Maine water after tests of firefighting foam leaking below danger level

Maine environmental officials said all water samples tested so far following the state’s largest firefighting foam accidental spill on record are below its limits for potentially hazardous chemicals.

A fire suppression system in a hangar at Brunswick Executive Airport released more than 1,400 gallons (5,300 liters) of foam concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons (190,000 liters) of water at the former naval base on August 19 . The spill sparked an investigation and also prompted a warning from the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit consumption of freshwater fish from nearby bodies of water.

The foam contained chemicals known as PFAS which are associated with health problems including cancer. The foam was removed after the accident.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection sampled 34 water sources in the area of ​​the spill and contacted property owners to discuss the results, the agency announced Thursday. The water sources will be tested every three months for a year, the agency said.

The department also evaluated eight rounds of surface water results from the nearby watershed and found that concentrations continue to decline, the agency said in a statement.

“PFAS levels in the watershed have not yet returned to pre-spill concentrations, and surface water testing will continue to monitor trends,” the department’s statement said.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFASs, are found in everything from food packaging to clothing. The Environmental Protection Agency proposed limits on chemicals in drinking water last year.

Some fire departments have also begun phasing out the use of foam containing PFAS because of concerns that the chemicals are leaching into groundwater and putting firefighters at risk. PFAS are often described as forever chemicals because some do not degrade naturally and are believed to be able to remain indefinitely in the environment.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection said it also received soil results from four areas identified as either most likely to be affected by the foam release or as having the highest risk of potential exposure to recreational users. A preliminary analysis of the results shows some PFAS detected in all soils tested, the department said. The comprehensive evaluation of soil testing is still ongoing, the department said.

The department said processing the fish and shellfish tissue samples would take longer. Advisories against consuming freshwater fish from nearby bodies of water remained on the Maine CDC website Monday.

The Maine CDC said it is advising residents to refrain from recreational activities such as swimming and boating that could lead to contact with the foam or affected waters until the effects of the foam release on area bodies of water have been determined. will be thoroughly evaluated.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

TOPICS
Tomorrow