Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
Successfully Removes PFAS-Containing AFFF in Hangar 6
Brunswick, ME – The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) recently completed crucial fire suppression system upgrades in Hangar 6, eliminating the need for PFAS-containing Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and the system was turned off on March 28. By deactivating the PFOS-containing AFFF, both environmental and operational safety have been significantly improved.
The next step was to remove the existing PFAS containing AFFF concentrate from Hangar 6 altogether. Over the last few months MRRA has worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) of Vicksburg, Mississippi to allow them to remove all of the AFFF concentrate (about 975 gallons) from Hangar 6. ERDC is going to use the product to evaluate alternative technologies that could be employed for the destruction of certain formulations of Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) containing per and polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). The collaboration between MRRA and ERDC demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and the exploration of innovative solutions for addressing PFAS contamination. By working together, both organizations are contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices in the industry. Daniel Stevenson, MRRA’s new Executive Director, noted that “this partnership showcases a proactive approach to addressing environmental concerns and finding solutions for complex issues. The testing of alternative technologies reflects a dedication to research and development in order to mitigate the impact of PFAS contamination on the environment and threat to public health”.
With funding support from the Department of Defense, ERDC collects data and information under a controlled set of conditions, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of the destructive efficiency, as well as costs associated with the selected technologies under evaluation. As part of this program, the ERDC is collecting the needed AFFF formulations from both active and former Department of Defense facilities, including Hangar 6 at the former Naval Air Station (NAS) Brunswick in Maine to create a well-characterized homogeneous AFFF blend that is representative of stockpiled AFFF awaiting destruction.
The ERDC will analyze the collected data to develop strategies for safely and effectively destroying the AFFF formulations. This research will contribute to ongoing efforts to address PFAS contamination and mitigate its environmental impact. The ultimate goal is to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of PFAS.
Daniel Stevenson
Executive Director
Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
(207) 798-6512
