Eastman reports about one gallon of foam on South Fork of Holston River

KINGSPORT — Eastman Chemical Co. reported that about a gallon of foam entered the South Fork of the Holston River next to the company's facility earlier this month. Eastman stated the material was a firefighting foam that does not contain PFAS, in an Aug. 3 report to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Many firefighting foams contain PFAS, or "forever chemicals," harmful manmade chemicals. The foam was discovered around one of the facility's outfalls. In its report to TDEC, an Eastman environmental affairs staff member said Eastman personnel identified and stopped the source of the release, deployed a containment boom around the foam and used a vacuum truck to collect residual foam. An Eastman spokesperson said the company is "continuing to evaluate the circumstances leading to the discharge." The company's report to TDEC states there are no known or anticipated health risks associated with the foam release and there were no detrimental effects to fish or aquatic life identified. The material released is considered hazardous and could cause serious eye irritation, according to the safety data sheet for the substance. Chemical manufacturers and distributors are required to provide safety sheets for the hazardous chemicals they work with, per standards set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The data sheets are for workers and downstream users to understand the chemical's hazards. The report and safety data sheet are available at this article online at timesnews.net. Jorgelina Manna-Rea is a Report for America corps member reporting on issues relating to the environment.