Just proving that #Trump's administration is TOXIC!

Trump #EPA withdrawal of #PFAS effluent limits is setback for #PublicHealth, #EWG warns

WASHINGTON – "On Tuesday, the Trump Environmental Protection Agency withdrew a pending Biden administration plan that would have protected public health from the chemical manufacturing sector by setting discharge limits on the toxic '#ForeverChemicals' known as PFAS.

"The Trump administration pulled the proposal from White House review – the last step before the agency could release the plan publicly and seek comment on it. The decision is a significant setback for efforts to address the growing public health crisis caused by industrial PFAS pollution of the water supply.

"Coupled with President Donald Trump’s executive order placing a freeze on any new federal regulations, the withdrawal prompts significant concerns from environmental and public health advocates about the future of PFAS regulation and whether tackling the PFAS contamination crisis will be an administration priority.

The following is a statement from Melanie Benesh, vice president for government affairs at the #EnvironmentalWorkingGroup:

"Yesterday’s action by the Trump administration to withdraw the long-awaited proposal on PFAS effluent limits is a devastating setback in the fight to protect our communities from toxic 'forever chemicals.'

"This move not only delays establishing critical federal standards but also sends a dangerous message giving polluters a green light to continue poisoning our water and communities without fear of consequence.

"It’s an unconscionable betrayal of the public’s health in favor of corporate interests, and it underscores this administration’s troubling shift in policy which threatens to roll back any progress to protect our #environment and hold #polluters accountable.

"PFAS contamination is already a public health crisis. The science is clear: PFAS are toxic at even the smallest levels, and they have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, immune suppression and developmental harm. Communities across the country, especially those near PFAS-manufacturing facilities, have lived with the devastating consequences of this pollution for decades.

"State regulators have waited for the federal government to lead on this issue so they can incorporate effective monitoring and treatment requirements into their discharge permits. Without federal limits, those efforts remain stalled.

"The Trump administration’s refusal to act now puts even more lives at risk, leaving American communities to fend for themselves as polluters continue their unchecked discharges of toxic PFAS into our water."

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/statement/2025/01/trump-epa-withdrawal-pfas-effluent-limits-setback-public-health-ewg
#WaterIsLife #PFASContamination #EnvironmentalDamage #ManMadeDisasters #AFFF #Wildlife #OceansAreLife #PFASPollution
#FirefightingFoam #PFOS
#3M #ForeverChemicals #Environment #BigChemical #CorporateInterests #Corporatocracy #TrumptyDumpty #WhenIdiotsRule #USPol

#Maine lawmakers introduce bill to create response program for #PFAS threats

February 6, 2025

AUGUSTA (WGME) – "State lawmakers have introduced a bill to create a response program to clean up and reduce threats created by dangerous chemicals known as PFAS.

"This comes months after toxic and potentially #cancer-causing #FirefightingFoam was accidentally sprayed at a former air base in #BrunswickMaine.

"While this bill would monitor PFAS levels, one Brunswick lawmaker says she and others are working on additional bills related to the fallout from that spill.

"'And we’re continuing to advocate for funding, whether it’s through the state budget or leaning on our federal partners, since that substance was put in by the Navy,' Sen. Mattie Daughtry (D-Cumberland) said. 'Because one thing I stand firm to is my constituents, myself, my neighbors, the taxpayers of Brunswick and Maine should not be on the hook for a disaster they did not cause.'

"This bill would allow the state to buy, sell or transfer property contaminated by PFAS and deposit the proceeds into a fund to deal with contamination."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/maine-lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-create-response-program-for-pfas-threats/ar-AA1yz81L
#WaterIsLife #CascoBay
#PFASContamination #EnvironmentalDamage
#ManMadeDisasters #AFFF
#PicnicPond #Site8Stream
#MereBrook #MerriconeagStream
#HarpswellCove #Wildlife #OceansAreLife #PFASPollution #BrunswickNavalAirStation
#BrunswickStation #Maine #AndroscogginRiver

High levels of #ToxicChemicals found in #BrunswickMaine airport hangar #sewers

#CitizenPFAS monitoring revealed concerning levels of toxic chemicals in the sewer outfall of #Hangar6 in Brunswick, though a company hired to assess risk at the hangar said there is no leak of the toxic firefighting foams on the premises.

by Kristian Moravec, The Times Record
Posted February 4, 2025, Updated February 5

"A citizens group’s testing revealed that sewer water flowing from Hangar 6 at Brunswick’s airport has high levels of harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS.

