Updates on Response to AFFF spill in Brunswick

August 23, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is continuing to respond to a release of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) which occurred on August 19, 2024 at the Brunswick Executive Airport. A Unified Command was established the following day and includes the:

• 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

There has been a significant effort this week to assess ways to reduce foam concentrations in the retention ponds and to keep up the removal of foam as it emerges. The interior areas of the buildings where foam impacts occurred, as well as Hangar 4, will be cleaned by contractors. Surface water samples will be taken every day for the next week by DEP employees, who will use the data to decide, once received, what ongoing sampling may be required.

Members of the Unified Command and 4 work crews have been on-site since the incident occurred. 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.

DEP collected initial samples on the day of the release in order to characterize the substance that was released. The Department will make this information available once the state has had an opportunity to quality check the results.

We understand the concerns expressed by the community given the foam's visibility. The Maine DEP and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been studying the former Brunswick Naval Air Station for 30 years and are familiar with hydrogeology on the site. Although the site has a history of PFAS contamination, DEP continues to believe that the recently released material will not impact any nearby wells. The Brunswick-Topsham Water District has confirmed that the public water supply has not been impacted by this incident.

The Department is evaluating soil samples from the ongoing long-term cleanup project and potential locations for updated sampling. We believe this is a low risk of exposure but are exploring sampling to reassure citizens.

All transferred property on the Brunswick Landing has been approved for specific uses by EPA, DEP and the Navy subject to certain restrictions for some parcels. Find more information about property use restrictions.

The Department has received some inquiries in the last few days regarding worker safety in and around Hangar 4 and TechPlace. Locations where foam was found has been restricted and is currently unoccupied.

It is important to remember that members of 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.

The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority is posting updates twice a day on their website.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner [email protected]

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