Maine Fire Departments Seek Funds to Dispose of PFAS Foam
State fire departments are looking to remove 9,100 gallons of PFAS-laden foam stored in local facilities.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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Should your state government prioritize funding the disposal of toxic firefighting chemicals in your community?
Maine fire departments are currently holding approximately 9,100 gallons of PFAS-laden firefighting foam in storage. The state is exploring funding options for the proper disposal of these supplies after a recent survey revealed widespread stockpiles across 120 departments.
Why it matters
Many towns lack the budget for hazardous waste removal, leaving PFAS-containing foam stored in aging containers in local facilities. Proper disposal is a priority to prevent accidental environmental contamination similar to the 1,450-gallon spill at Brunswick in 2024.
Cleaning up these municipal stockpiles is estimated to cost under $500,000. Individual towns face disposal fees ranging from $10,000 to $80,000, while transport costs typically add $400 per station.
The players
Office of the State Fire Marshal
This agency oversees fire safety regulations and conducted the recent statewide survey of foam holdings.
Dan Ankeles
A State Representative currently drafting legislation to use state settlement funds for PFAS foam collection.
The details
Fire departments acquired this foam decades ago as federal surplus for airport safety and have stored it since in aging plastic pails or truck tanks. Because the chemicals are known hazards, removal requires specialized hazardous waste disposal protocols rather than standard trash collection. Burning the foam for disposal currently costs approximately $240 per 5-gallon container.
Timeline
2024: A 1,450-gallon foam spill occurred at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station.
Last decade: Maine has spent over $100 million on PFAS-related efforts.
October 2026: The Office of the State Fire Marshal published the results of the statewide survey.
The Home Front
This effort follows a decade of intensive PFAS remediation in Maine that has already cost the state over $100 million. It marks a shift from broad environmental testing toward the systematic removal of stored hazardous materials held in local communities.
While these stockpiles are in municipal storage, residents in towns like Howland can monitor local government notices regarding potential disposal timelines and safety protocols. Homeowners with concerns about local environmental risks should direct inquiries to their municipal office.
The takeaway
Maine is working to clear out legacy PFAS foam that poses a lingering environmental risk in 120 communities. Residents can track progress on the voluntary collection program by following updates from the Office of the State Fire Marshal regarding their local municipality.
Further reading
For more on managing home safety and environmental hazards, visit Home Cleaning.
Live Poll
Should your state government prioritize funding the disposal of toxic firefighting chemicals in your community?