"#FriendsOfMerrymeetingBay conducted testing on Nov. 26. The tests detected high levels of a particularly toxic #PFAS chemical compound known as #PFOS. The update comes the same day the owner of the hangar, the #MidcoastRegionalRedevelopmentAuthority, sent a letter to the town stating that tanks that stored the chemicals were not leaking.

"PFOS is a compound known to be harmful to human health and is found in high levels in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Brunswick Executive Airport’s Hangar 4, which is owned by the Navy but operated by MRRA, dumped 1,450 gallons of AFFF concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons of water on Aug. 19, 2024.

"The spill prompted ongoing cleanup and monitoring efforts as well as a push to get rid of the foam at the airport. Concern has grown around Hangar 6, which some have speculated is leaking harmful chemicals based on the testing data around the airport that Friends of Merrymeeting Bay has collected over the years. The sewage that flows out of Hangar 6, which is not treated for PFAS, ultimately flows into the #AndroscogginRiver."

Original article:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/02/04/high-levels-of-toxic-chemicals-found-in-brunswick-airport-hangar-sewers/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/LlHx1

So, when I see catastrophic events like the #BESSFires or widespread #PFASContamination in #BrunswickMaine, the first thing I think of is, "Where are the wildlife going to hide? How is this event going to affect them and the nearby #ecosystems?"

"The #ElkhornSlough Reserve is closed until further notice due to potential health risks from a fire at the #MossLanding Battery Storage Plant that started on January 16.

"The area has been evacuated and will remain closed until emergency services determines that air quality is no longer hazardous.

"Elkhorn Slough is a cherished #ecosystem of tremendous importance to #MontereyBay and beyond. We appreciate all the efforts of local, county, and state authorities and emergency response teams, as well as the outpouring of concern from the community regarding health impacts for people and #wildlife in the area.

"We have not yet seen reports of any documented negative environmental impacts from this incident, but it is too early to know. The Elkhorn Slough Reserve conducts robust monitoring programs for water quality, habitats, and wildlife. We will be looking closely at impacts from this incident in the future, and will collaborate with partner agencies in their monitoring efforts."

https://elkhornslough.org/moss-landing-fire-incident-january-2025/
#EnvironmentalDamage #ManMadeDisasters

Unfortunately, I missed this protest. But good to know that #BruceGagnon and others are bringing attention to the #MilitarizationOfSpace!

Oct 24 'Maine Space Conference' protest news release

Bruce Gagnon: "The #MaineSpaceConference is promoting the militarization of space. Efforts are being made to test #hypersonic missiles at the former #LoringAirForceBase. #bluShitAerospace is receiving funding from the U.S. #SpaceForce to launch 'dual use' (military/civilian) mini-satellites into dangerously congested #LowerEarthOrbit. [#LEO].

"Promises of lots of jobs, little to no #environmental impacts, and peaceful exploration of space are the standard claims made at a myriad of potential new launch sites the #USMilitary is exploring around the world.

"The U.S. and #Israel have been blocking a #SpaceWeaponsBan treaty (#PAROS) at the United Nations for more than 25 years.

"Our nation cannot afford to pay for a new expensive arms race in outer space."

https://space4peace.blogspot.com/2024/10/protest-maine-space-conference-portland.html

Um, all this concern about humans eating wild animals contaminated with #PFAS? How about concern that WILD ANIMALS ARE CONTAMINATED WITH PFAS!

