Latest news with #AqueousFilmFormingFoam
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
PFAS bills introduced in Brunswick spill aftermath receive sweeping support, await funding
Approximately 1,600 gallons of foam containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, was accidentally discharged at Brunswick Executive Airport's hangar 4 on Aug. 19, 2024. (AnnMarie Hilton/ Maine Morning Star) Though there are still funding details to sort out, a slate of proposals brought forward after 1,500 gallons of toxic firefighting foam concentrate spilled in Brunswick last August have been backed by the Maine Legislature. 'Since August 19, 2024, hardly a day has gone by where our delegation hasn't put work into an entire suite of legislation both to help Brunswick recover and, even more importantly, to make sure that what happened to us cannot happen anywhere else,' said Rep. Dan Ankeles (D-Brunswick) on the House of Representatives floor earlier this month. On Wednesday, the Senate passed the last of a package of three bills that Ankeles crafted in the aftermath of the spill to help rid Maine of Aqueous Film Forming Foam, also known as AFFF, which was historically used for firefighting and has been linked to harmful effects to humans and the environment. Accidents not waiting to happen The final proposal to receive initial passage votes would establish a voluntary, statewide takeback program for the foam. The Senate approved LD 222 30-0, and it will now go back to each chamber for final enactment votes. AFFF contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, which has been linked to serious long-term health problems including cancer. Knowing these concerns, the state restricted use of the foam in 2021, but it is still stored at airports, fire stations and other industrial sites throughout the state. Ankeles' bills received sweeping bipartisan support from the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee, as well as the chambers at large. However, two of the bills have been sent to the budget committee to determine whether they will be funded. Another bill in the package, LD 407, directs the quasi-governmental agency that manages the airport where the spill happened, called the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, to stop using and get rid of the toxic firefighting foam that is still at the site. Since the bill doesn't tap into state funds, Ankeles said he's working with the agency to secure the funding it will need to get rid of the chemicals. 'Getting this resolve to the chief executive's desk will help my constituents — and Rep. [Cheryl] Golek's constituents just a couple of streets over — rest a tiny bit easier knowing that the toxic AFFF will never again be deployed in our community,' Ankeles said last week before the bill received a 128-14 vote in the House. LD 407 received final enactment votes this week and will be sent to Gov. Janet Mills for her approval. Ankeles' two bills awaiting funding are meant to not only protect Brunswick but all Maine communities from future toxic spills. Those two proposals are LD 400, which will create a publicly available inventory of the firefighting foam in the state, and LD 222. These will not only help the state know how much of the toxic foam still exists, but also assist fire departments that don't have the budgets to properly dispose of it. After approval from both chambers, LD 400 was placed on the special appropriations table in late April with a fiscal note of about $86,000 annually for the next two years. That money would be used to cover the cost of a new position to compile the inventory. While it is now up to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, Ankeles said he is hopeful it will get funded after he worked with the Department of Environmental Protection to find a way to fund the proposal without using the state's general fund. With a $5 million fiscal note, LD 222 will likely also end up on the appropriations table. It will first go back to the House for a final enactment vote and then return to the Senate. Since the bill asks for one-time funding rather than ongoing support, Ankeles hopes that will put it in a better position to be funded in a tight budget-cycle. However, he said he is also going to advocate for the Environment and Natural Resources Committee to rank LD 222 as the committee's top priority to receive funding from the budget committee. Of all the bills the committee worked on this session that will cost money, Ankeles said this takeback program could have the 'biggest impact.' 'It will create the infrastructure with a single spending action that is not ongoing and the state will be able to get rid of every drop of this terrible poison,' he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
AqueoUS Vets® launches FoamPro™, a novel foam fractionation system for PFAS treatment
