PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 29, 2024
The concentration and diversity of toxic forever chemicals released in last week’s firefighting foam spill at the Brunswick Executive Airport is even higher – and according to some scientists, even worse – than what was first announced by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Last week, a malfunctioning fire suppression system discharged 51,450 gallons of firefighting foam 4 to 5 feet deep in Hangar 4, emptying into the sewer and stormwater drains. The Aug. 19 spill is believed to be among the nation’s worst in 30 years. State and local officials have reassured the public that the public drinking water supply is safe. Gail Carlson, head of Colby College’s Buck Lab for Climate and Environment, said, “I’d be scared if I lived there…I’ve been working in this field for a long time and I’ve never seen numbers like these.”