Tainted Waters: The Unseen Threat in Small-Town Maine

Photo byBluewater SwedenonUnsplash

The Shocking Discovery

In November 2020, Lawrence Higgins and his wife, Penelope, both 70, received confirmation that their well water contained dangerously high levels of two PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS. Their neighborhood, along with other areas in Fairfield, now holds some of the highest PFAS levels in the country, as per engineering studies.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) advised the Higgins family to cease using their well water entirely. "It took the wind out of both of us," Lawrence Higgins recalled. "No one can understand it unless they’re going through it."

A Community's Struggle

Four Fairfield families shared how PFAS contamination disrupted their lives. They've delayed starting families, seen retirement dreams fade, and faced health issues potentially linked to long-term PFAS exposure. With ever-tightening drinking water standards, these residents are left questioning the safety of basic necessities.

The DEP has tested hundreds of wells and installed filtration systems, but trust in these measures is low. Many residents, including the Higginses, worry whether filtered water is truly safe. "I don’t really trust what they [the DEP] are doing," said Penelope Higgins. "They’re the ones that put it out there, that approved it. They should have known the health effects."

Health and Safety Concerns

Dr. Rachel Criswell of Redington-Fairview General Hospital, who is researching PFAS effects on health, noted that knowledge about these chemicals remains limited. "It’s the unknowns that are so stressful," she said.

The Higginses’ eggs, once a source of daily sustenance, are now a constant reminder of contamination. Despite using filtered water for their chickens, PFAS levels in the eggs remain dangerously high. "If you’re lucky you can have an egg," Penelope lamented. "I hate seeing them go to waste."

The Financial and Emotional Toll

Fairfield’s efforts to connect private wells to the public water supply fell through due to a staggering $40 million price tag. The town's manager, Michelle Flewelling, explained that there was no way to generate revenue from the project to cover the investment.

Lawsuits and Environmental Impact

Maine's contamination stems largely from sewage sludge used as fertilizer. In 2022, the state banned this practice, but the damage was already done. The Higginses and other affected residents are now part of a lawsuit against companies responsible for PFAS contamination. Environmental activist Erin Brockovich is consulting on the case, underscoring its significance.

Looking Forward

For now, Fairfield residents live in a state of uncertainty and fear. Kelly Rogers, a longtime resident, expressed a common sentiment: "Every time I turn the faucet on. Every time I wash my clothes, you know, is it in the pipes? Is it coming out?"

The path to resolution is unclear, but one thing is certain: the impact of PFAS contamination will be felt for generations. As the community of Fairfield grapples with this invisible threat, their story highlights the urgent need for broader regulatory action and support for those affected by environmental crises.

Attribution source: Bangordailynews.com