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

7 hours ago in Trending, World

King Charles III strips Prince Andrew of titles and evicts him from royal residence

King Charles III on Thursday stripped his disgraced brother Prince Andrew of his remaining titles and evicted him from his royal residence after weeks of pressure to act over his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Buckingham Palace said.

12 hours ago in Local

Lobster Population Drops in New England, Overfishing Declared

A regulatory agency says lobster stock has declined by 34% since 2018

12 hours ago in Local

Maine Network Ends Primary Care After Medicaid Cut from Trump Admin.

Maine Family Planning operates 18 clinics in the state

21 hours ago in Local

Brunswick Police: Woman Rammed Cruiser, Led High Speed Chases Before Arrest

The suspect was denied bail because of underlying bail conditions.

22 hours ago in Local

York Hospital Seeks Merger With MaineHealth

The hospital says the merger process could take more than a year and will involve multiple steps.