Public comment on firefighting foam environmental impact statement

We invite you to review and comment on the scope of issues that we should address in this environmental impact statement (EIS) about the collection and disposal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam. Scoping helps us determine what resources will be impacted by this collection and disposal program. We will use your feedback to help write a draft EIS.

Background on PFAS in firefighting foam

We investigated disposal options for PFAS-containing firefighting foam and conducted a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. The review indicated that our next steps were to evaluate the potential environmental, public health, and social impacts of our collection and disposal program before proceeding. A third party consultant will complete this evaluation through an Environmental Impact Statement.

The use of firefighting foam for emergencies and training is believed to be the 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.