A major spill of toxic firefighting foam at the Brunswick Executive Airport in Maine has sparked concern about the spread of PFAS, a class of chemicals known for their long-lasting environmental and health impacts.
On August 19, 2024, about 1,450 gallons of PFAS-laden firefighting foam (AFFF) accidentally mixed with 50,000 gallons of water and spilled into the airport’s stormwater system and retention ponds.
The spill is considered one of the largest PFAS releases in recent U.S. history.
The Government’s Response to the Spill
Following the spill, a Unified Command was established to manage the cleanup and provide updates to the public. This command includes representatives from:
- Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
- Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
- Town of Brunswick
The response included testing nearby water sources and conducting site stabilization to prevent further contamination.
Some advocates, however, have said that the response was too slow, and that the government tried to downplay the seriousness of the spill. (More on that in a minute.)
What Testing Has Been Done
PFAS contamination has been detected in more than 720 military sites nationwide, but the levels at Brunswick are particularly high. According to reports, concentrations of PFOS, one of the most dangerous PFAS compounds, reached 3.2 billion parts per trillion (ppt) in some areas. This is drastically higher than the EPA’s drinking water limit of 4 ppt.
The Maine DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) says it has conducted multiple water sampling events since the spill occurred.
Initial samples were taken on the day of the spill, with follow-up samples collected three days and one week after. These results show a reduction in PFAS concentrations in areas closer to the spill site, though PFAS levels have increased downstream, particularly around Picnic Pond, where foam removal efforts have been concentrated.
The Maine CDC continues to advise residents to avoid any contact with foam in local waterways and refrain from recreational activities such as swimming or fishing until further testing is complete and the environmental impact of the spill has been fully assessed.
Communication and Transparency Issues
Some public health advocates have criticized the state’s handling of the spill, accusing officials of downplaying the severity by presenting data in confusing ways.
For instance, the Maine DEP initially reported contamination levels in parts per million (ppm) rather than the more commonly used ppt, which made the figures appear less alarming. (The lab’s original report listed the measurements in ng/l, which is the same as ppt, but the state changed the measurements to ppm when they reported it.)
The government also only reported the number for PFOS (one specific type of PFAS), despite the fact that it had also tested for 13 other types of PFAS. The total amount of PFAS equaled 1.1bn ppt.
Maine has also said they will only test a limited number of nearby wells.
All of this has led to frustration and suspicion among local residents and environmental groups.
Despite the state’s assurances that it is working diligently to address the issue, there is growing concern that the scale of the problem has not been fully communicated to the public.
Sarah Woodbury, director of the Maine-based nonprofit Defend Our Health, expressed concern over the state’s approach, stating that clearer communication is necessary to restore public trust.
Firefighting Foam and PFAS Contamination
The firefighting foam involved in this spill contains PFAS chemicals, which are effective at putting out jet fuel fires but pose significant environmental and health risks. Military and civilian airports have used this foam for decades, which has contributed to widespread water contamination in areas near these facilities.
While efforts to switch to PFAS-free firefighting foams are underway in a few places, the transition has been slow. The Department of Defense is working to phase out PFAS-containing foams by 2025, but many airport hangars, like the one at Brunswick, still use legacy systems that rely on AFFF. These older systems are prone to accidental discharges, such as the one that occurred in Maine.
Impact on Local Water Supply
The Maine CDC and the Brunswick Topsham Water District (BTWD) say they have taken steps to ensure that local drinking water remains safe. Although the spill occurred near a wellfield used by the BTWD, officials have discontinued use of the well as a precaution. The water district is now relying on alternative water sources that are farther from the spill site.
The Maine CDC says they are working closely with the BTWD to increase water quality sampling in the area.
What You Can Do
Although PFAS levels in drinking water tend to be higher around military and manufacturing sites, the majority of the country has PFAS in their drinking water.
So, here are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure:
- Use a Water Filter: Not all water filters can remove or reduce PFAS. You’ll want to look for a water filter that is certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. Here are the most affordable water filters I have found that are capable of removing (or mostly removing) PFAS.
- Test Your Water: If your home uses a private well, consider having it tested for PFAS. The Maine DEP offers guidance on how to properly sample your water and recommends using certified labs for accurate results. You can also use Tap Score—they make it super easy for you to test your water.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from local health and environmental agencies. In the case of the Brunswick spill, the Maine CDC and DEP are providing regular updates about the spill’s impact on water supplies and local waterways.
- Avoid Contaminated Areas: The Maine CDC has advised residents to avoid contact with foam or water in affected areas, including Picnic Pond and Mere Brook. Fishing is also prohibited in these areas until further notice.
- Support Regulatory Changes: Advocate for stronger regulations on the use of PFAS chemicals, particularly in firefighting foams and other industrial applications. Reducing the use of PFAS can help prevent future spills and contamination incidents.
This large PFAS spill in Maine underscores the challenges of cleaning up contamination from “forever chemicals” and the importance of proactive measures to prevent further spills like this that can cause damage to environmental and human health and to transition away from PFAS-laden products as quickly as possible.
