In Norway, the use of PFOS in firefighting foam has been prohibited since 2007, but it is not yet clear whether the earlier use of foam containing PFOS may represent a pollution hazard.

Soil samples: Bioforsk was commissioned by the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT) to investigate environmental conditions following the use of foam containing PFOS at fire training areas.

SFT selected Oslo Airport Gardermoen and  the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency’s Rygge airfield, as well as the two commercial concerns Solberg Scandinavian and Mongstad Refinery in the municipality of Lindås in Hordaland for their investigation.

Soil samples reveal high levels of PFOS

The results indicate high concentrations of PFOS in places at the four fire training areas, but the extent of its dispersion and the environmental consequences have not yet been established. Even so, the survey shows that many areas where foam containing PFOS has been used may be substantially polluted.

“We will ensure as soon as possible that those responsible investigate fire training areas in Norway where foam containing PFOS has been used. If a clean up proves to be necessary, we will also ensure that suitable measures are taken,” says SFT Director General Ellen Hambro.

Soil polluted

The Bioforsk investigation shows varying levels of PFOS in the soil at the four fire training areas:

• Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL): Here raised levels were measured in the ground close to the fire training platform and in spot checks of the groundwater close to the platform. OSL has subsequently taken several new water samples, to obtain a better overview of how large an area is affected. These samples show that groundwater is affected within a limited area up to 85 metres from the fire training platform. This area does not drain into the large groundwater reservoir. The river Sogna, which is the nearest recipient of water, is not affected. OSL is following up on this matter and will clarify consequences and any need for further measures.
• The Norwegian Defence Estates Agency’s Rygge airfield: Here the previously polluted ground at the fire training area has been cleaned up. PFOS concentrations are now low, but high levels have been shown  in a disused drainage trench which has not yet been cleaned. This drain should be cleaned up to prevent further spread.
• Solberg Scandinavian: This company manufactures firefighting foam. Here raised levels of PFOS were found in soil by the fire training area, as well as in the seabed and in snails in the adjacent fjord. The company is currently preparing for a clean up where PFOS has been discovered in the soil.
• Mongstad Refinery: Here raised levels of PFOS were shown in the soil at the fire training area, as well as in earthworms collected in the same area. SFT will ensure that an investigation is carried out to determine whether any pollution has spread to the sea.

New knowledge about PFOS

This investigation has provided SFT with new knowledge about the occurrence and dispersion of PFOS in soil. Much of this knowledge is also new in an international context. SFT will pass on this knowledge to other countries, including through the EU.

“This report will be extremely useful when deciding what investigations must be conducted in the other places where foam containing PFOS has previously been used,” says SFT Director General Ellen Hambro.