A significant spill of toxic firefighting foam at Brunswick Executive Airport in Maine has sparked serious concerns over potential long-term environmental and health impacts. On August 19, 2024, an accidental discharge of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurred, contaminating the former Naval Air Station, now a residential and business area known as Brunswick Landing.

PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," are notorious for their persistence in the environment and their potential to cause health issues, even in trace amounts.

The spill involved approximately 1,450 gallons of foam concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons of water. This incident is considered the largest of its kind in Maine in over 30 years, raising significant alarm among residents and environmental groups alike, Common Dreams reports.

High PFAS Levels Detected in Water Bodies

Initial testing following the spill revealed dangerously high levels of PFAS in nearby water bodies, including drainage ponds at the airport. For example, the concentration of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS, was found to be as high as 3.2 billion parts per trillion (ppt) in the foam itself—far exceeding the federal drinking water standard of 4 ppt, according to the Portland Press Herald. In some drainage ponds, PFOS levels reached over 1 million ppt, raising concerns about potential contamination of local water sources.

Kurt Pennell, an environmental toxicology expert from Brown University, stressed the importance of determining whether the contaminated water has reached public or private drinking water sources to the Portland Press Herald. Given the high levels of PFOS detected, this could pose a serious public health risk.

Public Health Response

The Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quickly issued advisories against consuming freshwater fish from several nearby bodies of water, including Mere Brook and Picnic Pond, the Associated Press reports. The state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), however, downplayed the immediate threat to public water supplies, stating that the local water district, which sources water from distant aquifers, remains unaffected.

Despite these assurances, many residents remain worried. Sarah Woodbury from Defend Our Health, a local advocacy group, told Maine Public that many residents rely on well water, which could be at risk.

Cleanup Efforts and Future Concerns

Cleanup is underway at Brunswick Landing, with Clean Harbors, a waste management company, working alongside the Maine DEP to remove contaminated foam from hangars and ponds. The collected foam will be sent off-site for disposal, but the method of disposal is still under debate. State officials are considering incineration in Texas, though environmental concerns remain, News Center Maine reports.

The spill has also highlighted the broader risks associated with PFAS, particularly in locations like military bases and airports where these chemicals have been extensively used. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies firefighting foam as a common source of PFAS contamination in the U.S., with similar spills occurring nationwide.

Jared Hayes, a senior policy analyst with the Environmental Working Group, described the situation as a "pretty big problem," noting that such spills often result in long-term contamination that is difficult and costly to clean up, the Portland Press Herald reports.

Community and Legislative Action

Local officials and residents have expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of transparency and clear communication from state authorities. Senator Mattie Daughtry has urged residents to attend a special town hall meeting to discuss the spill, the Associated Press reports.

This incident has renewed calls for stricter regulations on PFAS-containing materials. Maine has already moved to limit the sale of new PFAS-laden firefighting foams, but large amounts of legacy foam remain in use, particularly at federally regulated facilities, according to the Portland Press Herald.

The full impact of the Brunswick spill may not be known for some time, but it has underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive response to PFAS contamination in Maine. As cleanup continues and residents await further test results, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Click below to take action for our health and environment.