AUGUSTA, October 2, 2024 — The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is working with Eagle Point Energy Center (EPEC), town of Orrington, the Orrington Fire Department, Penobscot County EMA and MEMA to assist with the environmental aspects of the ongoing fire at EPEC, formerly known as Penobscot Energy Recovery Company (PERC).
DEP does not know of any specific human health or air quality impacts at this time. The Department recommends that local residents and those who may be downwind to keep their windows closed at this time if they see or smell smoke due to the significant smoke problem this fire is producing.
Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes, or a runny nose. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. People with lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as usual, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
It’s important to limit your exposure to smoke and take precautions to protect your health.
- Stay inside and away from the smoke.
- Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Do not run your air conditioner.
- Air handling and air recirculating systems should be turned off to prevent pulling air from outside, ensure filters are in place and replace filters once this incident is over.
- Follow the advice of your doctor or other health care provider about medicines and your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease.
Seek medical attention if you are having difficulty breathing or symptoms worsen.
DEP is assembling personnel and assets from the Department’s Air Bureau to monitor the air quality in the surrounding area adjacent to the EPEC’s facility. An EPA air monitoring team is on route after the Maine DEP requested earlier this morning that the EPA augment this air monitoring effort.
Maine DEP will share air sampling results as soon as they are available.
