Comprehensive PFAS removal project at LAX and VNY airports enhances firefighter safety and environmental protection

 
An aircraft rescue firefighting response (ARFF) truck completes rinsing and transition from Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to Fluorine-Free Foam (F3) at Los Angeles International Airport, September 26, 2024.The Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) are working in conjunction to meet both Federal and State requirements concerning the use of firefighting foams that contain Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. (Los Angeles World Airports courtesy photo).

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is nearing completion of a pioneering project to remove firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its entire fleet of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY). This initiative will make LAWA among the first airport operators in California to transition to fluorine-free foam (F3) and positions it as a leader in environmental stewardship and firefighter safety.

The project, which covers 14 ARFF trucks across both airports, represents one of the largest such transitions undertaken in the United States. LAWA is not only meeting but exceeding the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) best practice recommendations and is on track to complete this crucial environmental and safety upgrade, aligning with new federal and state regulatory standards. 

"This transition underscores our unwavering commitment to the safety of our operations and emergency response community, as well as our dedication to environmental stewardship," said John Ackerman, Chief Executive Officer at Los Angeles World Airports. "By taking this proactive step and collaborating with a deep bench of subject matter experts, from the remediation team to the Los Angeles Fire Department, we're setting a new standard for airports in California and across the nation."

The removal process utilizes advanced cleaning technology to reduce PFAS levels in the ARFF trucks by over 99%, significantly minimizing potential exposure to these harmful chemicals for both firefighters and the environment.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin M. Crowley commented, "This transition enhances our operational readiness while prioritizing the long-term health and safety of our firefighters. We're proud to be at the forefront of this important change in our industry, knowing that we're reducing the risk of PFAS exposure for our firefighters and our areas of responsibility that we serve."

LAWA has partnered with industry-leading contractors for this project. TRS Group, Inc., known for their expertise in environmental remediation, is conducting the PFAS foam removal process using their patented cleaning technology. Ocean Blue Environmental is managing the proper handling and disposal of the removed PFAS-containing materials.

Brett Trowbridge, president and CEO, TRS Group, Inc. (TRS) stated "LAWA's efforts are protecting the health and safety of firefighters, airport personnel, and the public and demonstrating their commitment to environmental protection. This project can serve as a model for the transition to F3 for other airports and facilities."

LAWA is working closely with the Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment and Ocean Blue Environmental to ensure proper disposal of the removed materials, further demonstrating its commitment to environmental protection. Proper disposal of PFAS-containing materials is crucial in preventing these chemicals from entering soil and water systems, thereby protecting local ecosystems and public health.

LAWA's achievement follows similar efforts at other major airports, such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which recently completed its own transition. However, LAWA's project stands out due to its scale and the advanced methods used to remove PFAS from its ARFF fleet.

A link to media assets detailing the announcement can be found here