DOD will likely ask for an extension of its Oct. 1 deadline to transition to a new firefighting foam that does not include PFAS, and the chemicals could be in use at installations for two more years, Military.com reported. The harmful “forever chemicals” have been found in the water systems of communities near installations.

“The military departments have identified challenges that may slow the transition,” a recent Government Accountability Office report said.

The 2020 defense authorization bill required DOD to transition to an alternative by Oct. 1 but allowed an extension of up to two years. GAO said the challenges include the lack of a simple, effective replacement, an estimated $2.1 billion transition cost and training firefighters to use alternatives.

“The military departments have developed implementation plans, schedules, and costs for replacing [PFAS-based foam] in all land-based mobile assets and facilities worldwide,” the GAO authors wrote. “Further, DOD has developed specifications for the development of a fluorine-free foam that provides a PFAS-free alternative for meeting DOD’s fire extinguishing performance standards.”

Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Singley