Water samples tested after Maine firefighting foam spill, below guidelines for dangerous chemicals
Maine environmental officials have reported that all water samples tested after the state’s largest accidental spill of firefighting foam have shown levels below the guidelines for potentially harmful chemicals. The incident occurred when a fire suppression system at a hangar at Brunswick Executive Airport released over 1,400 gallons (5,300 liters) of foam concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons (190,000 liters) of water on Aug. 19. The discharge prompted an investigation and warnings from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to restrict the consumption of freshwater fish from nearby water sources.
The foam discharged in the incident contained chemicals known as PFAS, which have been linked to health issues, including cancer. Following the spill, the foam was removed, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection conducted tests on 34 water supplies in the affected area. The results have shown that the water samples are currently within safe limits. The department has committed to ongoing monitoring of these water supplies every three months for the next year.
Moreover, the department has been monitoring surface water quality in the surrounding watershed and has noted a gradual decrease in PFAS concentrations over eight rounds of testing. However, levels have not yet returned to pre-spill concentrations, and further monitoring will be carried out to track any trends. PFAS, commonly found in various products such as food packaging and clothing, are known as forever chemicals due to their persistence in the environment.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has also received soil test results from areas identified as most likely to be affected by the foam spill. Initial reviews have indicated the presence of PFAS in all soil samples tested, with a comprehensive evaluation still ongoing. The testing of fish and shellfish tissue samples is still in progress, and advisories against consuming freshwater fish from nearby water bodies remain in place on the Maine CDC website.
Residents have been advised to avoid recreational activities like swimming or boating that may lead to contact with the foam or affected waters until a thorough evaluation of the environmental impacts is completed. Some fire departments have started phasing out PFAS-containing foam due to concerns about groundwater contamination and potential risks to firefighters. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed limits on PFAS levels in drinking water to address these concerns.
As the investigation and monitoring continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the water sources and environment in the aftermath of the firefighting foam spill in Maine.