Update 3: Response efforts to address the Brunswick AFFF spill continue

Maine Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 08/28/2024 03:42 PM EDT

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For Immediate Release
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Update 3: Response efforts to address the Brunswick AFFF spill continue

 

AUGUSTA, MAINE, August 28, 2024 — Following the release of 1,450 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the Brunswick Executive Airport, a Unified Command is still in action.

The execution of the sampling plan is in progress. Pond retention areas are sampled every day, surface water samples are taken twice a week, and marine sampling will occur once a week. Based on Maine's complex hydrogeology and historical test data, DEP will initially be sampling some homeowner wells to the east of the spill site.

Unified Command has assessed several foam removal solutions. Information from other states consistently indicates that foam collection and capture appears to be the most effective method for recovery operations.  As a result, crews will continue using foam removal as a method for operation.

picnic pond

Foam levels are being monitored by on-site crews. Although there hasn't been a big weather event that could affect foam generation, crews are currently seeing less foam at all collection points. The on-site crews will continue to remove foam and monitor levels.

In order to assess the breadth and scope of any remaining foam, the Unified Command is utilizing the drone program from the University of Maine, Augusta to monitor and observe remote downstream areas.

The public should avoid contact with foam. If any foam is observed outside of restricted areas, residents in the spill site area should report it by calling: 207-844-8040. This number is to report AFFF foam only.

A Unified Command was established to response to the release of AFFF.

The Unified Command is comprised of:

  • Maine Department of Environmental Protection
  • Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and Prevention 
  • Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Town of Brunswick
  • U.S. Coast Guard

To facilitate public access to information about sampling and remediation efforts, DEP has established a webpage specifically for the Brunswick site. This webpage can be found on the Department's website at https://www.maine.gov/dep/projects/bnas/index.html.

DEP will have staff on site overseeing removal activities until no further removal activities are needed and the site can be returned to its previous status for long-term remediation under Superfund.

The next update is scheduled for Friday, August 30, 2024, unless new information or additional test results become available before then.

(Photo credit: US Coast Guard - Clean Harbors Staff, Picnic Pond)

For additional information, contact:

David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner

david.madore@maine.gov