Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is nearing completion on a project to remove firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
This initiative makes LAWA one of the first airport operators in California to transition to fluorine-free foam (F3), aligning with federal and state environmental and safety standards.
The project involves 14 ARFF trucks across the two airports, marking one of the largest transitions of its kind in the United States.
LAWA’s work exceeds the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) recommendations, aiming to reduce PFAS levels in its firefighting equipment by over 99%.
The shift to F3 foam is designed to protect both firefighters and the environment by minimising exposure to harmful chemicals.
John Ackerman, Chief Executive Officer of LAWA said:This transition underscores our unwavering commitment to the safety of our operations and emergency response community, as well as our dedication to environmental stewardship. 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 cleaning and removal process is being conducted by TRS Group, Inc., an environmental remediation company using specialised technology to achieve significant reductions in PFAS levels.
Ocean Blue Environmental is managing the safe disposal of the removed PFAS materials. LAWA is also working closely with Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment to ensure that the disposal is carried out responsibly, helping to prevent PFAS contamination of local soil and water systems.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin M. Crowley said: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.
The project is a part of a broader effort by airports across the country to transition away from PFAS-containing firefighting foams.
LAWA’s initiative follows similar actions taken by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, though the scale and methods employed by LAWA have positioned it as a model for other airports aiming to make the same transition.
