Interactive PFAS Map

[Anomaly]

"This map depicts both groundwater (residential well drinking water) and soil data collected by the Department in accordance with Public Law 2021, Chapter 478 (land application of both septage and lime-stabilized wastewater treatment plant sludge). A recent addition to this map includes drinking water samples collected near other potential PFAS sources including remediation sites, redevelopment sites (Brownfields and VRAP), municipal closed landfills, and other relevant sites. The map is continuously updated as more information and data become available and as our data and GIS specialists are able to upload information. All data is carefully reviewed and validated. The information presented on this map comes from several sources, including the Maine Environmental and Geographic Analysis Database (EGAD).  Please note that the water and soil concentration data illustrated on this map represents the most recent data available and does not represent a comprehensive dataset of all available information. Please be patient while our staff investigate and assemble this data, which is updated bi-weekly. Any errors or omissions should be reported via email to [email protected]"
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=468a9f7ddcd54309bc1ae8ba173965c7&fbclid=IwAR25rKNe_Np4E48_TCYt_LtDT8FG4bJaCWAKCZQyOd4hThyqzF6omoQylUI size]

[woodchip]

Thanks for posting. Does it mean fish caught in lakes surounded by PFAS  land have PFAS in them and should not be eaten?

[Anomaly]

Thanks for posting. Does it mean fish caught in lakes surounded by PFAS  land have PFAS in them and should not be eaten?

I'd say, for me, I won't. It's to the catchers to decide. Would you feel all happy to feed those fish to you kids and infants? Your wife? Pregnant wife or partner? Friends? I don't even want to fish those spots any more. I fish a LOT for food, not just C&R. Looks like around most of the waters I fish, it looks pretty good!!

[woodchip]

Not sure where bad locations are , From what i read they should be planting large areas of HEMP plants ,not sure what it does?

[woodchip]

Wonder if Pfas is killing eel grass, or low PH.

[eiderz]

I would be surprised if PFAS is altering lake chemistry sufficient to change pH or damage SAV. The concentrations are pretty low in the water, but it accumulates in fish. From what I gather, it's safe to drink the water but perhaps not eat the fish.

It was disappointing to see the sludge disposal areas around Brassua and Moosehead. I guess the timber company must have been using it as fertilizer to promote new forest growth? No doubt some will leach into the lake and then the Kennebec River system. The sludge itself might contribute to some pH reduction as sewage sludge typically is slightly acidic, with a pH as low as 5 in some primary sludge.

Even without the spreading of sludge, it's likely that PFAS is leaching from septic systems into the nearest waterbody. Albeit at a tiny fraction of the concentration in industrial and sewage treatment plant sludge. It does appear to be just about everywhere, studies of the US population indicate almost all adults have some level of PFAS chemicals in their blood. Sucks, but it's part of the world we live in.

[eiderz]

From what i read they should be planting large areas of HEMP plants ,not sure what it does?

I saw that somewhere. I have no idea if it's true. I guess rolling yourself a cocktail might get you a big snort of PFAS.

[woodchip]

These timber harvests around large bodies of water, Think they should be forced to burn brush in winter time  , should help to keep PH higher.

[Brian VT]

These timber harvests around large bodies of water, Think they should be forced to burn brush in winter time  , should help to keep PH higher.

There's logic in that, but can you imagine the complaints about the smell/smoke?

[eiderz]

These timber harvests around large bodies of water, Think they should be forced to burn brush in winter time  , should help to keep PH higher.

The problem with forcing the timber companies (landowners) to do anything is the risk that they say get off our land. The people of Maine have enjoyed the use of vast areas of private land unique to the US, maybe the world. Everywhere else in the US large private land tracts are leased to deep pockets. The trade is a laissez faire attitude toward the big landowners. The state is never going to risk that relationship by adding cost to the landowners business model. At least not until the North Woods becomes a National Park. It will be named the No Woods, because you won't be allowed to hunt, icefish, snowsled, or anything else traditional without a special permit, at special times, and only with a handholding yuppie guide.

