Bellingham International Airport phases out harmful “forever chemicals”

BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is taking steps to remove so-called “forever chemicals” from its operations.

The Port of Bellingham announced Monday, Oct. 7, that BLI is removing PFAS from its fire trucks and transitioning to fluorine-free foam for what it calls “environmental benefits.”

PFAS are a large group of long lasting chemicals that have been linked to serious health issues in humans and animals. They’re used to create products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water, such as the firefighting foam at BLI.

The Port’s announcement means that the airport’s firetrucks will stop using aqueous film-forming foam, which contains PFAS. It says transitioning to the newly developed fluorine-free foam will maintain the same effectiveness for firefighting without potentially harming the environment.

“We are excited to work alongside the Port of Seattle on this vital initiative at the Bellingham International Airport,” said Port of Bellingham executive director Rob Fix. “The removal of PFAS from our fire trucks and transition to fluorine-free foam signifies our dedication to environmental responsibility and aligns with the Port’s broader sustainability goals.”

The change comes as the state Department of Ecology proposed new rules last month aimed at limiting PFAS in products.

MyBellinghamNow previously reported that BLI received nearly $6 million in federal grants to increase safety and efficiency.