PFAS in Maine: A Case Study in Environmental Governance
Authors: Mya H. Heard
This study examines how Maine has addressed PFAS contamination, a complex environmental health issue involving persistent synthetic chemicals linked to health risks. Through policy analysis and stakeholder interviews, it highlights Maine’s leadership in testing, regulation, and advocacy—especially regarding farmland contamination.
Authors: Sara L. Nason, Sara Thomas, Chelli Stanley, Richard Silliboy, Maggie Blumenthal, Weilan Zhang, Yanna Liang, Jasmine P. Jones, Nubia Zuverza-Mena, Jason C. White, Christy L. Haynes, Vasilis Vasiliou, Michael P. Timko and Bryan W. Berger
Researchers tested phytoremediation with hemp as a method to remove PFAS from soil at the former Loring Air Force base in Maine, and hydrothermal liquefaction as a method for degrading PFAS in the harvested hemp. Published in Environmental Science: Advances in 2024.
A community based PFAS phytoremediation project at the former Loring Airforce Base
Authors: Sarah L Nason, Chelli J Stanley, Chief E PeterPaul, Maggie F Blumenthal, Nubia Zuverza-Mena, Richard J Silliboy
Starting in 2019, a group of community activists, research scientists, and tribal members came together to address the history of pollution at the Loring Air Force Base in Aroostook County, Maine. Published in iScience in 2022.
Examining Potential PFAS Contamination of Private Wells from a High School in Rural Maine
Authors: Ludwin Moran Sosa, Ashley Taylor, Alexis C. Garretson, Ann Backus, Katie Richards, Joel H. Graber, Richard F. Hilliard, and Jane E. Disney.
This is a research letter documenting the movement of PFAS in groundwater and surface water from the grounds of a Maine high school with PFAS-contaminated well water to neighboring properties. Published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2024.
Management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-laden wastewater sludge in Maine: Perspectives on a wicked problem
Authors: Simin Moavenzadeh Ghaznavi, Charity Zimmerman, Molly E. Shea, Jean D. MacRae, John M. Peckenham, Caroline L. Noblet, Onur G. Apul, A. Dianne Kopec
This article addresses the need to manage PFAS-laden sludge from sewage treatment plants in Maine and nationwide. It documents the PFAS contamination of agricultural lands in Maine from sludge used as a fertilizer over the last four decades. This article was part of a special collection of PFAS articles published in Biointerfaces in 2023 with guest editors from the George Mitchell Center’s PFAS Research Initiative at the University of Maine.
Forever Chemicals Needing Immediate Solutions: Mainers’ Preferences for Addressing PFAS Contamination.
Authors: Charity H. Zimmerman, Caroline L. Noblet, and Molly Shea.
A survey of Mainers revealed their baseline knowledge of PFAS contamination, as well as their preferences for how funds should be generated and allocated to address the PFAS contamination issue in Maine. This article was published in the Maine Policy Review in 2022 by social scientists affiliated with the George Mitchell Center’s PFAS Research Initiative at the University of Maine.
Ski wax use contributes to environmental contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Authors: Gail L. Carlson and Skylar Tupper
Analysis of snow, soil, and nearby well water samples collected after a ski race in Waterville, Maine, showed that ski wax with PFAS abrades from skis and contaminates the environment. The authors recommend regulation of ski wax to protect the environment. Related research is ongoing at Colby College as researchers revisit ski trails after skiers have switched to ski wax without PFAS. Recently, PFAS has been discovered in machine-made snow made from PFAS-contaminated water sources.