Steve Pepper’s Post

@CTEH putting in the work to advance the body of knowledge about firefighter exposure testing. My colleagues @coletinsley and @derekkliethermes and I have had the pleasure of working with the LASTFIRE project this week to better understand the effects of radiant heat on both passive and active sampling during a large class B fire using synthetic fluorine free foams (SFFF).

Ian, thanks for sharing. The recent proposal by Germany through the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to regulate Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), an ultrashort chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) found in rainwater, serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of this environmental threat. The widespread presence of TFA in rainwater raises concerns about the extent of contamination and the complexities involved in mitigating its impact on ecosystems and public health. Given the resilient nature of PFAS chemicals and their ability to persist in the environment, addressing this issue poses a formidable challenge that demands careful consideration and collaborative action. As we navigate this intricate landscape of environmental challenges, it is crucial to approach the regulation of TFA and other PFAS compounds with a sense of caution and diligence. The implications of widespread PFAS contamination go beyond borders, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response on a global scale. While the road ahead may be daunting, it is imperative that we prioritize scientific research, regulatory measures, and public awareness initiatives to effectively address the risks associated with PFAS exposure and contamination. Let us heed this cautionary tale as a call to action to safeguard our environment and communities from the pervasive threat of PFAS compounds. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future for all. #EnvironmentalChallenges #PFAS #TFA #ECHA #Regulation #EnvironmentalImpact #Caution #GlobalCollaboration #PublicHealth #RainwaterContamination #Sustainability #Awareness #EnvironmentalStewardship

On March 20th, the Water Coalition Against PFAS advocated for a "polluter pays" principle before the Senate EPW Committee, pushing against utilities being held liable for PFAS contamination under CERCLA. The coalition seeks to protect water sector utilities and their customers from the financial burden of cleanup costs, emphasizing that the responsibility should fall on the companies that profited from these "forever chemicals." Legal protections for water systems are urged by the coalition to ensure polluters bear the remediation costs, not the public. #WaterCoalitionAgainstPFAS #CERCLA #PFAS #PolluterPays #EnvironmentalJustice #WaterSector

Art, very interesting idea. For many years EMs use a worst case scenario “single failure” as the large exercise scenario even though recent history have shown large complex incidents that escalated with multi failure components. The DM campaign with multi pronged opportunities would challenge our teams…

I recently had the honor of serving as a guest instructor at the National Foam Global F3 Firefighting School in College Station. During this event, I participated in demonstration evolutions of the cutting-edge next generation 1x3 synthetic fluorine-free foam (SFFF) concentrate, which marks a significant advancement in extinguishing fires involving hydrocarbon fuels and polar solvents. An accompanying video, which I have provided below, captures the efficacy of the new foam concentrate under operational conditions that were even more challenging than the standard application rate prescribed for 100% Ethanol fires. Remarkably, the fire was rapidly suppressed, and the application of foam was promptly ceased. What's more, the stability and effectiveness of the foam were clearly demonstrated when, even after 15 minutes post-extinguishment, the foam blanket remained intact, successfully preventing reignition. This was convincingly proven when the foam was intentionally disturbed during a test involving a torch pass. The robust foam blanket resisted ignition, showcasing the exceptional quality and potential of this new generation firefighting solution. The UL Listing evaluation is scheduled for April and National Foam is hoping for a Summer launch of the new generation SFFF. #SFFF #NationalFoam #PFASFree

I hope my European colleagues, or Danish speakers everywhere, register for this engaging session where Tore Svendsen of ECT2 will delve into the innovative realm of soil washing as a viable solution for PFAS removal and remediation in Denmark. This upcoming session is a must-attend event for environmental professionals, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders interested in sustainable and effective soil decontamination methods. #SoilWashing #PFASRemediation #EnvironmentalWebinar #ECT2 #Denmark

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just published the final rule on the Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations, signaling a transformative step forward in our collective mission to ensure safer communities and a more resilient environment. Key highlights of the final rule: Enhanced Hazard Evaluations: The RMP regulation now requires facilities to amplify hazard assessments, explicitly considering the impact of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. This proactive approach is crucial as we face increasing weather volatility, ensuring that chemical plants and other high-risk facilities are prepared for extreme events. Power Resilience: Recognizing that power disruptions can lead to catastrophic safety failures, the new rule mandates the need for robust back-up power systems for critical monitoring and safety systems. This addition will help mitigate risks during power outages, protecting both workers and neighboring communities. Siting & Environmental Justice (EJ): A groundbreaking aspect of the updated regulation is the consideration of stationary source siting in relation to EJ communities. The rule acknowledges that historically, many high-risk facilities have been disproportionately located near low-income and minority communities, leading to amplified health and safety risks. Moving forward, siting decisions will be informed by EJ principles, aiming to prevent further inequities and protect all communities equally. These updates represent a significant change in our regulatory framework, aligning risk management with the hazards posed by climate change and social equity. As industry leaders and EHS professionals, #CTEH can help you navigate these changes, ensuring compliance, and contributing to a safer, more equitable future. Your thoughts and strategies on implementing these new requirements are welcomed in the comments below. #EPA #RiskManagement #ClimateChange #EnvironmentalJustice #PublicSafety #EHS #RegulatoryUpdate #Sustainability #CommunitySafety #Resilience #PowerBackup https://lnkd.in/gbdPyASB