The next is the July 8, 2024, Authorities Accountability Workplace report, FIREFIGHTING FOAM: DOD Is Working to Tackle Challenges to Transitioning to PFAS-Free Options.
From the report
What GAO Discovered
The Division of Protection (DOD) has taken steps to remove use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)—a product used to battle flammable liquid fires—at its installations. AFFF comprises per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can have hostile results on human well being, together with results on fetal improvement, the immune system, and the thyroid. Additionally, PFAS might trigger liver injury and most cancers. The Nationwide Protection Authorization Act for Fiscal Yr 2020 required, partially, that DOD discontinue use of AFFF at its installations after October 1, 2024—with waivers doable till October 1, 2026, and an exemption for shipboard use. The navy departments have developed implementation plans, schedules, and prices for changing AFFF in all land-based cell belongings and amenities worldwide. Additional, DOD has developed specs for the event of a fluorine-free foam that gives a PFAS-free various for assembly DOD’s hearth extinguishing efficiency requirements.
The navy departments have recognized challenges that will have an effect on the time and assets required to totally remove AFFF at DOD installations. For instance:
There are a number of compatibility points with certified fluorine-free foams that preclude them from being drop-in replacements for AFFF for sure tactical firefighting techniques, akin to their incapacity to resist sure temperatures or to be blended with water prematurely of use.
There are substantial funding necessities for the transition from AFFF to a fluorine-free product—preliminary estimates stand at over $2.1 billion.
DOD firefighters aren’t totally skilled in use of fluorine-free foams, which differs from use of AFFF.
In February 2024, DOD reported to Congress that it anticipates needing to submit the 2 allowable 1-year waiver requests to the October 1, 2024, statutory deadline—extending some AFFF use at DOD installations to October 1, 2026. The extensions are primarily as a result of time it takes to transition techniques from AFFF to fluorine-free options with out compromising missions or security.
In February 2024, DOD reported to Congress that it anticipates needing to submit the 2 allowable 1-year waiver requests to the October 1, 2024, statutory deadline—extending some AFFF use at DOD installations to October 1, 2026. The extensions are primarily as a result of time it takes to transition techniques from AFFF to fluorine-free options with out compromising missions or security.
Why GAO Did This Research
DOD makes use of AFFF in about 1,500 amenities and over 6,800 cell belongings worldwide to suppress fires. Launch of AFFF into the surroundings, both by unintended releases, or for hearth coaching and emergency use, has resulted in PFAS detections in consuming water and groundwater in and round DOD installations. In recent times, numerous statutes have been enacted to restrict DOD’s use of PFAS-containing supplies, together with AFFF.
GAO was requested to overview points associated to DOD’s transition to PFAS-free options to AFFF. This included the extent to which DOD has (1) taken motion to discontinue use of AFFF at DOD installations and (2) recognized challenges that will have an effect on its capacity to fulfill statutory deadlines for discontinuing use of AFFF.
GAO reviewed related statutes and examined DOD and navy division paperwork and insurance policies associated to make use of of and transition from AFFF. GAO additionally interviewed officers from the Workplace of the Assistant Secretary of Protection for Vitality, Installations, and Setting; the navy departments; and different businesses chargeable for implementing the AFFF transition.
Obtain the doc right here.
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