BRUNSWICK, Maine — Brunswick leaders and legislators who represent the region called for the immediate resignation of the executive director who oversees the local airport, where hundreds of gallons of toxic firefighting foam spilled last month, more than a year after a report warned that the system was "deficient."
Sen. Mattie Daughtry, Rep. Dan Ankeles, and Brunswick Town Council Chair Abby King held a news conference Thursday in response to an article published Thursday by Portland Press Herald, which cited an inspection report conducted by Eastern Fire more than a year ago that flagged the fire suppression system at the Brunswick Executive Airport as "deficient."
On Aug. 19, more than a year after that inspection report flagged concern about the system, roughly 1,450 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) firefighting foam "accidentally discharged" at Hangar 4.
The foam contains toxic PFAS chemicals, which are known carcinogens, and floated far beyond the airport property, prompting a massive environmental response and cleanup led by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Numerous local and state agencies also have been working to mitigate the spread and work on cleanup and outreach efforts.
Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Agency (MRRA) manages the airport, which previously served as Brunswick Naval Air Station.
During the news conference, the legislators demanded accountability and swift action in response to the reported failures in oversight, which included urging MRRA Executive Director Kristine Logan to step down.
"We still have the toxic foam equivalent of ticking time bombs in other hangers, and knowing now that inspectors have already identified deficiencies in these systems means we need to act now," Ankeles said at the press conference.
"The news has shaken my confidence in the management and leadership of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority," Daughtry said. "I am concerned about their ability to manage safety in light of recent failings and especially because of the increased awareness of the lack of transparency in what appears to be a coverup, miscommunication, or non-sharing of safety standards."
Daughtry called for the immediate shutoff of fire suppression systems in hangars five and six in a manner that wouldn't disrupt the airport.
In a news release issued Thursday by the Maine DEP as a series of public updates over the ongoing cleanup and mitigation efforts, the agency said MRRA and Clean Harbors were continuing to check for the presence of foam at storm drainage ponds.
"No foam has been observed or collected at any of the preestablished points since last Friday, Sept. 6," the agency said in a news release. "The public drinking water supply to Brunswick Landing comes from the Brunswick-Topsham Water District and has been confirmed safe to drink. The public water supply has not been impacted by this incident."
Maine CDC officials continue to urge people to avoid contact with the foam and be mindful about activities that could put them at risk of exposure to the foam, such as swimming or fishing at bodies of water that may have been impacted.
NEWS CENTER Maine reached out to Logan but has not heard back. Daughtry said she has a meeting scheduled with Logan on Friday.