[woodchip]

i was only thinking of northern zones away from towns .Most cuttings are hauled out whole tree and topped and limbed and  piled  so burning would be a simple with snow on ground.

[jpease]

The problem with forcing the timber companies (landowners) to do anything is the risk that they say get off our land. The people of Maine have enjoyed the use of vast areas of private land unique to the US, maybe the world. Everywhere else in the US large private land tracts are leased to deep pockets. The trade is a laissez faire attitude toward the big landowners. The state is never going to risk that relationship by adding cost to the landowners business model. At least not until the North Woods becomes a National Park. It will be named the No Woods, because you won't be allowed to hunt, icefish, snowsled, or anything else traditional without a special permit, at special times, and only with a handholding yuppie guide.

Have to agree here with how easy it for the paper companies to change their mind on land use. I camped for my whole childhood and through my 20's north New Portland area as my family had for generations. My great uncle logged the property back when it was done with horses. The roads are now closed and no overnight allowed and no fires, many mile walk to get in now. All because one guy pissed them off, can't blame them for getting mad about a guy dumping trash an cutting and selling firewood from their slash piles. Point is, their reaction is usually broad stroke. Shut the place down entirely instead of dealing with the troublemakers. 1thing can ruin a lot

[woodchip]

If we all discust the problem from the stump to the ocean , and not jam something down the  land owners throat there other laws in action now  like distance from water zones . we all need to make the world a better place.

[Anomaly]

I'm mostly just concerned about where I feel safe eating and sharing my catch with friends and family. I'll stay away from, far away from PFAS activities.

[woodchip]

The state should get more aggresive and post  lakes affectid

[MadFisha]

Woodchip I like your ideas.

[Jim_C.]

Relying on the goodwill of private industry for public access is becoming more and more unstable.  I expect the model will fail in the long haul.  Other states have done a WAY better job of preserving public access than Maine by purchasing easements, etc.  Maine was slow out of the gate and now costs are prohibitive to secure legit public access.   So, now we tiptoe around those who couldn't care less about the environment to keep public access.  Talk about giving them corporate leverage.  Maybe in the past, the state could have done a better job with this when land was less $$.   The road not taken and now we're beholden to people who get in a tither and pull the plug on access if we hold them accountable for destroying trout brooks, etc.  What a position to be in.  Our problems go way beyond pike or the latest boogeyman of the day.

[blacktrap]

The reality on pfas is we have already been doing our own experiment for a very long time.  Doubt anyone that has lived here for a period of time doesnt have pfas in them already.  Till its proven that pfas actually is harming anyone I wouldnt get excited.  The state of maine suing a couple of manufacturers of pfas should get settled about the time my grandaughter turns 50 or so.  Shes in elementary school right now.  Its not something that can be easily fixed.  Its called forever chemcials for a very good reason.  The state approved all of the sludge spreading, should all of us sue the state also?  No one would have put it out there without approval for it to be done.

[Jim_C.]

I have to believe that the State's lawsuits are on pretty shaky ground.  With the approvals that the State gave, they have fingerprints all over the crime scene.

The state of maine suing a couple of manufacturers of pfas should get settled about the time my grandaughter turns 50 or so.  Shes in elementary school right now.  Its not something that can be easily fixed.  Its called forever chemcials for a very good reason.  The state approved all of the sludge spreading, should all of us sue the state also?  No one would have put it out there without approval for it to be done.

[woodchip]

Loss of our White fish and smelts, the state chooses to stop spring fishing for them . If they would address  the problem which is keeping the PH up in our waters by slowing down the Phourfous flowing into our streams and lakes and last of all our ocean. A slight PH change in our  waters needs to be addressed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[eiderz]

I agree with you woodchip, low pH is of concern in many ME lakes. This is coupled with low alkalinity, so acidified rain or runoff rapidly decreases pH in the lake. It would be great if the state would be proactive, it's probably a lack of $ thing.