Governor DeWine Launches Statewide
Firefighting Foam Takeback Program
Statewide program first in nation to use new technology to
destroy PFAS "forever" chemicals
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During an event at
Using PFAS Annihilator® technology developed by Battelle,
which is headquartered in Columbus, the AFFF Takeback Program will destroy PFAS
in firefighting foam to non-detectable levels through the process of
supercritical water oxidation.
"The development of this technology is just another
example of how
Battelle's PFAS Annihilator technology uses extreme heat and
pressure to chemically transform PFAS into carbon dioxide and inert salt,
destroying the PFAS and leaving behind no harmful byproducts or residual
contamination. This technology differs from other AFFF disposal methods, such
as incineration, which destroys the foam but releases that PFAS into the air,
or landfilling, which results in contaminated landfill leachate.
“We are excited that Governor DeWine has committed the
resources to allow fire departments across the state to access this
cutting-edge technology developed by our partners at Battelle,” said Ohio EPA
Director Anne Vogel.
As of this morning, approximately 1,000 gallons of foam were
turned in during today's takeback event in
“I am proud of the Battelle team, and our partners at Revive
Environmental, who have devoted their time and expertise to tackle such an
important and challenging problem facing our state,” said Battelle President
and CEO Lou Von Thaer. “This is what we do at Battelle: We find the toughest
problems and use science to develop solutions that will make an impact and help
improve the world.”
LEARN MORE: PFAS Annihilator® Technology
According to the Ohio Department of Health, exposure to PFAS
has been found to affect the immune system, increase the risk of certain
cancers, impact fertility, and affect the growth and behavior of infants and
children. In 2022, Governor DeWine signed a bill banning the use of AFFF in
firefighter training exercises, and as a result, many fire departments are
using PFAS-free alternatives to extinguish flammable liquid fires.
"It's undeniable that firefighting remains a dangerous
profession, fraught with risks that go beyond the flames. Initiatives like the
AFFF Takeback Program, however, represent a significant stride in lessening those
risks, particularly from toxic exposures," said Deputy Fire Marshal
Richard Sluder.
The AFFF Takeback Program is operated at no cost to local
fire departments, but agencies must register their AFFF materials at
oh.revive-environmental.com to be scheduled for collection at future takeback
events.
The program is funded with $3 million in settlement money
that
The creation of the AFFF Takeback Program is the latest
effort by the DeWine-Husted Administration to address PFAS contamination in