Turning the Tide on PFAS: How Statewide AFFF Takeback Initiatives Are Redefining Environmental Protection

By Dave Trueba | Environmental Protection | June 20, 2025

Read the full article by Dave Trueba (Environmental Protection)

"PFAS regulation at the federal level has evolved significantly over the past decade. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued lifetime health advisories for several PFAS compounds in drinking water, including PFOA and PFOS, and in 2023 proposed enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Meanwhile, incineration and landfilling of PFAS-containing materials have faced increased scrutiny due to concerns about incomplete destruction and environmental redistribution. These regulatory trends underscore the urgency for verified, permanent PFAS destruction technologies and have accelerated the demand for state-led initiatives like those in Ohio, New Hampshire, and North Carolina.

In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as one of the most persistent and pervasive environmental contaminants in the United States. Often dubbed "forever chemicals" for their resistance to natural degradation, PFAS compounds are commonly found in firefighting foams, industrial processes, and even consumer products. Among these, aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) used by fire departments have proven to be a significant source of PFAS contamination in drinking water and soil across the country.

As scientific evidence has mounted regarding the health risks associated with PFAS exposure—including elevated cancer risks for firefighters—states are increasingly grappling with the question of how to safely and permanently eliminate PFAS stockpiles. In response, states like Ohio, New Hampshire, and North Carolina have launched comprehensive AFFF Takeback Programs that offer a scalable, verified, and replicable solution."