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Committee considers town-supported PFAS well-testing program for properties near Pine Tree Landfill
Summary
Staff reported two lab options offering bulk household test kits (A and L Lab; Maine Laboratories LLC) and estimated 155 eligible properties; full participation would cost an estimated $42,600 and staff recommended seeking reimbursement from the environmental trust and legal guidance on obligations.
The committee opened substantive discussion on a proposed town-supported well-testing program for private wells within a one-mile radius of the Pine Tree Landfill. Paul (staff) said he contacted two labs—A and L Lab (Auburn) and Maine Laboratories LLC (Norwalk)—that offered bulk pricing and turnkey kits. He estimated 155 potentially eligible households after excluding properties on town water and undeveloped lots and said labs could start with a 25-kit shipment for pickup and couriered delivery to the lab.
Paul provided cost estimates and logistics: discounted lab pricing could range from $2.75 to $3.50 per test; if all 155 households participated the cost could total about $42,600, which staff expect could be reimbursed by the environmental trust. Several councilors cautioned about the limits of town authority and potential legal obligations if the town pays for testing; members recommended asking legal counsel whether paying for tests creates remediation responsibilities and suggested asking homeowners to provide copies of results for trend analysis rather than the town holding primary responsibility for mitigation.
