An effort is underway in Outagamie County to collect firefighting foam waste containing dangerous PFAS. The foam can seep into the ground, causing environmental problems. PFAS is linked to cancer and is known as a “forever chemical” because it doesn’t degrade in the environment.
“When firefighters or airports have to train they use PFAS. Now we know that PFAS-containing foam gets into the groundwater, leaks into the water systems, and creates havoc on our human genome. It hurts us from cancer-causing agents,” Wisconsin DNR Secretary Preston Cole said.
Many rural departments can’t afford to dispose of the waste, so they store it instead. Monday, a major source of funding was announced to help with the safe disposal.
Cole spoke at an Appleton fire station as a million dollars is being spent statewide to collect and dispose of firefighting foam waste. Overall, the money is enough to remove about 25,000 gallons of foam waste.