"We used it a couple of years ago. We had to respond out to the interstate for a transport bus on fire," says Williamson County Fire Protection District Chief Jeremy Norris.
Since his department serves the Williamson County Airport, Chief Norris says the FAA requires them to have the chemical on site. It also can be used in hazardous material spills and at oil refinery fires. But in Illinois, and 32 other states, it goes unmonitored.
"When we apply it or resurface the vehicle, we always try to wear some type of gloves and eye protection for it, but other than that, no, there's really no guidance for it," says Norris.
"The area where they're distributing this chemical can find it's way into a lake, pond, or stream. It doesn't just go to groundwater itself," explains Steven Esling, Geology chair at SIU.