The operator of Bradley International Airport said it is stepping up pollution control measures following a recent accident that released PFAS – a family of chemicals linked to a variety of negative health effects.
That contaminated water was released during an accidental alarm pull at a private hangar outside Bradley Airport earlier this month.
The water mixed with firefighting foam containing PFAS, which made its way into sanitary pipes, and, eventually, the Farmington River. Toxic levels this week remained elevated.
In a statement Thursday, the Connecticut Airport Authority, which manages Bradley and five other general aviation airports, said it’s now received state approval to move ahead with “temporary” fixes, including directing certain tenants to cap hangar drains and install protections around nearby storm outflows.
PFAS firefighting-foam is currently mandated by the federal government, despite a growing body of research suggesting toxic health effects.
The CAA said in a statement it is taking this action “voluntarily” and not in response to federal or state requirements.
