Brunswick's Toxic Legacy: Who's Left Out of the Conversation?

Brunswick Landing has a long history with toxic chemicals. The recent 2024 AFFF firefighting foam spill brought attention to the PFAS "forever chemicals" issue. But these chemicals have been a problem for decades. They contaminated soil, water, and buildings long before the spill. Many people are upset about the spill and the response to it. But some key voices are missing from the discussion. These include people who advised the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) to remove the AFFF systems before the spill. If they had, maybe the spill wouldn't have happened. Safety inspectors also warned MRRA about the Hangar 4 fire suppression system in 2023. They said it needed maintenance or replacement. If MRRA had listened, perhaps the spill could have been avoided. The responders to the spill are another group left out of the conversation. They worked without proper protection initially. Now, they and their families worry about long-term health effects.Residents and business owners in Brunswick Landing are anxious too. They worry about their exposure to the toxins. Neighbors around Brunswick Landing have spent a lot of money testing their wells and installing filtration systems. They wonder if their water is safe. People who live near the defined impact areas are also concerned. They wonder if their water sources are affected. This includes neighbors in Harpswell and Topsham. Residents of Brunswick Landing look at the soil piles from post-spill development. They wonder if the dust and rainwater contain toxins. Pet owners worry about their pets' health. Shellfish harvesters have experienced closures. They wonder about the safety of their harvests. People who visit nearby forests, fields, marshes, and water bodies wonder if it's safe to enjoy these places. There's a lot to be sad and disappointed about in Brunswick.