Bellingham International Airport Removes PFAS from Fire Trucks and Transitions to Fluorine-Free Foam for Environmental Benefits

October 9th, 2024

The Port of Bellingham is proud to announce its collaborative efforts with the Port of Seattle to remove Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from the Port of Bellingham’s airport fire trucks and transition from Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) to fluorine-free foam (FFF) for aircraft emergency responses requiring fire suppression at the Bellingham International Airport.

Historically, PFAS was the primary compound in hydrocarbon firefighting foams and is known to persist in the environment and adversely affect human health and wildlife. The newly developed FFF does not contain PFAS but has firefighting capabilities similar to AFFF without the substantial environmental impact.

The decision to remove and clean PFAS from fire trucks and transition to fluorine-free foam demonstrates the Port’s dedication to minimizing environmental impact and protecting the surrounding ecosystem. By taking this significant step, the airport aims to ensure the safety of airport personnel and the community while reducing potential environmental harm in the unlikely event of a fire-related aircraft emergency.

“We are excited to work alongside the Port of Seattle on this vital initiative at the Bellingham International Airport,” said Port Executive Director Rob Fix. “The removal of PFAS from our fire trucks and transition to fluorine-free foam signifies our dedication to environmental responsibility and aligns with the Port’s broader sustainability goals. This collaborative effort exemplifies the shared values of both Ports in prioritizing environmental well-being and safety.”

The Port of Bellingham and the Port of Seattle’s joint efforts to remove PFAS and transition to FFF are cooperative steps that highlight the importance of prioritizing environmental well-being and safety in emergency response procedures. The Ports remain committed to upholding high environmental standards while ensuring the safety of airport operations.