Brunswick Emergency Meeting
By Pat Elder
September 19, 2024
Zoom link.
The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, (MRRA) suddenly announced an emergency meeting to be held Friday, September 20, 2024 at 3:00 pm. The virtual meeting is open to the public. It would be helpful if participants read this article before the meeting so things might make a little more sense. The land is severely contaminated with a host of deadly toxins and this wasn’t made clear to the locals when the land was transferred by the navy.
Environmental activists complain that PFAS has taken all of the oxygen out of the contamination room, especially after these large firefighting foam releases. Despite the significant and dangerous leak at Brunswick, the EPA has still not updated its page on Brunswick’s Superfund Cleanup:
“Recent contaminant investigations have included sampling existing public and private drinking water supplies located on- and off-base for per- & polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals were used in the formation of aircraft firefighting foams that were historically used by the Navy when Brunswick was an active air station.
Results of this sampling identified two PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS) at levels below or slightly above laboratory detection levels for these two chemicals. All reported supply well concentrations were also below lifetime health advisories established by EPA for these two chemicals. The Navy is currently investigating areas on the base where these firefighting foams were historically stored and potentially discharged to the environment in order to confirm whether or not these chemicals are present in the environment.”
This is outrageous! The EPA should be ashamed. They’re still in the business of confirming whether these chemicals are present in the environment? It’s something all of us can do with a $79 water test kit. California says PFOA and PFOS are human carcinogens. Who are you more likely to agree with?
Back when the property was transferred from the Navy to the town, the EPA assured the Brunswick community regarding all of the contamination, “Direct contact threats on the base have been eliminated through numerous Navy cleanup actions. The Navy has spent over $100 million investigating and cleaning the site and has transferred more than 2,700 acres of the base to parties including the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, the Town of Brunswick, Bowdoin College, and Southern Maine Community College.”
Communities across the country distrust the EPA for its failure to actually protect the environment. The EPA has been roundly accused of rubber stamping the environmental quality reports of military installations prior to the transfer of properties to largely unsuspecting locals. This same scenario is being played out in hundreds of locations in the US and around the world.
Please see:
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Disposal and Reuse of Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
Cooperating Agency: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION VOLUME I: Main Report November 2010
https://media.defense.gov/2022/Apr/01/2002968349/-1/-1/0/FEIS_NASBRUNSWICK_VOLUMEI.PDF
What follows is a survey that paints the picture of dangerous contamination that may be affecting the health of residents today.
Polychlorinated Biphenyl’s (PCB’s) Prior to 1995, approximately 300 transformers containing PCBs had been used at NAS Brunswick (Navy BRAC PMO 2006). The Navy subsequently removed all transformers and capacitors that were known or suspected to contain PCBs. Excessive PCB levels have been found in the Androscoggin.
Underground Storage Tanks (UST’s) and Above-ground storage tanks - What is the inventory and condition of all underground storage tanks and above ground storage tanks today? See Maine Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management Division of Oil & Hazardous Waste Facilities Regulation Report to U.S . Environmental Protection Agency Office of Underground Storage Tanks Compliance of Government Underground Storage Tanks August 8, 2007 https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-01/documents/me-compliance-rpt.pdf
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) What is the current status of the levels Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with the soil along the old Casco Bay Pipeline? This was an underground pipeline that extended approximately 7.25-miles from the northern boundary of Mitchell Field in the town of Harpswell, Maine to the southern boundary of the former Naval Air Station Brunswick (NASB) .
Mercury A draft supplemental report completed in 1991 identified mercury and nitrate/nitrite levels above applicable state and federal standards in soil samples,
Asbestos A 2005 survey found that 142 of 210 buildings contained asbestos-containing materials and presumed asbestos-containing materials. The pipeline had a tar exterior coating and a fire-resistant asbestos wrapping.
Lead-Based Paint - Most buildings at NAS Brunswick were coated with paint containing lead at various concentrations. What is the status of these buildings regarding the lead paint? Is it still there? How was it disposed?
Pesticides and herbicides - Past pesticide use at NAS Brunswick resulted in soil and groundwater contamination.
2-Methylnaphthalene
Acenaphthene
Acenaphthylene
Anthracene
Benzo(a)anthracene
Benzo(a)pyrene
Benzo(b)fluoranthene
Benzo(g,h,i)perylene
Benzo(k)fluoranthene
Chrysene Carcinogenic
Dibenzo(a,h)anthracen
Fluoranthene
Fluorene
Indeno
Naphthalene
Phenanthrene
Pyrene
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Although the DOD claims final cleanup actions have been completed, many areas at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station are undergoing continued monitoring for these contaminants. It may be worthwhile for the town to hire an independent contractor to compare with results produced by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
See ProPublica’s “Bombs in our backyard.”
