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Augusta, ME - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced a public hearing on June 12 to gather feedback on the draft PFAS Fund Implementation Plan. The $60 million PFAS Fund, established through Governor Mills' Fiscal Year 2023 supplemental budget, aims to support farmers affected by PFAS contamination. The draft plan includes programs to assist impacted farmers and provisions for blood testing and medical monitoring.
The public can participate in the hearing in person at Room 118 of the Marquardt Building in Augusta or via Zoom on June 12 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Pre-registration for the Zoom session is available. Comments can also be submitted through an online survey, via email to [email protected], or by mail to the attention of the PFAS Fund, 22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0022. The deadline for comments is June 19, 2023, at 11:45 p.m.
The draft plan was crafted with input from an advisory committee chaired by Senator Stacy Brenner and Representative Jessica Fay, as well as four subcommittees. Members include farmers, legislators, agency heads, agricultural experts, and healthcare professionals. The plan aims to support farmers' continued operations despite PFAS presence, offering replacement income, financial assistance, infrastructure investments, and research funding. It also includes health-related recommendations for affected individuals, such as blood testing, medical monitoring, mental health care, and clinical trials.
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