The new system represents an innovation in foam fractionation design and is well suited for treating tough-to-treat PFAS streams. 'There is no single solution when it comes to PFAS remediation, and AqueoUS Vets is proud to offer customers greater flexibility in identifying the approach that best meets their needs.'— AqueoUS Vets President & CEO Dr. Mirka Wilderer REDDING, CA, UNITED STATES, April 30, 2025 / / -- AqueoUS Vets (AV) has announced the launch of its FoamPro technology, a novel foam fractionation system that is designed to handle tough-to-treat PFAS streams. Unlike conventional foam fractionation systems that rely on old air diffusion technologies, the FoamPro system relies on an innovative vacuum process that improves mass transfer efficiency and reduces energy consumption. 'Industries across the board are grappling with the challenge of treating PFAS in complex waste streams. This breakthrough technology marks a significant innovation, equipping our customers with an additional, powerful tool to address the growing PFAS problem,' said AqueoUS Vets President & CEO Dr. Mirka Wilderer. 'By integrating this solution into our portfolio of media filtration technologies, AV reinforces its commitment to delivering the most sustainable treatment options with the lowest total cost of ownership. There is no single solution when it comes to PFAS remediation, and AqueoUS Vets is proud to offer customers greater flexibility in identifying the approach that best meets their needs.' The plug-and-play system comes in stackable modules ranging from 0.5 to 100 gallons per minute (GPM) and is well suited for treating PFAS effluent seen in the industrial and remedial spaces. The FoamPro system has already been tested successfully on Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) rinse water, removing >99% of PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA from initial concentrations in the tens of thousands of parts per trillion. 'The results to-date inspire confidence that the FoamPro solution will meaningfully impact the PFAS treatment space, reducing the overall cost burden on industry and taxpayers alike,' added Wilderer. For more information about AqueoUS Vets' FoamPro system, visit ### About AqueoUS Vets AqueoUS Vets (AV) is a leading vertically integrated manufacturer and supplier of water treatment systems that protect our health and the environment by removing PFAS and other contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). As a trusted industry leader, AV pairs its team of seasoned engineers and water industry professionals with an innovative, entrepreneurial approach to creating cutting-edge solutions for each end user. From concept to commission, AV's turnkey solutions encompass a full range of capabilities, including design, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and exemplary, long-term customer service. A proud member of the Bain Double Impact family, AV is passionate about ensuring sustainable social and environmental impact in the communities it serves. To learn more, visit Megan Sweat Boeh Agency +1 772-538-1959 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
At least three bills to bolster PFAS remediation efforts headed to full Legislature
Drums containing Aqueous Film Forming Foam, also known as AFFF. (Photo by Brendan Bullock) Two legislative committees advanced bills this week that would continue the state's pioneering efforts to address the spread of and contamination by so-called forever chemicals. The legislation will now go before the Maine House of Representatives and Senate to be voted on for passage. The proposals build on the Legislature's work in the last five years to address the impact of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, which has been linked to serious long-term health problems including cancer. These efforts include a phased-in ban on most goods and products with intentionally added PFAS. Awareness of the toxic chemicals has increased as the state has worked to remediate agricultural land contaminated by the state-sanctioned spreading of PFAS-laden sludge. The high level of exposure among the firefighting community has also recently become more apparent, particularly after 1,600 gallons of firefighting foam concentrate containing PFAS spilled in Brunswick last summer. The Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee held a work session Wednesday to discuss a suite of proposals from Rep. Dan Anekeles (D-Brunswick) about the prevalence of Aqueous Film Forming Foam, also known as AFFF, across the state. Two of the three bills received unanimous support from the committee members who were present, with two members absent for the votes. The committee backed LD 400, which calls for a statewide inventory of AFFF, with some changes to ensure it would be publicly accessible on the Office of the Maine State Fire Marshal website. Brunswick lawmaker introduces bills to address PFAS-laden firefighting foam The state does not currently know how much AFFF remains in storage throughout the state, or where it is held, but during the public hearing on the bill, Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim said there is an estimated 50,000 gallons of foam remaining in the state; however, that is based on limited data the department attempted to gather a handful of years ago. Because State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said he would like to start as soon as possible, the start date for the inventory was moved up to begin on or before Nov. 1, 2025. However, the bill does not have an emergency preamble so it wouldn't officially take effect until 90 days after the Legislature adjourns. Though he supports the intent of the bill, Esler testified against the legislation