Fort Wayne International Airport removes PFAS-laden foam from firefighting vehicles; airport implements multi-step decontamination process using Revive Environmental's PFAS Annihilator technology

As airports across the nation move to eliminate PFAS-laden aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) from their Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles, many are facing a critical question: How can this transition be done safely, responsibly, and without long-term liability?

In late 2024, Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) set a new standard for this transition. With two Oshkosh Stryker ARFF vehicles stocked with legacy AFFF, and the FAA’s green light for fluorine-free alternatives, FWA’s leadership team made the decision not only to replace the foam but to fully decontaminate their vehicles using state-of-the-practice techniques.

A Methodical Approach to ARFF PFAS Removal

The decontamination process, conducted over several weeks, was a testament to meticulous planning and innovative technology. FWA utilized an industry-recognized cleaning agent combined with water rinses and thorough post-transition testing to ensure results were achieved and validated.

The multi-step process included:

1. Initial Rinses – Designed to mobilize PFAS residues from internal tanks and piping, ensuring the bulk of contamination was dislodged.
2. Recirculation and Soak Cycles – Using an industry recognized cleaning agent, these cycles targeted PFAS at the surface level, effectively breaking down stubborn chemical layering.
3. Final Water Rinse – A comprehensive flush to remove any remaining PFAS-impacted residuals.

Safe Disposal: From Contamination to Complete Destruction

A critical component of FWA’s success was its commitment to responsible waste management. All waste generated from the decontamination process—containing mobilized PFAS—was securely containerized and sent to a facility where it awaits destruction using Revive Environmental’s supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) technology, the PFAS Annihilator®. This process guarantees complete PFAS destruction, eliminating the risk of the “forever chemical” entering back into the environment.

Setting the Standard for ARFF Fleet Readiness

Fort Wayne International Airport’s proactive approach demonstrates a critical truth: simply swapping out foam is not enough. To truly eliminate the environmental and regulatory risks of PFAS, comprehensive decontamination and verified waste destruction are essential. With federal and state regulations tightening around PFAS management, FWA’s strategy serves as a blueprint for airports nationwide.

Download the Full Case Study