'Do not eat' advisory issued for wildlife harvested in parts of #Kennebec, #Waldo counties

by Ariana St Pierre, WGME
Fri, October 25th 2024 at 6:47 AM

"The #Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife tested wildlife throughout the #Unity, #UnityTownship, #Thorndike, and #Albion area." [Lots of working farms in that area too!]

https://wgme.com/news/local/do-not-eat-advisory-issued-for-wildlife-harvested-in-parts-of-kennebec-waldo-counties-unity-unity-township-thorndike-albion-deer-wild-turkeys-maine-department-of-inland-fisheries-and-wildlife-pfas-forever-chemicals

Midcoast [#Maine] Regional Redevelopment Authority executive director steps down after [toxic firefighting] foam spill

Story by WGME Staff
October 10, 2024

BRUNSWICK (WGME) -- "The executive director of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority is stepping down.

"The #MRRA Board of Trustees says #KristineLogan has resigned.

"Last month, a group of Brunswick leaders and legislators called for Logan's resignation after hundreds of gallons of toxic #firefighting foam spilled in August, more than a year after a report warned that the system was 'deficient.'

"The #BrunswickMaine leaders say they want the group to have increased oversight and accountability."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/midcoast-regional-redevelopment-authority-executive-director-steps-down-after-foam-spill/ar-AA1s3vAj

#WaterIsLife #PFAS #AndroscogginRiver #PFASContamination #AFFF #PFOS #PicnicPond #Site8Stream #MereBrook #MerriconeagStream
#CascoBay #HarpswellCove
#Wildlife #OceansAreLife
#PFASPollution #BrunswickNavalAirStation #BrunswickStation #Maine

#PortlandMaine fire department announced they were going to switch to #F3 soon!

#Maine officials look for safer alternatives to #toxic #firefighting foam

by Mal Meyer, WGME
Mon, August 26th 2024

"That's why the [Portland] fire department is turning over to something new soon, called 'F3,' that won't have #PFAS.

"'Over the last 8-10 months, the Department of Defense has approved a couple of different products,' Cenate said.

"The lack of options and cost has been part of the problem.

"'There are certainly challenges for the industry and nationwide moving forward,' Bradbury said.

"The South Portland Fire Department was quoted roughly $138,000 to replace the 3,000 gallons of #AFFF it has, not including the price of disposal.

"'It’s nice that we'll be on the forefront with our transition in October,' Bradbury said.

"It's tough to say how much of AFFF is around Maine.

"A state taskforce in 2019 tried to figure that out but got limited responses and that hasn't been updated since because there's been no funding for it.

"The group estimated there could be up to 48,000 gallons in Maine fire departments alone.

"'There has been discussion about whether or not to do a collection and destruction program,' Maine DEP Commissioner Melanie Loyzim said. 'Some other states have been doing that over the last several years.'

"In Brunswick, the Navy had been planning to remove AFFF in mid-September, as leaders looked for something more environmentally friendly."

Read more:
https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-officials-look-for-safer-alternatives-to-toxic-firefighting-foam-brunswick-executive-airport-pfas-forever-chemicals-afff-f3

FFS! Municipalities need to change over to #F3 ASAP!

#Toxic firefighting foam spills into #wetlands after truck fire in #SouthPortlandMaine

by Ariana St Pierre, WGME
Fri, August 30th 2024

"Crews used 47 gallons of #AFFF #firefighting foam to put out the truck's diesel fuel that was burning. That foam contains PFAS or '#ForeverChemicals.'

"Despite their efforts to contain it, firefighters say 70 gallons of foam and diesel fuel spilled into the gravel wetland along Philbrook Avenue and #LongCreek.

[...]

"This comes about 10 days after over 1,400 gallons of firefighting foam containing PFAS spilled at the Brunswick Executive Airport and leaked into a nearby pond [which eventually drains into #HarpswellCove and #CascoBay]."

https://wgme.com/news/local/toxic-firefighting-foam-spills-into-wetlands-after-truck-fire-in-south-portland-maine-firefighters-afff-pfas-forever-chemicals-long-creek-philbrook-avenue

#PFASContamination
#PFOS #CascoBay #Wildlife #WaterIsLife #OceansAreLife #PFASPollution #FirefightingFoam #LongCreekWatershed

TONIGHT! (Thursday, August 29th)

Fighting the foam in #BrunswickMaine: Public forum being held to discuss the spill

Story by Aysia Reed, WGME

"It's been 10 days since toxic firefighting foam spilled in Brunswick. The public will now get to have their say on the release and the cleanup efforts so far.

