Fire departments throughout Wisconsin will soon have the chance to safely dispose of firefighting foam containing toxic "forever chemicals" free of charge.
The Department of Natural Resources announced the beginning of its foam collection program, which received $1 million in funding from the current state budget. Fire departments are not able to use foam containing PFAS, except in the case of emergencies or for testing at facilities equipped to prevent the foam from going into the environment or sewers.
DNR Secretary Preston Cole said the foam collection is the first step the state can take to protect firefighters and reduce the cost to local governments.
"It will also help prevent people from contaminating our groundwater, our rivers and our lakes," Cole said Monday during an announcement at the Appleton Fire Station No. 6.