Maine CDC warns not to eat fish from waters near Brunswick airport due to pre-spill PFAS levels • Maine Morning Star

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and PFAS Contamination at Brunswick Airport

Introduction

Even before the recent spill of 1,600 gallons of foam containing forever chemicals at the Brunswick airport, the previous use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the site has made the water in the area a hazard.

Freshwater Fish Consumption Advisories

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new freshwater fish consumption advisories for the region. The following recommendations have been made:

• No consumption of fish caught on the eastern side of the runway, as well as Merriconeag Stream, Picnic Pond, and Site 8 Stream.
• No more than six meals per year should include fish caught in Mere (Mare) Brook, in the stretch from Coffin Ice Pond to the Western edge of the runway.

Remediation Efforts and PFAS Levels

The testing that led to the new consumption advisories was part of ongoing remediation efforts in response to historic use of PFAS-laden firefighting foam at the site. Samples collected in October by the U.S. Navy, in coordination with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, showed PFAS levels above the recommended limit for regular consumption.

Health Risks Associated with PFAS

PFAS have been linked to serious long-term health problems including cancer, weakened immune systems, developmental issues, and more.

Recent Spill and Recommendations

On Monday morning, a fire suppression system in hangar four at the Brunswick Executive Airport discharged approximately 1,600 gallons of foam containing PFAS into the area, including local waterways. In response, the Maine CDC is recommending that individuals avoid touching any remaining foam and refrain from recreational activities such as swimming or boating that may bring them in contact with the foam or the water until further assessment can be done.

The agency clarified that Monday’s spill should not affect the new fish consumption guidance, as the waters likely impacted by the foam were already included in the no consumption guidance.

Cleanup Efforts and Ongoing Sampling

Maine DEP released an update on the clean up of the remaining foam from the spill. Contractors will clean up any interior spaces, including hangar four where it originated, while DEP employees will take surface water samples every day for the next week to determine the ongoing sampling requirements. The department will soon publish the results of initial samples taken on the day of the spill to determine the contents of the foam.

Various state agencies, along with the EPA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the town of Brunswick, and the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, have been onsite since the incident occurred. DEP will continue to have staff on site overseeing the removal, and once complete, the site will return to its status of long-term remediation.

Public Safety

Members of the public are advised to avoid contact with any foam that may still be in the area. If any foam is observed outside of the designated area, residents should report it by calling 207-844-8040.

Conclusion

The contamination of water in the Brunswick airport area with PFAS has led to new fish consumption advisories and ongoing remediation efforts. The recent spill of foam containing PFAS has further emphasized the need for caution and assessment. It is crucial to address PFAS contamination in order to protect public health and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator: PFAS levels in water and fish samples.

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
   • Indicator: PFAS levels in water samples.

3. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
   • Indicator: PFAS levels in water samples.

Explanation

The article discusses the issues related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the water near the Brunswick airport. These substances have been linked to serious health problems and are considered hazardous. The article also mentions the recent spill of foam containing PFAS, further contaminating the water and local waterways.

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

SDG 3 is addressed because the presence of PFAS in the water poses a risk to human health. PFAS have been linked to long-term health problems, including cancer, weakened immune systems, and developmental issues.

2. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

This target is relevant because the presence of PFAS in the water can lead to illnesses and health issues. The article highlights the need to address the contamination and reduce the risks associated with PFAS exposure.

3. Indicator: PFAS levels in water and fish samples.

The article mentions that the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted testing to determine the PFAS levels in the water and fish samples. These measurements serve as indicators to assess the progress towards reducing the presence of hazardous chemicals and pollution in the water.

4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 6 is connected to the issues discussed in the article because it focuses on improving water quality and reducing pollution. The presence of PFAS in the water near the Brunswick airport highlights the need for measures to eliminate dumping and minimize the release of hazardous chemicals.

5. Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials.

This target is relevant because it emphasizes the need to address pollution and contamination in water sources. The article highlights the ongoing remediation efforts to address the historic use of PFAS-laden firefighting foam at the site.

6. Indicator: PFAS levels in water samples.

The article mentions that water samples were collected to determine the PFAS levels. These measurements serve as indicators to assess the progress towards improving water quality and reducing the release of hazardous chemicals.

7. SDG 14: Life Below Water

SDG 14 is connected to the issues discussed in the article because it focuses on preventing and reducing marine pollution. The contamination of local waterways with PFAS highlights the need to address land-based activities that contribute to marine pollution.

8. Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

This target is relevant because it emphasizes the need to prevent and reduce marine pollution. The presence of PFAS in the water near the Brunswick airport contributes to marine pollution and highlights the importance of addressing land-based activities that lead to pollution.

9. Indicator: PFAS levels in water samples.

The PFAS levels in water samples serve as an indicator to assess the progress towards preventing and reducing marine pollution. The presence of PFAS in the water indicates the contamination and pollution of local waterways.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: mainemorningstar.com