Department of Ecology
Committees, Boards, and Workgroups

The Department of Ecology uses this site to share information and solicit feedback on the environmental, health, and social impacts of a collection and disposal program for firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). The Washington State Legislature allocated funds for Ecology to collect, transport, and dispose of PFAS containing firefighting foam owned by municipal fire departments. 

The use of firefighting foam for emergencies and training is believed to be a source of PFAS ground and drinking water contamination around the state, including in communities such as Airway Heights, Issaquah, Lakewood, and on Whidbey Island. PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because there is no known natural process to break them down. PFAS are detrimental to both human and wildlife health at low levels and are found throughout the globe.

AFFF environmental impact statement

Ecology investigated disposal options for PFAS containing firefighting foam and conducted a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. On October 15, 2024, we released an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) reviewing the disposal program’s impact upon the environment and public health. 

Once the EIS is finalized and we select a preferred disposal alternative, we will launch the AFFF collection and disposal program for municipal supplies of AFFF.

• Read a summary of the final EIS.
• Watch our AFFF draft Environmental Impact Statement informational presentation on YouTube.
• Learn about the EIS process in our What is an EIS? focus sheet.

To stay updated on Ecology’s EIS, subscribe to the firefighting foam email list.

• Comuníquese con nosotros a hwtrpubs@ecy.wa.gov si usted necesita ayuda con servicios de interpretación o materiales traducidos a otro idioma.
• Hãy liên lạc chúng tôi qua điện thư hwtrpubs@ecy.wa.gov nếu quý vị cần trợ giúp thông dịch hoặc tài liệu dịch sang tiếng Việt.
• 통역서비스나 다른 언어로 번역된 자료가 필요하시면 저희에게 이메일 (hwtrpubs@ecy.wa.gov) 로 연락하세요.
• 如需翻譯服務或其它語種材料請發送郵件至hwtrpubs@ecy.wa.gov 聯繫我們。

Related information

• Toxics in Firefighting Agents and Equipment Law
• Ecology’s Toxics in Firefighting Law webpage
• Ecology’s AFFF environmental impact statement webpage
• Ecology’s PFAS webpage

Contact

Sean Smith
Department of Ecology | Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program
425-324-0328
sean.smith@ecy.wa.gov