PFAS disposal
What are PFAS?
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals. Since the 1940s, industries and consumer products have widely used them. PFAS are useful in many products because they resist heat, water, and oil. They were used in firefighting foams made to extinguish fuel fires quickly. Companies use these chemicals in products ranging from clothing and nonstick cookware to shampoo.
The production, use, and disposal of these products can result in PFAS entering the environment. Once in the environment, PFAS can contaminate our drinking water and food supply. These chemicals break down slowly and can build up in humans and animals. Researchers associate exposure to PFAS with certain negative health impacts.
CDPHE’s role in disposal
We solicited requests for proposals from qualified vendors to collect, transport, and safely destroy PFAS-containing firefighting foams (following EPA guidance) from entities participating in the Takeback Program. A team from the Water Quality Control Division, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division, and CDOT Aeronautics evaluated the proposals.
After a thorough review, CDPHE awarded a contract to Aquagga for the destruction of PFAS-containing firefighting foams temporarily and safely stored by Colorado fire departments and commercial service airports participating in our PFAS Takeback Program. One of the goals of the Takeback Program is to remove these foams from service and safely destroy them, so they do not pose an ongoing risk to the environment. CDPHE will be managing the contract for Aquagga to collect and destroy these PFAS-containing firefighting foams.
Disposal process
Aquagga’s technology utilizes a hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT) process to destroy PFAS molecules. PFAS-containing firefighting foams are fed into the HALT reactor along with an alkaline reagent, which then destroys PFAS at elevated temperature and pressure. The resulting water discharged from the reactor is then further treated in filters to remove any residual PFAS to below EPA’s drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) prior to proper discharge. Ongoing testing will ensure PFAS is destroyed and not released to the environment.
We will be coordinating with Aquagga on the pickup of foam from designated, to-be-determined, pickup locations throughout Colorado. The foam will then be stored in a warehouse facility meeting all safety protocols, including spill control and prevention, until destruction occurs at the same site. Due to the volume of PFAS-containing firefighting foams and the need to effectively distribute the costs to align with our budget, this project will take several years to complete.
Effects to environment/community
CDPHE does not anticipate adverse effects to the environment or local communities from this project. Aquagga uses a newer treatment technology capable of efficiently destroying and mineralizing all known PFAS compounds using a combination of high temperature and pressure. Studies show this technology doesn’t produce harmful byproducts or any gaseous or volatile emissions. We will require the vendor to capture and test all waste after the destruction process and effluent polishing to demonstrate complete destruction of PFAS and ensure PFAS are not being released to the environment.
Once complete, the project will have destroyed approximately 40,000 gallons of PFAS-containing firefighting foams taken out of service and stored throughout the state by our fire departments and commercial service airports. The foams will no longer pose a risk of environmental contamination once destroyed.