PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 16, 2026
Steve Levesque’s op-ed, “Setting the record straight on Brunswick foam spill,” shows insensitivity to the impact of the Aug. 19, 2024 PFAS-containing firefighting foam spill at Brunswick Executive Airport on the community and environment. He said the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) was not negligent, but a June 2023 inspection revealed dangerous problems that needed immediate attention. Then, in June 2024, an email warned the potential for an accidental foam discharge was “tremendous.” Despite this, no subsequent inspection or maintenance of the system was done. On Aug. 19, the spill occurred. Many residences have private wells contaminated with PFAS. Neither the Navy nor MRRA has shown any interest in helping to pay for water filtration systems, which cost thousands. That MRRA chose to ignore the results of the inspection and the plea is proof of its negligence. ~ Robert MacEwen, Brunswick