during the public hearing. But he told the committee Wednesday that his concerns were rooted in the timelines for conducting the inventory and starting the takeback program outlined in LD 222, which would help local fire departments that don't have the budgets to properly dispose of the foam. The committee also moved up dates for the inventory to be completed to Nov. 1, 2026 for public entities and one year after that for private entities. The inventory would need to be submitted to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2028. Those changes will help with concerns over the logistics of conducting an inventory as well as developing and implementing a foam take-back program by July 2027, which also passed the committee by unanimous vote. Ankeles' package of PFAS bills also included a ban on AFFF from all properties owned, leased or managed by the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, a quasi-governmental agency that manages the former naval base where the Brunswick spill occurred. The bill proposes the ban start on Jan. 1, 2026. However, the committee tabled LD 407 until next week. On his third day in the job, the new MRRA Executive Director Daniel Stevenson told the committee he would need more time to raise the money needed to remove the foam concentrate still on site. Though MRRA would also like to see it removed, Stevenson worries the agency couldn't raise the necessary funds to meet the deadline outlined in the bill. Since MRRA is quasi-governmental, lawmakers questioned whether the state would be responsible for the funding to remove the existing foam, which the committee analyst is planning to look into ahead of the next meeting. The Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee also voted to advance a bill from Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-York) to enshrine in statute Maine's existing response program for PFAS contamination on farmland, which has been touted as a national leader. The PFAS Response program currently has seven full-time staff members who provide technical and financial assistance to more than 80 farms with varying levels of contamination. There is also a three-person PFAS Fund team that provides financial support, research and access to health services. The legislation revises the fund to make it more efficient and effective. As part of a state buyback program to give farmers an option to move off contaminated land, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry recently purchased more than 100 acres in Palermo for $333,000 using relief fund dollars, the Portland Press Herald reported. Most committee members voted in favor of LD 130, but Rep. Caldwell Jackson (R-Oxford) opposed the bill out of fear it would put Maine farmers at a disadvantage over those in other states who may not be subject to the PFAS product limits that are outlined in the legislation. Legislative committees also held public hearings for other PFAS-related proposals. The Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee heard from Sen. Stacy Brenner (D-Cumberland) about her proposal to require health insurance carriers to cover blood tests for PFAS when they are deemed medically necessary. And Rep. Reagan Paul (R-Winterport) introduced a bill to the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee seeking to require an operator of a solar or wind energy development to test for PFAS contamination at the development site. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Brunswick lawmaker introduced bills to address PFAS-laden firefighting foam
The foam spill at Brunswick Landing last August undercut public confidence in the safety of dispersed storage of AFFF stocks. (Photo courtesy of Steve Walker) After a toxic spill last August, Brunswick Town Council member Sande Updegraph said many residents are still riddled with fears. They are afraid to drink their well water, to bathe, to eat vegetables grown in gardens surrounding their homes. But they also fear people will forget about the devastation or that it may happen again in their community or another. Most of all, Updegraph said, they are afraid no one is listening to them or has their backs. 'The efforts to remove these fears start with you people sitting around the table,' Updegraph told the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee during a public hearing Wednesday. The hearing was for three bills from Rep. Dan Ankeles (D-Brunswick) designed to rid Maine of Aqueous Film Forming Foam, also known as AFFF, which was historically used for firefighting and has been linked to harmful effects to humans and the environment. It's an issue close to home for Ankeles, who represents the portion of Brunswick where approximately 1,500 gallons of the toxic firefighting foam was discharged in an airplane hangar last summer. The chemicals ultimately ended up in the groundwater, sewer system and multiple watersheds. Though the foam didn't enter the public water system, it left nearby residents with private wells concerned about contamination. 