The Maine Climate Council on Wednesday heard the results of an equity study that asked low-income residents, older and rural Mainers, veterans and others about the state’s goals.
environment
Foam spill flushes wave of toxic chemicals into troubled Androscoggin River
‘We will be dealing with the fallout of this for generations to come,’ says Ed Friedman, chairman of Friends of Merrymeeting Bay.
Toxic foam risks persist at other ‘deficient’ Brunswick airport hangars
Inspection reports from 14 months ago show unaddressed deficiencies in 2 sprinkler systems that still use aqueous film-forming foam that contains forever chemicals.
Maine congressional delegation presses Navy for help with Brunswick chemical spill
The Navy still owns the airport hangar where 51,000 gallons of toxic firefighting foam was discharged after an overhead fire suppression system with a deficient service record malfunctioned.
Former Maine CDC director Shah: State must prepare for health impacts of climate-driven flooding
Nirav Shah, now the deputy director of the U.S. CDC, praised Maine for addressing extreme heat and tick-borne illnesses. Those who survive floods report more stress, anxiety and depression, health groups say.
Inspectors warned of ‘tremendous’ potential for accidental foam discharge at Brunswick airport
But repairs weren’t made to the site’s aging system, which went on to malfunction and discharge 51,000 gallons of toxic chemical foam in August.
Outdoors groups push for passage of Maine’s first trail bond
The $30 million bond, which goes to voters in November, would pay for engineers, heavy equipment and laborers needed to build trails that will withstand climate change and make Maine a world-class outdoor recreation leader, advocates say.
Activists push for more aggressive action as Maine pitches climate strategy to public
Some environmental groups say the first draft of Maine’s next climate action plan doesn’t go far enough, especially when it comes to curbing transportation emissions.
Maine cracks down on multiple businesses for contaminating the environment
A Windham car wash is facing thousands of dollars in fines for dumping contaminated wastewater, and the state is considering consent agreements with other businesses, including a garage that caused an oil spill that closed Willard Beach for 4 days.
Scientists express concern about scale of foam spill, the latest in a long, dirty history at former base
The high concentration and range of toxic forever chemicals in last week’s spill raises health and environmental concerns, and is putting pressure on the state to expand testing and protect public health.