West Virginia House Bill HB2860

West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/20/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Engrossed: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/28/23
• Report Pass: 3/2/23
• Enrolled: 3/6/23
• Passed: 3/11/23
• Chaptered: 5/1/23

Caption

To dispose of old AFFF foam accumulated by fire departments

Impact

The passage of HB 2860 aims to enhance public health and environmental safety by ensuring that firefighting practices involving PFAS are conducted safely and responsibly. The bill prohibits the discharge of AFFF containing PFAS unless there is an emergency situation or the use occurs under regulated testing conditions at specified facilities. The State Fire Commission will be responsible for determining how to safely dispose of any accumulated AFFF, which may involve coordinating with environmental agencies to mitigate risks associated with its disposal.

Summary

House Bill 2860 focuses on the safe disposal of used Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) by establishing regulations concerning firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals. The bill mandates that the State Fire Commission develop rules for the standard safe practices for the use and discharge of these foams, emphasizing the need for containment, storage, and suitable disposal measures to prevent environmental contamination. This legislation intends to manage the risks posed by PFAS, which have been linked to health and ecological concerns.

Sentiment

The reaction to HB 2860 appears largely positive, particularly among environmental advocacy groups who see it as a necessary step towards reducing harmful chemical influences in firefighting operations. However, there may be challenges or concerns from firefighting agencies about complying with new regulations and the logistics involved in the disposal process. The overall sentiment reflects a balance between the need for effective firefighting practices and serious environmental considerations regarding PFAS.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on safety and environmental responsibility, there may be contention regarding the implications for firefighting operations, including potential costs associated with adhering to the new disposal regulations. Stakeholders within firefighting departments might express concerns about the feasibility of following these guidelines under emergency conditions, as well as the availability of resources for transitioning away from traditional foams. The discussion surrounding HB 2860 highlights the importance of ensuring that safety measures do not impede essential emergency services.