'Please believe me when I say you would not want high concentrations of this stuff spilling in your community,' Ankeles told the committee. Ankeles submitted the bills to the Legislature just weeks after the spill. Among many cosponsors, Ankeles' counterpart from Brunswick, Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Cumberland), has signed on to the bills and is expected to introduce her own legislation regarding oversight of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, which is in charge of the site where the spill occurred. One bill addresses ongoing concerns in the local community, while the other two seek to tackle the issue statewide. In an effort to protect his community from future spills, Ankeles introduced LD 407 to ban AFFF from all properties owned, leased or managed by MRRA, the quasi-governmental agency that manages the former naval base where the airport sits. Ankeles told the committee, which he also serves on, that he wants to 'ensure that our response to one community's tragedy isn't just a wasteful shrug.' Rather, Ankeles said he would like to see his colleagues rally around the notion that Mainers, as well as their land and water shouldn't be exposed to poison. AFFF contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, which has been linked to serious long-term health problems including cancer. Knowing these concerns, the state restricted use of the foam in 2021, but it is still stored at airports, fire stations and other industrial sites throughout the state. Updegraph was joined by other Brunswick town council members, as well as members of the firefighting, medical and environmental communities, testifying in support of the bills. The Office of the State Fire Marshal supported LD 400, but spoke in opposition to LD 222 due to questions about agency resources. The concerns were not around the intent of the proposal. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection was neither for nor against the legislation, but Commissioner Melanie Loyzim said the department contemplated asking for the money needed for these bills in its biennial budget request but ultimately decided to prioritize other needs. The statewide bills would work in sequence with LD 400 directing the Office of the State Fire Marshal to do a full inventory of AFFF in the state, followed by the establishment of a statewide takeback program for the toxic foam through LD 222. Loyzim told the committee that there is an estimated 50,000 gallons of foam remaining in the state; however, that is based on limited data the department attempted to gather a handful of years ago. Out of the 305 fire departments in the state, Loyzim said only about 60 responses along with fewer than 10 industry partners such as oil terminals or paper mills responded to the survey the state attempted in 2019. A multi-part investigation published by Maine Morning Star detailed previous efforts by the state to collect this data. The statewide inventory would start collecting information in July 2026 on any public entity with five gallons or more of AFFF concentrate. There would also be efforts to gather information from private entities to get a complete picture of how much exists in the state. That proposal includes the addition of one, limited-time position in the fire marshal's office at the cost of $86,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Though the department didn't get a high response rate when it tried to collect similar data a few years back, State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said he expects nine out of 10 fire departments will participate. He also told the committee he would call any departments who don't participate to gather data on their inventory. The statewide takeback program is not proposed to come online until July 2027, with the hopes that the inventory would be mostly complete by then. Using the estimate of 50,000 gallons of foam, Loyzim said the department estimates it would cost $5 million to run the takeback program. The department would be allowed to contract with a third party to administer the program that public and private sector entities would have the choice to participate in. A program like this could be useful for towns like South Portland, where Fire Chief Phil Selberg said the department has spent over $70,000 on new fire suppression foam to replace its AFFF stock, but has had to delay the delivery of the new foam because they have struggled with how to safely and responsibly dispose of the toxic foam. It could also be helpful to departments in smaller, more rural parts of the state that often rely on volunteers and small budgets. Michael Scott, president of the Professional Firefighters of Maine, spoke in support of all three bills saying they could aid the organization's efforts to enhance the health and safety of firefighters. Though funding for these proposals wasn't included in the department's budget request, Ankeles said he wrote the bills to utilize money from the general fund. Committee members asked him if he considered funding from the state's existing PFAS remediation fund or any settlement that may come from the Maine Attorney General suing AFFF manufacturers. He expects there to be settlement money from that lawsuit, but Ankeles said he would like to see that money shared with constituents who have had to pay for their own drinking water or testing. As for the remediation fund, Ankeles pointed out that money was designed to support farms that are coping with decades of contamination. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
