AFFF Transition and Change-Out
Fit-for-Purpose Foam Phase-Out
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) containing per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is commonly used in industrial facilities or plants to control fires originating from flammable and combustible liquids. Also known as Class B firefighting foam, AFFF can be a significant source of environmental, legal, regulatory and health risk until fire suppression systems are cleaned and changed over to replacement fluorine-free foams (F3s).
As a flexible, technology-agnostic AFFF phase-out partner, count on Battelle to seamlessly integrate with your team and deliver fully integrated foam transition programs that manage risk and prioritize your unique business requirements.
Integrated AFFF Services
Site Assessment
Inform AFFF phase-out planning and gather key budget, timeframe and site priority data with on-site inspections of your current PFAS-impacted fire-suppression systems.
Risk Consulting
Reduce AFFF replacement risk with robust planning and strategy, from region-specific regulatory reviews to risk-based cost-benefit analyses and more.
Alternatives Assessment
Consult on fluorine-free firefighting foams that fit your site(s) and systems for the key insights you need to select the most optimal alternative foam.
Fire Suppression
System Design
Ensure suppression system compatibility with replacement fluorine-free foams thanks to our multi-disciplinary design and engineering expertise and trusted industry partners.
Fire Suppression
System Cleanout
Safely drain and clean fire suppression systems of PFAS-containing foams, perform critical system testing and replace systems to facilitate new fluorine-free foams if necessary.
AFFF Waste Cleanup
Safely dispose of AFFF waste, with our technology-agnostic approach that prioritizes the best treatment or destruction solution for clients’ unique requirements and risk profiles.
Program Management
and Support
Keep your foam transition program safe and compliant, whether it’s maintaining proper documentation, monitoring for new system rebound or evaluation after an accidental release.
Get Started
Is an AFFF transition program right for your company or site? Start a conversation with our team to explore your options.
Total AFFF Transition Program
Successful transition from AFFF to fluorine-free foam requires careful planning and strategic consulting expertise to manage liability and optimize performance and resources. While making the switch isn't simple, Battelle brings unmatched PFAS expertise and a practical, risk-based approach to foam change-out.
Transitioning to F3s raises complex technical, environmental and operational questions like: Is the current system compatible? How should rinse water be handled? What training is required? How much will it cost—and what’s the risk of waiting? Our experts can help industrial clients navigate complexity with confidence.
Our strategic AFFF change-out process begins with thorough evaluation and information gathering, from multi-level assessments to risk documentation – all to prepare for a risk-based foam transition strategy.
Featured Services:
- Site-specific and system-level assessments
- Fire suppression infrastructure, foam types and contamination risk evaluation
- Regulatory review across all jurisdictions
- Environmental liability and stakeholder concern documentation
- Rebound risk and infrastructure compatibility determination
After collecting the necessary information, our experts work with clients to develop custom risk-informed strategies and plan for a successful change-out – no matter the industry or facility.
Featured Services:
- Transition strategy alignment across risk tolerance, compliance timelines and ESG goals
- Cost-benefit analysis for rinse protocols, system replacement and fluorine-free foam options
- Changeout scope definition for partial vs. full system approaches
- Fluorine-free foam selection based on site and system level hazards and operational needs
- Treatment method planning for hazardous waste containing PFAS chemicals
Post assessment and planning, our team is ready to execute clients’ custom risk-informed, strategic AFFF transition. From coordination of the right solution providers to ensuring proper documentation, our full-service program management experts oversee the whole change-out to manage risk and champion safety.
Featured Services:
- Vendor and solution provider coordination
- Rinse, replacement and changeout execution oversight
- Documentation, testing and quality assurance (QA) completion throughout transition process
- Process and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) update support
- Logistics management across multi-state facility portfolios
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the details directly from our experts for the most asked questions about AFFF transition, including FAQs on regulatory deadlines, suppression system replacement, disposal and more.
Featured Experts
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Bryon Dahlgren, P.E., BCEE
Senior Program ManagerMr. Dahlgren is an engineer with 30 years of professional experience and degrees in chemical and environmental engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has successfully managed numerous projects focused on addressing emerging contaminants at complex remediation sites. Bryon's deep experience includes researching the diverse aspects of new compounds (including tracking regulatory changes), understanding fate and transport issues, testing and implementing new remedial solutions, and managing legal and community relations communications. -
Joe Tarsavage
Division Manager, Environmental SolutionsWith 35 years of environmental experience across consulting, operations and management, Joe manages a team of 70 scientists, chemists and engineers focused on delivering top-quality analytical data, investigating the fate and transport of PFAS and developing innovative new analytical methods to address emerging chemicals of concern. -
Dan Longbrake
Director, Commercial Business Development and Sales, PFAS, Emerging Chemicals, Permitting, Environmental ComplianceDan leads and facilitates commercial engagements to develop and advance Battelle’s PFAS and environmental technologies, tools, and services. He has over 36 years of experience in the environmental industry. Dan joined Battelle in January 2021, and since that time has focused on developing and executing go-to-market strategies, creating alignment and nurturing client relationships, and positioning Battelle as a trusted partner.
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