South Dakota Promotes Safer Soy-Based Firefighting Foam

By Scout Nelson

The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), in partnership with the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff, announces the successful completion of a statewide PFAS Collection and Exchange Initiative.

The program focuses on removing older firefighting foams that contain PFAS, chemicals known to stay in the environment for long periods and pose possible health risks.

“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 initiative supports fire departments across South Dakota by collecting PFAS-containing firefighting foam and replacing it with SoyFoam. SoyFoam is a soy-based firefighting product developed with support from the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff. It meets operational needs while lowering environmental impact and supporting soybean farmers.

Through this coordinated effort, fire departments turn in PFAS foam for proper disposal and receive SoyFoam in return. The program helps reduce the risk of soil and water contamination while promoting cleaner firefighting solutions.

The results of the initiative highlight strong participation and impact. A total of 32 fire departments and one airport take part in the program. During the exchange, 2,344 gallons of PFAS-containing foam are collected and safely disposed of. In return, 115 gallons of SoyFoam, packaged in 23 five-gallon pails, are distributed to participating departments.

“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.”

The initiative shows how agriculture, public safety, and environmental protection can work together for long-term benefits across South Dakota.

Photo by: istock-ds70