What is it?
When a fire occurs, various materials combust, producing a wide range of potentially harmful substances. These can include organic compounds, heavy metals, particulate matter, and other pollutants. Additionally, firefighting activities involve the use of water, foams, and other agents to suppress and extinguish the flames. As a result, the runoff from these activities, known as fire debris washwaters, can become contaminated with residues from burned materials, fire suppression agents, and other substances present at the fire site.
Fire debris washwaters can impact the environment and require careful management. Fire debris washwaters may contain a mixture of:
- Chemical Composition - The chemical composition depends on the types of materials burned, the fire suppression agents used and the environmental conditions during the firefighting process. Heavy metals like lead and copper, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are commonly found.
- Firefighting Agents - The introduction of water, foams, and other fire suppressants during firefighting activities can significantly influence the composition of washwaters. For example, firefighting foams may contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which pose environmental concerns.
- Particulate Matter - The combustion of materials generates particulate matter that can be suspended in the washwaters. These particles may carry contaminants and contribute to turbidity, affecting water quality.
- Runoff Pathways - The pathways of runoff, including stormwater drains, natural water bodies, or soil infiltration, play a crucial role in determining how fire debris washwaters interact with the environment. Containment and control measures are essential to prevent the uncontrolled spread of contaminants.
How we treat N140 fire wash-waters:
Fire debris washwaters require a mixture of preventive measures, monitoring, and appropriate treatment. Best practices include the use of containment barriers, absorbent materials, and sedimentation ponds to minimise the migration of contaminants. Monitoring programs can also assess the impact of washwaters on water quality and ecosystems.
