Stephen Pepper Discusses AFFF & PFAS Risks in Tank Storage Magazine

Stephen Pepper, Senior Consultant for PFAS programs at CTEH, has been featured in the Summer edition of Tank Storage Magazine. His article, “Containing AFFF Runoff & PFAS Risk,” explores practical strategies for tank storage facilities to prepare and manage firewater runoff while tackling the growing regulatory and environmental challenges posed by PFAS compounds.

Stephen outlines six proactive strategies for effective firewater management:

1. Inventory identification and control – Tracking historical and current aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) use, inventories, and plans for transitioning to alternatives like synthetic fluorine-free foam (SFFF).
2. Analyzing drainage and contamination pathways – Mapping stormwater drains and process wastewater systems to model contamination scenarios.
3. Containment and storage tactics – Designing secondary containment systems and emergency basins to prevent accidental releases.
4. Environmental sampling – Implementing rigorous environmental monitoring and data management for compliance and early risk detection.
5. Firewater runoff treatment and disposal – Evaluating treatment technologies like granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange for high-strength PFAS removal.
6. Communication with regulators and stakeholders – Promoting transparency, proactive engagement, and authentic reporting to build trust and demonstrate stewardship.

The article emphasizes that while shifting to SFFF foams can lower PFAS-related risks, it’s not a silver bullet. New challenges—like different ecological impacts and operational considerations—must be addressed with thorough planning and investments in infrastructure, training, and stakeholder engagement.

Firewater management, Stephen stresses, is not just an environmental imperative but a critical business issue. Poorly managed AFFF runoff can carry significant financial, regulatory, and reputational consequences for storage facilities.

Read Stephen’s full article in Tank Storage Magazine here.