NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Tweed-New Haven Airport, or HVN, is taking a major step forward in its commitment to environmental safety and public health by transitioning to BioEx Fluorine-Free Foam, or F3, a safer, PFAS-free alternative.
Avports, the long-term operating partner of the Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority, announced the development on Wednesday and said BioEx is helping lead the transition to biodegradable, fluorine-free and silicone-free foams.
These foams have less of an impact on the environment and are biodegradable. The airport is ending its use of all fire-suppressing foams that contain PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.
Avports said the decision is part of its larger commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions to the airports it manages. The move lines up with national efforts to phase out non-biodegradable chemicals.
“We have led Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting for decades, and this transition further reflects our deep commitment to both environmental responsibility and operational excellence… As we continue to innovate, we remain dedicated to setting new standards for safety and sustainability in airport operations,” Avports CEO Jorge Roberts said.
To make the change, Tweed-New Haven Airport partnered with Laydon Industries, a state-approved contractor. Together, they completed an extensive offsite process to drain, flush and thoroughly clean the airport’s fire engines, suppression systems and tanks to make sure no harmful traces remain.
“At Laydon, we are proud to have partnered with Tweed-New Haven Airport in completing this critical transition to [F3 foam],” Laydon Industries CEO Jeffrey Laydon said. “This project aligns with our core mission to implement environmentally sound and sustainable solutions that safeguard our clients and surrounding communities.”
According to Avports, the transition to the new F3 foam occurred offsite. Systems were retrofitted and brought back to the airport fully in service and compliant with CT DEEP regulations.
The EPA said that current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS can lead to negative health outcomes. To combat these potential hazards, the Department of Defense is requiring the removal of PFAS-containing foams by next year. This places Tweed-New Haven Airport ahead of schedule regarding the mandated transition.
Michael Jones, CEO of the airport, said this is an important environmental and operational milestone for the facility.
“The airport is committed to positive environmental stewardship. I am proud of our operations team for working with CT DEEP to lead this transition to F3 foam for converting our three firefighting trucks at HVN,” Jones said. “It is important to note that fire-suppressing foams containing PFAS were only used during actual fires and not at any other time. Additionally, HVN ensures that we meet and exceed environmental regulations from planning to implementation across the airport.”
Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority Board Chairman Robert Reed said that the switch to F3 foam improves the safety of the airport’s firefighting operations and demonstrates the airport’s broader commitment to the health of its surrounding communities and the protection of local ecosystems.
“I'm especially proud that [the airport] was able to make this change well ahead of the federal mandate. We are setting an example for other airports nationwide and doing what's right for our community and planet,” Reed said.
The airport collaborates with federal authorities, and a third-party contractor is responsible for safely disposing of the PFAS-containing foams. The airport said it will continue to keep the public informed of its ongoing environmental initiatives.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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