A large spill of PFAS-laden firefighting foam at Brunswick Executive Airport has led Maine lawmakers to call for immediate state action to prevent future incidents.
Emma Davis reports for Maine Morning Star.
In short:
- About 1,600 gallons of toxic PFAS foam spilled at Brunswick Executive Airport on August 19, contaminating local water systems.
- Maine legislators are urging the governor to overhaul state protocols on PFAS storage and cleanup, particularly at military bases and fire departments.
- Cleanup efforts are ongoing, but officials are uncertain about how long it will take to address the contamination.
Key quote:
"This is like a ‘Silent Spring’ moment for my district. This is a wake-up call."
— Rep. Dan Ankeles (D-Brunswick)
Why this matters:
PFAS chemicals pose severe long-term health risks and are notoriously difficult to remove from the environment. Proactive measures are essential to prevent further contamination and protect public health.
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