Nearly two out of three Wisconsin fire departments are storing foam containing hazardous PFAS chemicals that could cost millions of dollars to safely dispose of, according to a state Department of Natural Resources survey.
Based on the survey conducted this spring, the DNR estimates there are between 63,200 and 96,300 gallons of foam on hand, including more than 30,000 gallons of expired or unwanted foam. That’s significantly more than the agency had previously predicted.
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The survey also found that 62% of departments that have used the foam do not have any guidelines, policies or best practices in place for using it. Most fire departments said they reserved the foam for use on flammable liquids, but 38% reported using the foam on all types of fires.