TIMES RECORD • December 18, 2024
The group overseeing the cleanup of an August toxic firefighting foam spill at Brunswick’s airport has spent $774,000 on cleanup efforts so far, according to documents. Those same documents reveal that Hangar 4’s fire suppression system, which malfunctioned releasing 1,450 gallons of toxic foam concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons of water, was renovated about five years prior. Some questions remain unanswered, such as what exactly caused the system to malfunction four months ago. In October, MRRA sent requests to Gov. Janet Mills’ office for funding to help clean up toxic chemicals in its hangars. MRRA made a similar appeal to the FAA under the Military Airports Program, which can provide grants to help convert military airports into public use. MRRA has not yet heard back.