Toxic Spill in Maine Town: DEP Tests Water for PFAS Contamination

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Water Testing Continues Following Spill at Brunswick Landing

BRUNSWICK, Maine — The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is continuing to test private water supplies in Brunswick after a toxic spill of firefighting foam occurred at the Brunswick Executive Airport on August 19. The spill involved 1,450 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) mixed with 50,000 gallons of water, which was released from Hangar 4 at the airport. AFFF contains PFAS, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment.

Since the spill, cleanup efforts have been ongoing, and the DEP has established a Unified Command and Joint Information Center in Brunswick to manage the response and keep the public informed. The DEP has been focused on testing water supplies for the presence of PFAS, particularly in private wells near the spill site.

Door-to-Door Water Sampling Underway

This week, DEP staff conducted water sampling at 33 homes along Coombs Road, Hawkins Lane, and Purinton Road. The testing aims to assess potential contamination in private water supplies in areas near the spill. Additionally, seven surface water locations along the drainage system and in Harpswell Cove are being tested.

DEP officials reported that PFAS levels in surface water near the spill site are starting to decline, though concentrations have increased in some areas, including at Picnic Pond and the salt marsh above Harpswell Cove, due to slow-moving water.

Public Water Declared Safe, but Caution Urged

The public water supply at Brunswick Landing, which is serviced by the Brunswick-Topsham Water District, has not been impacted by the spill and is deemed safe to drink, according to officials. However, the Maine CDC advises residents to avoid contact with any foam in the water and to refrain from recreational activities, such as swimming or boating, in affected water bodies until further evaluation is complete.

PFAS: A Persistent Environmental Threat

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to breaking down in the environment. These chemicals pose long-term environmental and health risks, prompting extensive testing and remediation efforts in areas affected by the Brunswick spill.

As of the latest update, the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, which oversees Brunswick Landing, continues to monitor for foam in stormwater drainage ponds. No foam has been found since September 6, and the DEP will provide ongoing updates as more test results become available.

Anyone with questions or concerns about water quality in the affected areas is encouraged to contact the DEP directly.

Attribution source: Newscentermaine.com