TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey officials are highlighting the success of a statewide program aimed at removing and safely destroying PFAS-containing firefighting foam from hundreds of fire departments.
The initiative, led by the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Community Affairs under the Sherrill administration, is designed to help departments comply with a state law banning the use and storage of the foam by Jan. 1, 2027.
Officials said the program is one of the largest coordinated efforts of its kind in the nation and is expected to collect about 150,000 gallons of firefighting foam from more than 400 eligible departments.
“We are extremely pleased that fire departments from across New Jersey have been stepping up to get rid of these foams and protect firefighters, their communities, and the environment from potential impacts from these dangerous chemicals,” DEP Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak said during a media event at the northern regional collection site in Hunterdon County. “The DEP is delivering on one of the Sherrill Administration’s environmental priorities to mitigate harmful PFAS, keeping them out of the environment and avoiding the extremely high cost of cleanup down the road.”
The program is funded through a $16.6 million state appropriation and includes regional collection sites where departments can safely dispose of the materials at no cost.
“Improving quality of life is at the heart of everything we do at the Department of Community Affairs. This includes stopping the use of cancer-causing firefighting foam in an effort to protect the health of New Jersey firefighters and the safety of drinking water supplies,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Working together with the Department of Environmental Protection and local fire departments across the state, our Department’s Division of Fire Safety (DFS) is proud to be part of this massive collection and disposal program that will reduce future environmental contamination.”
State officials and lawmakers emphasized the health risks associated with PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to cancer, immune system effects and long-term environmental contamination.
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect us every day. The last thing they should have to worry about is exposure to dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ when they are using the very tools that are meant to keep them safe,” said Senator Troy Singleton, who authored the law banning PFAS in firefighting foam. “Protecting those who protect us will remain a top priority and I am encouraged by the State’s efforts to implement this law, and safely destroy PFAS-containing foam.”
“New Jersey is leading the way in addressing the serious public health risks posed by PFAS, the ‘forever chemicals’ that are pervasive in our consumer products, and now our environment,” said legislation sponsor Senator Linda Greenstein. “Efforts like this from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Community Affairs to safely collect and destroy material containing PFAS build off of our broader work to reduce exposure and strengthen protections, with the goal of ensuring a healthier environment for our residents in the future.”
The state has contracted with Revive Environmental to handle the transport and destruction of the foam using a high-temperature process designed to break down PFAS compounds.
“NJDEP is setting the standard for statewide PFAS action. With over 150,000 gallons of AFFF expected from hundreds of fire departments, this is one of the largest coordinated foam collection and destruction programs in U.S. history,” said Rick Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer of Revive Environmental. “Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have been sitting with firefighters and their families and hearing what it means to finally have this foam out of their stations.”
Fire officials also emphasized the importance of transitioning to safer alternatives.
“Today we are continuing the process of removing these PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ from our fire departments throughout the state. Now is the time to begin the transition from these PFAS containing foams and move to safer fluorine-free alternatives,” said State Fire Marshal and Division of Fire Safety Director Wayne Wolk. “This is a good day for the fire service in New Jersey and the DFS, we will continue to advocate for the health and welfare of both our firefighters and residents to be free from these harmful chemicals.”
Advocates for firefighters said the effort will help reduce long-term health risks.
“Our members face elevated exposure to PFAS through firefighting foams and contaminated gear at much greater levels than the public. Remediation efforts being conducted will protect our firefighters and HAZMAT technicians from continued risks from these forever chemicals,” said New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association President Eddie Donnelly. “Cancer in the fire service is our number one killer. The NJFMBA is grateful for the partnership with our Legislature and Governor Sherrill for taking action to reduce long-term health concerns and ensure safer conditions for New Jersey’s first responders. We are the front lines of defense for our state and deserve nothing less than common sense collaboration to ensure New Jersey provides the protection, staffing and equipment for our women and men to do their jobs safely.”
Officials said the program represents a major step toward reducing PFAS contamination in water, soil and communities across the state.