"The town of Brunswick is holding a public forum at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Council Chamber at Brunswick Town Hall to discuss the spill of more than 1,000 gallons of firefighting foam.

"The Brunswick Executive Airport had the foam stored away in hangar 4 in case they needed it to fight a fire. Last week, a faulty signal to the system caused a malfunction to release the foam, causing it to spill.

"The foam contains PFAS, which is a forever chemical. It leaked into a nearby pond, and the drainage system around the hangar.

"Crews are collecting samples around an outflow pipe that goes from the Brunswick Sewer District into the #AndroscogginRiver.

"Last week, officials said they collected about 6,000 gallons of foam and foam mixed with water."

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fighting-the-foam-in-brunswick-public-forum-being-held-to-discuss-the-spill/ar-AA1pDH5C

#MaineCDC Issues Advisories on Eating #FreshwaterFish Due to #PFASContamination at the Former #NavalAirStation in #BrunswickMaine

Aug 23, 2024

AUGUSTA -- "The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) today issued new freshwater fish consumption advisories recommending either no consumption or limited consumption of fish from four waterbodies located on and around the former naval air station in Brunswick, Maine.

"The testing of fish is part of the United States Navy's ongoing remedial investigation at the former base in response to #environmental contamination from the historic use of PFAS-containing aqueous film forming foam (#AFFF) in fire-fighting operations. Data were collected in October 2023 by the Navy, in coordination with Maine's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and shared with the Maine CDC in spring of 2024.

"The Maine CDC reviewed the data and determined they showed elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, above the agency's recommended levels for regular consumption.

"While testing occurred before the August 19, 2024 accidental release of AFFF at the former naval air station, that incident is not expected to impact the guidance issued today. The waters likely impacted by the AFFF spill are on the east side of the runway at the air station. Today's advisory recommends a no consumption advisory for those waters based on prior testing data.

"Elevated levels of the specific PFAS called perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were detected in fish tissue samples collected from #MereBrook (also known as Mare Brook), #MerriconeagStream, #PicnicPond, and #Site8Stream. The new fish consumption advisories listed below apply to all fish caught in these waterbodies.

"In response to the recent release of AFFF and the reported presence of visible #foam on some of these #waterbodies on the eastern side of the runway, the Maine CDC additionally recommends the public avoid any contact with foam on these water bodies. Out of an abundance of caution, the Maine CDC also recommends the public refrain from any recreational activities (e.g., #swimming, #boating, #wading) that could result in contact with the foam or waters until the potential impact of the AFFF release on these waterbodies is fully assessed.

"PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals found in a variety of consumer products throughout the world. Based on a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, exposure to certain PFAS chemicals has been associated with increases in cholesterol levels, decreases in birth weight, lower antibody response to some vaccines, and kidney cancer."

From the CDC website: Map of waterbodies included in the fish consumption advisory on and around the former Naval Air Station in Brunswick.

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/news/maine-cdc-issues-advisories-eating-freshwater-fish-due-pfas-contamination-former-naval-air-station-fri-08232024-1200
#AndroscogginRiver #CascoBay #HarpswellCove #Wildlife #WaterIsLife #OceansAreLife #PFASPollution #PFOS #FirefightingFoam

The US military is using #scotus "Chevron" ruling to refuse to do #EPA mandated cleanup.
#environment #pfasContamination

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/12/air-force-epa-water-pfas-tucson?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

#Pesticides may contain an alarming amount of ‘#ForeverChemicals’: Study

by Sharon Udasin - 07/24/24 2:01 PM ET

"Toxic 'forever chemicals' are increasingly appearing in U.S. pesticides — contaminating waterways and posing a possible threat to human health, a new study has found.

"Pesticides containing these compounds, called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (#PFAS), are used widely nationwide on staple foods, such as #corn, #wheat, #kale, #spinach, #apples and #strawberries, according to the study, published Wednesday in Environmental Health Perspectives.

"Known for their ability to linger in the human body and the environment, PFAS have been linked to many illnesses, such as thyroid disease, kidney cancer and testicular cancer.

