Wisconsin DNR Now Accepting Bids for PFAS-Containing Firefighting Foam Collection and Disposal Program

Wisconsin DNR Now Accepting Bids for PFAS-Containing Firefighting Foam Collection and Disposal Program

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP), today announced the opening of a Request for Bids (RFB) for collection and disposal of PFAS-containing firefighting foam.

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals used in numerous products, including Class B firefighting foams used to extinguish flammable liquid fires. These chemicals do not break down easily in the environment and can cause negative health impacts in humans.  

The 2021-23 biennium budget provides $1 million to the DNR to work jointly with DATCP to administer a program to collect and safely dispose of PFAS-containing firefighting foams in Wisconsin. The contractor that submits the successful RFB will be required to collect PFAS-containing firefighting foam from fire response entities throughout Wisconsin and safely transport it for disposal. Fire response entities have identified approximately 25,000 gallons of PFAS-containing firefighting foam for collection and disposal.

Completion of this program will address an Action Item related to pollution prevention identified by the Wisconsin PFAS Action Council (WisPAC) in the Wisconsin PFAS Action Plan. Similar collection and disposal programs for PFAS-containing firefighting foam are currently underway in other states, including Michigan and Indiana.

Those interested in competing for this contract can find more information about the qualifications, requirements and bidding process in VendorNet.