Songbird Farm is one of a growing number of farms found to be contaminated with so-called forever chemicals from sludge fertilizer spread on fields, once a common, state-sanctioned practice.
forever chemicals
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers tour Maine before negotiating next federal farm bill
Maine needs federal policy to be flexible enough to support small specialty farmers, keep food banks full and provide relief to farmers struggling with PFAS contamination, lawmakers are told at a U.S. Congress agricultural field hearing.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
State adopts $70 million plan to help farmers deal with PFAS contamination
The fund will dedicate $30.3 million in grants to get farmers back on their feet, $21.5 million in compensation for contaminated land, $7.3 million for medical needs and $11.2 million for scientific research.
Posted inNation & World, News, Uncategorized
Study finds drinking water from nearly half of U.S. faucets contains ‘forever chemicals’
Researchers describe the study as the first nationwide effort to test for PFAS in tap water from private sources in addition to regulated ones.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News
A forever farm is no match for forever chemicals
A fourth-generation farmer running an organic dairy farm in Fairfield lost his livelihood when his milk and lands tested hot for PFAS contamination. ‘It got us good.’
Posted inLocal & State, News
Watchdog group: PFAS is active ingredient in 13% of Maine pesticides
An analysis by the Environmental Working Group found 55 so-called forever chemicals listed as active ingredients in 1,426 of Maine’s state-approved pesticides.
Posted inBusiness, New England
Rhode Island attorney general sues manufacturers of ‘forever chemicals’
Rhode Island joins other states, including Maine, that say companies sold hazardous chemicals for decades despite knowing the risks.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Farmers should get whatever it takes to overcome PFAS contamination
The state has an obligation to make farmers whole for the loss to their lives and livelihood.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Residents near Cutler Navy base struggle with ‘forever chemicals’ in water
Many living near the base are receiving bottled water from the government.
Posted inLocal & State
Cost of helping farmers manage PFAS is rising, now at $81 million
A five-year plan to help farmers includes $37 million for direct financial support, $25 million to buy contaminated farms, $11 million for agricultural research, and $7 million on medical testing and monitoring.