Air Quality Concerns Mount as Orrington Trash Plant Fire Continues to Burn

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Orrington, Maine – A fire that erupted at the Eagle Point Energy Center, formerly known as the Penobscot Energy Recovery Co. (PERC), has left surrounding towns shrouded in smoke and raised concerns over air quality and public safety. Firefighters have been battling the blaze, which started Tuesday evening, and the fire is expected to last for several days.

The fire broke out around 8:30 p.m. on the tipping floor, where 8,000 tons of trash were being processed for incineration. Orrington Assistant Fire Chief Chad Bean said the flames had already spread through the roof by the time firefighters arrived, making containment difficult. As of now, 45 firefighters from various towns have been involved in the firefighting efforts, with many still on the scene.

Cause of Fire Remains a Mystery

While the plant’s owners suspect the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery, Orrington Fire Chief Scott Stewart and the facility’s former plant manager have expressed doubts. Due to the extensive damage, the true cause of the fire may never be known.

"This is one of the larger fires the facility has seen," said Stewart, who also referenced past incidents of fires at the plant, including a spontaneous trash fire last November.

Public Safety Concerns and Air Quality Monitoring

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have arrived on the scene to assess potential air quality risks. So far, no immediate health impacts have been reported, but air monitoring equipment is being set up, with results expected by Thursday.

Residents of Orrington and surrounding towns are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and turn off air conditioning to avoid exposure to the smoke. Schools in Orrington, Bucksport, and Hampden have shifted to indoor recess as a precaution, while Bangor and Brewer are monitoring wind patterns to determine if outdoor activities should be limited.

When Will the Fire Be Contained?

Firefighters expect the blaze to continue for days as they work on a strategy to safely dismantle the trash pile inside the plant. The long-term impact on the facility, which was planning to reopen after acquiring a transfer station permit in August, remains unclear.

While the flames rage on, residents are left with growing concerns about both the fire’s environmental impact and the safety of their air. Orrington’s volunteer fire department, along with help from surrounding communities, continues to fight the fire while government agencies monitor the situation.

Attribution source: Bangordailynews.com