But repairs weren’t made to the site’s aging system, which went on to malfunction and discharge 51,000 gallons of toxic chemical foam in August.
environment
Outdoors groups push for passage of Maine’s first trail bond
The $30 million bond, which goes to voters in November, would pay for engineers, heavy equipment and laborers needed to build trails that will withstand climate change and make Maine a world-class outdoor recreation leader, advocates say.
Activists push for more aggressive action as Maine pitches climate strategy to public
Some environmental groups say the first draft of Maine’s next climate action plan doesn’t go far enough, especially when it comes to curbing transportation emissions.
Augusta tanning salon, Windham car wash face stiff fines from state
Maine is also considering consent agreements with a tanning salon chain for illegal storage and disposal of spent lamps, a garage for causing an oil spill that closed Willard Beach for 4 days in August 2021 and Franklin Memorial Hospital for improper storage of hazardous waste.
Scientists express concern about scale of foam spill, the latest in a long, dirty history at former base
The high concentration and range of toxic forever chemicals in last week’s spill raises health and environmental concerns, and is putting pressure on the state to expand testing and protect public health.
First tests reveal high PFAS levels in spilled foam, ponds at Brunswick Landing
Test results and cleanup and remediation updates will be shared with the public at a meeting Thursday night.
Maine hospitals launch green initiatives to offset high energy use
The changes at Northern Light Health and MaineHealth include discontinuing certain anesthetic gases and pivoting to renewable heating sources.
Why hotter summers are causing headaches for Maine chocolatiers
Climate change is forcing local chocolate shops to adapt their shipping practices or risk their jewel-like bonbons arriving at destinations as ‘chocolate soup packages.’
Brunswick Landing is Maine’s biggest firefighting foam spill in 30 years
Maine has tried before to find out how much of this toxic substance is out there, or if it’s safely stored, but efforts have been largely ignored. Officials say they need lawmakers’ approval before they can make changes.
Foam spill spews dangerous forever chemicals at Brunswick airport
Officials say a fire suppression system malfunctioned, discharging 1,600 gallons of firefighting foam concentrate – 4 to 5 feet deep in some places – at the former Naval Air Station.