PIERRE, S.D. – The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) in partnership with the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff, announced the successful completion of their statewide PFAS Collection and Exchange Initiative.
“Protecting our natural resources is a shared responsibility,” said Secretary Roberts. “Thanks to the participating fire departments and the support of the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff, we’ve helped provide local departments with a safer, soy-based alternative while reducing likely environmental impacts across the state.”
The state-wide PFAS Collection and Exchange Initiative assisted fire departments in removing legacy firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals known for their environmental persistence and potential health risks.
Through this coordinated effort, departments turned in PFAS-containing foam and received SoyFoam, a soy-based alternative produced with support from the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff. SoyFoam is designed to meet operational needs while reducing environmental impact and supporting the state’s agricultural industry.
Results of the Initiative:
- 32 participating fire departments and one airport;
- 2,344 gallons of PFAS foam collected and properly disposed; and
- 115 (23, 5-gallon pails) gallons of SoyFoam distributed.
“The SD Soybean Checkoff is honored to partner with DANR on this important project. We will continue promoting the health and environmental benefits of SoyFoam and providing 5-gallon containers to fire departments that have not yet had the opportunity to test the product,” said Jerry Schmitz, Executive Director of the SD Soybean Checkoff. “Additionally, we are encouraging the use of SoyFoam to build sprinkler systems and for home and farm applications using garden sprayers. Soybean farmers look forward to government approval for use of SoyFoam in military and forestry applications.”
DANR conducted a similar statewide foam collection effort in 2020, collecting 3,875 gallons of PFAS-containing foam from 36 fire departments and one airport. In total, the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff has provided over 250 gallons of SoyFoam to local fire departments.
The successful completion of the initiative reflects DANR’s mission to protect and preserve the state’s natural resources.
