BRUNSWICK, Maine — A fire-suppressant system at the Brunswick Executive Airport released firefighting foam that contains PFAS chemicals Monday morning, and officials are calling the incident an accidental discharge.
Kristine Logan, executive director for the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, posted a notice on the Brunswick Landing website stating that the incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. in Hangar 4.
Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority owns and operates the public-use airport, which formerly served as the Brunswick Naval Air Station. MRRA also manages Brunswick Landing, whose focus is on economic development for civilian use at the former military site.
The Brunswick Fire Department chief notified the Maine Department of Environmental protection about a malfunctioning fire suppression system that led to the release of approximately 1,600 gallons of AFFF foam concentrate mixed with 60,000 gallons of water, DEP Deputy Director David Madore said.
Hangar 4 and interior portions of the building filled with AFFF foam, which migrated away from the building, Madore said.
Emergency crews and officials with the DEP responded to the airport to assess the extent of the potential impacts and investigate what happened, Logan said. Crews have reportedly been at the scene all day.
"We understand the importance of this matter and are committed to keeping you informed. Additional details will be provided as they become available," Logan wrote.
Foam was still flying through around 2 p.m. Monday the air near Hangar 4, about 12 hours after the initial incident, and piles of it completely covered the ground nearby. MRRA Deputy Director Jeffrey Jordan was at the site Monday and told NEWS CENTER Maine that nobody has been injured since the incident started and nobody was inside the building at the time of the spill.
General Manager of the Brunswick and Topsham Water District Craig Douglas said the district is working with the DEP to test and monitor wells located roughly a quarter-mile from the northern edge of the airport and the aquifer that feeds the wells that sits partially beneath the end of the runway.
Douglas said it could take days to receive test results.
"Early indications are that the foam has also impacted sewer and storm water systems on the premises," according to Madore. "A contractor is on-site to begin removing the visible foam on the tarmac that escaped the Hanger doors."
The Brunswick and Topsham Water District serves approximately 18,000 customers.
An investigation and response effort remains ongoing. The DEP is assisting the MRRA and Brunswick Fire Department.
For the latest breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app.
