Brunswick Foam Spill
The College has been closely monitoring the August 19 spill of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) from a fire suppression system in a hangar at Brunswick Executive Airport. The Brunswick Executive Airport is located at Brunswick Landing, approximately a mile and a half east of Bowdoin’s main campus on the site of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station.
Officials from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have stated that the spill poses no threat to the public drinking water supply, that the public water in Brunswick is safe to consume and use, and that the water district is continuing to test and monitor town water to ensure that this remains the case.
Find the latest updates at maine.gov/dep/projects/bnas/. Additional information can be found on a new page the Town of Brunswick dedicated to the Brunswick Executive Airport Firefighting Foam Release.
The College will provide updates to this page as new information is received.
Last updated: September 4, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the source of water for campus?
All campus facilities use the Brunswick and Topsham Water District (BTWD) public water supply, which is tested for per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances and other contaminants. The primary aquifer used by BTWD to provide town water is sufficiently distant and unimpacted by the spill.
For additional information on public water, see http://www.btwater.org/.
Is the Schiller Coastal Studies Center impacted?
The Schiller Coastal Studies Center (SCSC), located on Orr’s Island, draws its water from an onsite well that is registered with the State of Maine. The SCSC is approximately seven miles south of the Brunswick Executive Airport, far from the impacted area. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is performing tests of private wells in close proximity to the Brunswick spill. The College will monitor this information closely and will follow guidance from DHHS regarding any additional requirements for private water supply testing.
The water supply for the flowing seawater labs is drawn directly from Harpswell Sound. Public health officials have stated that some of the AFFF likely made its way through a storm drain system that empties into Harpswell Sound. While the SCSC seawater pumps are approximately five miles from these stormwater outlets, the College is seeking to learn more about the potential impact of the AFFF release on Harpswell Sound in general.
Does the College source any of its local produce from farms impacted by the spill?
None of the local farms that sell produce to the College are within the impacted watershed.
Is it safe to use the trails owned by the College that are near the Brunswick Executive Airport?
The College trails are open and safe to use.
Are any of the College-owned rental properties on a private well?
No, all College-owned properties in Brunswick use public water.
How is the College staying informed on the situation?
The College has been in direct contact with town officials and the Brunswick and Topsham Water District. Representatives of the College attended the news conference held at the Brunswick Landing two days after the spill on Wednesday, August 21, and the Town Forum held in the Brunswick Town Council chambers on Thursday, August 29.