Extinguishing safely: Base facilities to receive firefighting chemical upgrade

  • Published
  • 509th Civil Engineer Squadron
Facilities at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, are slated to receive upgrades to the aqueous firefighting system.

The foam has been in use by the U.S. Air Force since 1970 and is the most efficient method for extinguishing petroleum fires. It is widely used in the firefighting industry and commercial airports.

Establishing water safety parameters
In 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established a Lifetime Health Advisory level of 70 parts per trillion for a combined concentration of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Due to evolving regulatory standards, these two compounds are classified as emerging contaminants, meaning the extent of their risk is not yet known. The U.S Air Force has taken a multi-prong, proactive response: identify, respond and prevent.

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) representatives began a comprehensive assessment process in 2010 to identify locations where PFOS and PFOA may have been released across the Air Force at active duty, reserve, guard and closed installations. AFCEC examiners conducted groundwater, surface water and soil sediment sampling at Whiteman AFB in late 2017.

Low levels of PFOS and PFOA were detected at historical fire training pits and wastewater treatment areas. Possible pathways to drinking water sources were mapped and due to the geologic composition of Whiteman AFB’s substrata (the layer of rock or soil beneath the ground surface), contamination of drinking water sources is highly unlikely, according to the reports. In 2017, drinking water sampling was conducted at all installations to ensure drinking water supplies meet EPA guidelines. Sampling of Whiteman AFB’s drinking water resulted in undetectable levels of PFOS and PFOA.

Implementing environmentally safe upgrades
In October 2017, Whiteman AFB firefighting equipment was upgraded to the new, environmentally friendly system. Meanwhile, 23 facilities are being upgraded with the new formula as well. Before certifying firefighting installations for use with the new formula, systems will be drained, triple rinsed and refilled. This removes chemicals, which will be captured and responsibly disposed to prevent their accidental release.

Whiteman AFB’s environmental personnel, in coordination with multiple base agencies, will ensure minimal mission impact and will monitor the upgrade process.