How much of it has actually been cleaned up?
PFAS is not displayed below. We haven’t figured out a way to “clean up” PFAS.
Results in parts per billion, ppb.
Groundwater
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 7100000.0 ppb
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 2000.0 ppb
1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane 9000.0 ppb
1,2-Dichloroethane (EDC) 20000.0 ppb
1,2-Dichloroethylene, (z)- 430000.0 ppb
Aluminum 550000000.0 ppb
Antimony and compounds 177000.0 ppb
Arsenic (cancer endpoint) 1645000.0 ppb
Barium and compounds 1840000.0 ppb
Benzoic acid 86000.0 ppb
Beryllium and compounds 33000.0 ppb
Cadmium and compounds 15000.0 ppb
Calcium 113000000.0 ppb
Chlorobenzene 32000.0 ppb
Chloroform 7000.0 ppb
Chromium (total) 1040000.0 ppb
Cobalt 652000.0 ppb
Copper and compounds 984000.0 ppb
DDT 170.0 ppb
Diazinon 5000.0 ppb
Dichloroethylene, 1,1- 570000.0 ppb
Dichloroethylene, 1,2- (mixture) 60000.0 ppb
Ethyl chloride (Chloroethane) 7000.0 ppb
Ethylbenzene 200000.0 ppb
Lead 60000.0 ppb
Manganese and compounds 24900000.0 ppb
Mercury and compounds (inorganic) 1000.0 ppb
Methyl isobutyl ketone 13000.0 ppb
Methylene chloride 53000.0 ppb
Methylphenol, 2- 410000.0 ppb
Methylphenol, 4- 95000.0 ppb
Naphthalene 21000.0 ppb
Nickel and compounds 1100000.0 ppb
Phenol 230000.0 ppb
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) 44000.0 ppb
Toluene 210000.0 ppb
Trichloroethane, 1,1,1- 450000.0 ppb
Trichloroethylene (TCE) 7,100,000.0 ppb
Vanadium 1590000.0 ppb
Vinyl chloride 180000.0 ppb
Xylene (mixed) 660000.0 ppb
Zinc 2500000.0 ppb
Sediment (Fresh) Contamination
Arsenic (cancer) 38.0 ppb
Barium and compounds 313.0 ppb
Chromium (total) 26.0 ppb
Chromium VI and compounds 26.0 ppb
Methylphenol, 4- 1.2 ppb
Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2,2- 0.01 ppb
Trichloroethane, 1,1,1- 0.08 ppb
Zinc 38.0 ppb
Surface Water
Aluminum 60500000.0 ppb
Antimony and compounds 122000.0 ppb
Arsenic (cancer endpoint) 70900.0 ppb
Barium and compounds 1380000.0 ppb
Beryllium and compounds 9500.0 ppb
Cadmium and compounds 12100.0 ppb
Calcium 78200000.0 ppb
Chromium (total) 68700.0 ppb
Cobalt 223000.0 ppb
Copper and compounds 326000.0 ppb
Cyanide (free) 20800.0 ppb
Lead 415000.0 ppb
Manganese and compounds 6880000.0 ppb
Mercury and compounds (inorganic) 1100.0 ppb
Nickel and compounds 153000.0 ppb
Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2,2- 12000.0 ppb
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) 30000.0 ppb
Trichloroethane, 1,1,1- 30000.0 ppb
Trichloroethylene (TCE) 31000.0 ppb
Vanadium 721000.0 ppb
Zinc 6760000.0 ppb
Soil
Acenaphthene 0.55 ppb
Aluminum 7390.0 ppb
Chromium (total) 9.4 ppb
DDE 0.47 ppb
DDT 0.4 ppb
Fluorene 0.5 ppb
Lead 32.5 ppb
Manganese and compounds 98.0 ppb
Mercury and compounds (inorganic) 0.65 ppb
Vanadium 20.0 ppb
Vinyl chloride 27000.0 ppb
Zinc 25.0 ppb
From ATSDR
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/hac/pha/BrunswickNavalAirStation/NavalAirStationBrunswickPHA051605.pdf
This 2005 report presents conclusions about the level of health threat, if any, posed by an area. In its public health action plan, the report recommends ways to stop or reduce exposure. ATSDR is primarily an advisory agency, so usually these reports identify what actions may be appropriate to be undertaken by EPA.
Groundwater beneath certain areas of the NAS Brunswick site has become contaminated with chemicals from former operations or disposal practices. Of the chemicals, volatile organic compounds, such as those from cleaning solvents, have been detected most frequently and in the highest concentrations.
