BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 1, 2022
Maine has been ramping up its efforts to identify and address contamination from PFAS, a group of chemicals that can remain in the environment for a long time and have been linked to a long list of illnesses. The state has identified 34 high-priority communities for PFAS testing. It has enacted more stringent PFAS drinking water standards. It is spending millions of dollars for testing, treatment and remediation. And yet, it is still possible for PFAS-containing sludge from wastewater treatment plants to be spread on agricultural lands in the state. LD 1911 would prevent the use of sludge or sludge-derived compost unless it is tested and does not exceed state PFAS screening levels, along with requiring the DEP to update those screening levels. Lawmakers should pass a ban on sludge spreading. It is overdue.