Read the full article by Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star)
“An unintentional discharge of firefighting foam containing high levels of toxic forever chemicals at the Brunswick Executive Airport on Monday has prompted state legislators to call on the governor to immediately overhaul how the state handles this material, which is housed at military bases and fire departments across the state.
‘This is like a “Silent Spring” moment for my district,’ said Rep. Dan Ankeles (D-Brunswick), referring to Rachel Carson’s seminal examination of environmental devastation from the indiscriminate application of agricultural chemicals. ‘This is a wake up call.’
At approximately 5:15 a.m. Monday morning, the fire suppression system in hangar four went off, discharging approximately 1,600 gallons of foam containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, which have been linked to serious long-term health problems including cancer, weakened immune systems, developmental issues, and more.
The cause of the accidental discharge is still under investigation, according to the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, which manages the airport. Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection David Madore said the cleanup effort remained ongoing as of Monday evening and the full extent of the contamination was not yet known, though local officials confirmed the foam has gotten into the sewer and stormwater systems.”…