"PFAS-laden pesticides are also used inside homes, for flea treatments on pets and in insect-killing sprays, noted the authors, who represent several environmental organizations.

"The researchers — from the Center for Biological Diversity, the Environmental Working Group and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility — said they drew their conclusions by compiling data on sources of PFAS in pesticide products.

Read more:

https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4790651-toxic-forever-chemicals-pesticides-study/

#PFOA #WaterIsLife #PFOS #PFASContamination #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment#GenXChemicals
#Toxic #CenterforBiologicalDiversity

So, ignoring the elephant in the room (that #PFAS is EVERYWHERE), apparently, the state of #Maine has been restocking fish in ponds and lakes that have known PFAS contamination...

Maine stocks PFAS-laden waters with fish, warns ‘do not eat’

Scientists worry that some anglers will still consume the #trout tainted by #ForeverChemicals. One environmental watchdog group calls the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife practice 'super disturbing.'

by Penelope Overton, June 2, 2024

"Chock-full of forever chemicals, the #FishingHoles next to Fairfield’s youth athletic complex on Industrial Drive are believed to be some of the most #polluted waters in #Maine – yet the state still stocks these ponds every year with hatchery-raised #BrookTrout for local children to catch.

"The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife [#MaineDIFW] said it puts brook trout in the ponds for kids to catch for fun, not for sustenance, and that it warns against eating anything caught from these waters. A fish doesn’t have to be eaten to be enjoyed, said state fisheries director Francis Brautigam."

Relevant quotes:

Sarah Woodbury, Defend Our Health: “This is super disturbing to me that they are intentionally stocking areas they know are contaminated. Folks that depend on fish to feed their families shouldn’t have to be worried about additional contamination.”

Michelle Flewelling, #FairfieldMaine Town Manager: "“Forever chemicals have done a number on this town. We’ve got the highest numbers in the state, maybe the country. We all know it. It’s no secret. It’s in our drinking water, our ponds, our fields. It’s white noise at this point. We’ve lost so much. Why let it take one more thing from these kids?”

Read more [may be behind a paywall]:
https://www.pressherald.com/2024/06/02/state-stocks-contaminated-waters-with-fish-then-warns-against-eating-them/

#WaterIsLife #PFOS #PFASContamination #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PFOA #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #GenXChemicals
#Toxic #Capitalism #Crapitalism

No Toxic Rockets for Maine

Who We Are

"#NatureLovers opposed to building #polluting #RocketLaunch sites in #Maine. We monitored & resisted the rush to pass 'emergency' legislation to create a public-private partnership for rocket launch sites in our state. In April, 2022, #LD1923 was signed into law by Gov. #JanetMills after passing the House 'under the gavel' i.e. without a voice vote.

Military Use

"LD 1923's sponsor Rep. Daughtry insists that no military uses are planned for rocket launch sites in Maine. But in every location we've studied, the same promises were made and not kept.

"In# Kodiak, #Alaska 20 years ago one launch site was built with developers claiming it was only for civilian purposes. There are now multiple sites there being used by the #Pentagon and the #IsraeliMilitary. Meanwhile, the jobs that were promised for the project never developed. Sites are staffed when launches happen by outsiders who leave after the event. Only custodial and security staff jobs are available to the local community.

"Recently a #SpaceX launch of satellites saw 40 of them fall out of the atmosphere due to a #SolarStorm. In their statement about their response to the incident, SpaceX stressed their close cooperation with the Pentagon:

"The #Starlink team commanded the satellites into a safe-mode where they would fly edge-on (like a sheet of paper) to minimize drag — to effectively 'take cover from the storm' — the #SpaceForce’s 18th Space Control Squadron and LeoLabs to provide updates on the satellites based on ground radars.

#Toxic Fallout

"When rocket launches go wrong -- as they frequently do -- #chemicals rain down on land and sea as highly toxic materials burn up.

"In case of fires at the rocket launch site, large scale storage of #PFAS foam is to be expected. Maine already has a severe #PFASContamination problem on #Agricultural land across the state."

Learn more about their mission:
https://www.notoxicrockets4me.org/