Maine DWP Update: Grant Funding Available for PFAS-Related Issues in Public Water Systems

Maine Department of Health & Human Services sent this bulletin at 05/26/2022 11:17 AM EDT

This update is coming to you from the Maine CDC Drinking Water Program.

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Grant Funding Available for PFAS-Related Issues in Public Water Systems

The Maine CDC Drinking Water Program is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity for public water systems seeking assistance with PFAS-related contamination issues.  PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of human-made chemicals that are persistent in the environment and in the human body.  Exposure to these chemicals can lead to harmful health effects.  In recent years, PFAS has been discovered in the water supplies at several locations in Maine.  Remediation efforts can be costly.

The Small Public Water System Emerging Contaminant Grant (DWP0299) is available for all Community Water Systems (except those regulated by the PUC*), and all NTNC (non-transient, non-community) systems regardless of size and “for-profit” status.  The grants will cover eligible project costs up to $50K, with an additional $10K for engineering expenses.  PFAS-related issues in private wells are not eligible for this grant.

There is no application deadline.  However, grants are being awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, so applications should be submitted as soon as possible for the best chance of accessing available funds.

Instructions for submittal are included in the application document.  If you have any questions regarding the Small Public Water System Emerging Contaminant Grant, please don’t hesitate to contact Bill Dawson at the Drinking Water Program: email William.Dawson@maine.gov, phone (207) 287-6196.

*PUC-regulated Community Water Systems may be eligible for funding through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).

 

URLs

Maine CDC Drinking Water Program: www.medwp.com

   • PFAS Information:
      https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/pws/pfas.shtml

   • Financial Resources:
      https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/pws/financialResources.shtml

   • Small Public Water System Emerging Contaminant Grant application (PDF):
      https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/imt/documents/SPWSECG.pdf