Site investigations identified a VOC groundwater contamination plume that extends approximately 4,000 feet along the eastern boundary of NAS Brunswick (MEDEP 2004). Contaminants detected within the groundwater include TCE, PCE, 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE), 1,1-dichloroethane (1,1-DCA), 1,2-DCA, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1- TCA)
Site 4. The acid/caustic pit site, used for disposal of liquid waste from 1969 to 1974, was the likely source of contamination at Site 4. During RI field investigations, groundwater contamination at Site 4 was detected in only one well (MW-405), where TCE was measured in two of the four sampling rounds at 623 parts per billion (ppb).
Site 11. The ½ acre at Site 11 was contaminated with liquid waste (such as fuels, oils, and degreasing solvents) used in fire training exercises held at the site from 1960 to 1990. VOC concentrations in the shallow groundwater increased from 500 to 2,900 ppb from the fall of 1989 to the fall of 1990. These increased concentrations were associated with a 2-foot increase in water level, suggesting that the contaminated soil just above the water table acted as a source of groundwater contamination. Lower 13 NAS Brunswick⎯Brunswick, ME concentrations of total VOCs (18 ppb) were detected in the bedrock at this source area. The Navy completed two soil removal actions at Site 11 after it conducted the RI field activities (EPA 1998). Table 1 describes these actions. Both the MEDEP and the Navy no longer consider this site to pose a concern. The record suggests they used PFAS foams in fire training exercises so we should consider this site poses a concern.
Site 13. VOC-contaminated groundwater was identified downgradient of three former underground storage tanks (USTs) that were used to store waste fuels, oils, and degreasing solvents. All three USTs were removed in the late 1980s, but no soil was excavated at the time of removal. VOC concentrations have decreased over time following the removal of the tanks. For example, the VOC 1,2-DCE (total) exceeded 700 ppb before the removal of the eastern UST, but fell to 63 ppb after the tank’s removal (EPA 1998). As a result of the lower VOC concentrations, Site 13 is no longer a source of contamination to the plume (EPA 1998).
Contaminants have radiated to the northeast, east, and southeast of these source areas. Because of the influence of the Mere Brook and Merriconeag Stream, the contaminants tend to travel southeasterly as a plume along the eastern boundary of the site toward Harpswell Cove
Deer OK to Eat? NAS Brunswick supports a local white-tailed deer population. Contaminants have been detected in on-site soil where deer might graze. Bioaccumulation studies conducted at other military bases demonstrate that deer are unlikely to accumulate contaminants similar to those found at NAS Brunswick to levels that could be harmful to consumers of venison. Therefore, consumption of venison taken from the air station poses no harm to public health.
Indooor Air vapors - Contaminated groundwater from leaks and spills at the base has migrated near certain on-base buildings. The most common contaminants in the groundwater are VOCs. Under some conditions, these VOCs can travel from the groundwater through the soils, seeping into air inside buildings. Occupants of on-site buildings were most likely not exposed to indoor air vapors at high enough levels or for long enough periods to develop long-term health effects.
Contaminated groundwater - Contaminants from former site activities have leached into the groundwater beneath NAS Brunswick. No one has come in contact with contaminated groundwater, nor is anyone expected to in the future.
Evaluation of Public Potential Health Hazards at NAS Brunswick –
Conclusion “After reviewing the site data and potential exposure scenarios, ATSDR anticipates no public health hazards for this site.”
Military Base Virtual Triage
Virtual Triage provides veterans and community members with a method to link the diagnosis of their disease to the exposure of toxins. The following 7 toxins have been found at alarming levels in groundwater at Brunswick. This tool may be able to link your disease to the contaminant.
BENZENE (variations) Chlorobenzene 32000.0 ppb; Ethylbenzene 200000.0 ppb
HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM (Chromium VI) 26.0 ppb
PFOS
PFOA
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE (PCE) 44,000.0 ppb
TOLUENE 210,000.0 ppb
TRICHLOROETHYLENE (TCE) 7,100,000.0 ppb
VINYL CHLORIDE (CHLOROETHENE) 180,000.0 ppb
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These compounds were used at Brunswick and have been reported at frightening levels in groundwater. We don’t know the concentrations in the ground today and we don’t trust the navy to tell us the truth. Exposure to some of these chemicals may come through food, water, or the air.
The NIH’s Pub Chem site provides the diseases and disorders associated with each of the contaminants above.
Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C is linked to Toluene exposure.
Please take a moment to examine Virtual Triage and see “Sheet 13” for the list of diseases and associated chemicals.
The Downs Law Group helps to make this work possible. Their support allows us to research and write about military contamination around the world. They’ve helped us buy hundreds of PFAS kits and they’ve helped pay for flights and hotels. The firm is working to provide legal representation to individuals in the U.S. and abroad with a high likelihood of exposure to a host of contaminants.
The Downs Law Group employs attorneys accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist those who have served in obtaining VA Compensation and Pension Benefits they are rightly owed.