After a lengthy process, New Hampshire has finally begun collecting firefighting foam containing PFAS. The state had been struggling to find a safe way to dispose of the foam, which contains harmful chemicals that can leach into groundwater and pose health risks. The decision to collect the foam comes after years of debate and planning, with officials acknowledging that it was a difficult decision to make. The state had previously banned the use of PFAS-containing foam in training exercises, but had not yet found a way to properly dispose of existing stockpiles.
The collection program will be run by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and is funded by a $1 million appropriation from the state legislature. Fire departments across the state will be able to drop off their foam at specified locations, where it will be shipped to a facility in Texas for proper disposal. The program is a step forward in addressing the issue of PFAS contamination in New Hampshire and is seen as a positive development by environmental advocates.
Despite the progress, concerns still remain about the long-term effects of PFAS exposure and the need for stricter regulations to prevent further contamination. Some are calling for a nationwide ban on PFAS-containing foam, while others are pushing for more comprehensive testing and monitoring of water sources. The issue of PFAS contamination is a complex and ongoing one, but the collection program in New Hampshire is a step in the right direction towards finding solutions to this environmental challenge.
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