MAINE PUBLIC • February 7, 2022
Adam and Johanna had planned to sell leafy greens this winter from their Songbird Farm in Unity. But now those plans are on hold. The couple hired a private laboratory last fall to test their water, soil and some crops after learning that the land had been repeatedly fertilized – decades before they purchased it – with municipal sludge that was potentially laced with forever chemicals known as PFAS. The results arrived. “Complete Crisis,” Johanna said. “Just devastated. Heartbroken. Really angry." “Terrified,” added Adam. The water they drink and give to their toddler son contains 400 times more PFAS than the state says is safe. Their soils are also contaminated. Adam said the state must assure farmers and homeowners that it will provide long-term financial support.