News

Proposed legislation would offer state buyout for Maine farmers impacted by forever chemicals

Proposed legislation would offer state buyout for Maine farmers impacted by forever chemicals

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Maine farmers who own property contaminated by forever chemicals could have the option to have the property purchased by the state.

Rep. Wayne Parry is sponsoring a bill that would require the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to purchase the land of a commercial farm that was found to have been contaminated by PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, prior to Jan. 1, 2023.

The chemicals are found in sludge that was used as fertilizer on farms for decades. They’ve been linked to serious health issues like cancer and high blood pressure.

According to our info partners at CBS 13 News, the owner could decline or accept the offer, or agree to sell only part of the land.

The land would be assessed at fair market value, not taking into consideration the PFAS contamination, but at no less than $20,000 per acre.

The bill has some bipartisan support and was expected to go to a public hearing on Monday.

 

Latest Headlines

6 hours ago in Local

Republican Jonathon Bush Enters Maine Governor’s Race

Bush is the cousin of former President George W. Bush

7 hours ago in Local

Maine Man Arrest for Reportedly Driving 152 mph in New Hampshire

Bryce Legere was booked into the Carroll County Department

8 hours ago in Local

Sen. King to continue to vote for GOP stopgap bill to end shutdown

Maine U.S. Sen. Angus King says he'll continue supporting a stopgap measure proposed by Republicans to open the government.

8 hours ago in Local

11 dogs, 4 cats killed in fire that destroyed Avon home

11 dogs and four cats were killed in a fire in Franklin County.

16 hours ago in Local

Dion Frustrated Over Delay in Renewal of Popular Music Festival

City Council members are clashing over the terms of the contract