AUGUSTA –– A new bill from Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, could provide private well owners with greater support during and after environmental emergencies like chemical spills.
Ankeles is introducing the measure for the upcoming legislative session as a follow up to his other bills passed in response to a major toxic firefighting foam discharge on the former Brunswick Naval Air Station in August 2024.
“Maine needs the ability to respond quickly and completely on behalf of residents who aren’t connected to a water district,” said Ankeles. “Clean, safe drinking water is fundamental to our health and our basic standard of living. This bill will allow Maine to keep that essential commitment to its citizens and provide peace of mind during an environmental crisis.”
LR 2820 creates a rapid response fund within the Department of Environmental Protection designed to assist residents on private wells with testing, remediation, installation and maintenance of filtration systems, connecting to local water districts when possible and the provision of bottled water.
The funding is primarily intended for PFAS-related emergencies, though the legislation as drafted does not specifically limit the use of the funds to any single chemical or family of chemicals. The Legislature will likely send the bill to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee for a public hearing once it reconvenes in January.
Ankeles is serving his second term in the Maine House and represents House District 100, a central portion of Brunswick that includes the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. He serves on both the Transportation Committee and the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Ankeles) | 305-965-2744