Building business resilience: The strategic roadmap for AFFF transition

The transition away from PFAS-based AFFF is no longer optional. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, with stakeholders demanding enhanced transparency and accountability. Reactive approaches often result in delays and compliance issues, so we’ve developed a four-stage roadmap that keeps our strategy focused, with each phase building on the previous one.

Stage 1: Assessment complexities 
Before planning any upgrades or replacements, you’ll need a complete and accurate understanding of your existing fire suppression systems. Unpack how the transition might affect the overall system or systems, areas to prioritize and challenges to avoid so that the process can be expedited and any impacts to facility operations are minimized. 

Stage 2: Engineering and planning considerations 
Engineering design plays a pivotal role in delivering safe and compliant fire suppression systems. This phase requires a comprehensive evaluation of system compatibility, performance expectations, regulatory compliance and operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements. These considerations are important because they directly influence the reliability and effectiveness of fire suppression systems during and after the transition. 

Stage 3: Plan for seamless implementation 
Careful planning supports a smooth and safe transition from AFFF systems. Early decisions during this phase are crucial to the rollout’s success. Before implementation begins, we identify all stakeholders to gain a thorough understanding of each site's unique needs. Facility staff provide essential insights that help minimize operational disruptions throughout construction. In high-risk sectors like aviation and defense, these stakeholders help define which assets must remain operational and which can be temporarily taken offline. 

Stage 4: Manage environmental responsibilities 
It’s important to demonstrate environmental responsibility during the transition with disposal strategies that integrate cost-effectiveness and long-term risk management. Environmental compliance and long-term monitoring are safeguards for a project’s reputation and resilience.

Various factors may affect the transition process, but they can be addressed with careful planning. The foundation of any successful AFFF transition is accurate information. Incomplete documentation creates a domino effect — inaccurate assumptions lead to missed requirements, which then cascade into budget overruns and timeline extensions. 

Regulation adds another layer of complexity. PFAS regulations are changing quickly and differ widely by region. What satisfies requirements in one state or province may fall short in another, introducing compliance risks and potential reputational damage. Many businesses frequently underestimate the breadth of permitting requirements and waste management obligations, both of which carry substantial legal and operational consequences. 

Perhaps the most critical (and most overlooked) factor is early stakeholder engagement. Fire protection teams, environmental agencies, capital projects groups, operations staff and insurance carriers all play vital roles in the transition. When these voices are excluded from initial planning, projects become vulnerable to resistance and missed requirements later in the process. Involving stakeholders early in the process helps prevent conflicts and keeps everyone aligned on priorities and timelines. 

Identifying the right contacts and bridging organizational silos from the outset supports a technically sound and strategically aligned process. The clearer the picture at the front end, the smoother the project execution.

A structured approach to AFFF transition supports regulatory compliance whilst creating opportunities to strengthen business resilience. Well-managed transitions build trust with stakeholders and surrounding communities, especially when environmental safeguards are clearly communicated. 

Aligning capital investment with safety and sustainability goals helps organizations future-proof their infrastructure. When decisions are based on accurate assessments and engineering design, they reduce risk and support long-term operational continuity. 

This phase of work is an opportunity to lead with purpose. It allows organizations to demonstrate environmental accountability while building safer, more efficient systems that are better prepared for evolving standards. 

A structured, risk-informed approach to AFFF transition supports compliance and strengthens operational resilience. To move forward, businesses should:

• Establish a clear system baseline to guide design and avoid rework. 

• Align engineering decisions with site-specific hazards and stakeholder input. 

• Plan implementation to maintain uptime and support safe decommissioning. 

• Coordinate early on waste management and maintain audit-ready documentation. 

• Reinforce strategy at each phase to reduce liability and demonstrate environmental accountability.