The federal agency’s reversal comes 1 month after it declared that the University of Maine’s research into ways to reduce the effects of forever chemicals on farms was inconsistent with the EPA’s funding priorities.
PFAS
Mills signs bill to shut off fire suppression systems with forever chemicals at Brunswick Landing
The bill requires the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority to remove all remaining PFAS-containing firefighting foam by the end of the year.
After hailing them as important, EPA cancels PFAS research grants
Termination notices to Maine grant recipients said the work was ‘no longer consistent with EPA funding priorities.’ At least 2 of the 3 Maine recipients plan to appeal the termination.
EPA announces rollback of limits on forever chemicals in drinking water
The agency rolled back limits for three types of forever chemicals but will keep standards in place for the two most common PFAS, known as PFOA and PFOS.
Hallowell drinking water exceeds state regulation for forever chemicals
Hallowell Water District testing late last month showed drinking water in the city contained its highest PFAS levels in at least the past three years.
Brunswick Landing removes toxic foam from airport hangar
Hangar 6 held 975 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, containing a toxic chemical compound known as PFOS.
Lawmakers consider $10M bailout for Fairfield water crisis
A bill would expand the public water system to Fairfield residents whose private wells have been contaminated by toxic forever chemicals from the state’s former agricultural sludge-spreading program.
Athletes, environmentalists debate proposed statewide ban on artificial turf fields in Maine
The potential 3-year ban would allow for a state study of the environmental and health effects of synthetic turf fields.
Fairfield residents worry as PFAS funds get low
Residents drinking from highly contaminated wells face a new financial burden as state PFAS funding draws to a close.
Other states consider joining Maine in banning the spreading of sewage sludge
The battle over how to place guardrails on the practice is starting to play out in legislatures across the country.