Maine DEP Takes Further Action Against Mallinckrodt US LLC/Medtronic for Compliance Issues
AUGUSTA, October 22, 2025 — The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a second Notice of Violation (NOV) to Mallinckrodt US LLC/Medtronic related to the lack of meaningful progress remediating the former chloralkali manufacturing facility located along the Penobscot River in Orrington, Maine. Historic operations at that site resulted in a significant amount of contamination to the surrounding soils, groundwaters, and neighboring river. The first NOV was issued by DEP on March 19, 2025.
The DEP has pursued the site's cleanup since 2008 and, under DEP oversight, progress has been achieved remediating the area. In 2008, the DEP issued an Order requiring remediation of all soil contaminated with mercury, chloropicrin, and other contaminants, removal of the industrial sewer, and establishment of financial assurance mechanisms. This was affirmed in the Board of Environmental Protection’s (BEP) 2010 Order. However, large areas of soil contaminated by mercury and chloropicrin above the site-specific standard established by order of the Board of Environmental Protection for the protection of public health, safety, and the environment remain on the site unremediated. The industrial sewer has yet to be removed, and Mallinckrodt has failed to establish the required financial assurance mechanism.
Mallinckrodt's response to the DEP's March 19, 2025 NOV was deemed insufficient by the DEP to satisfy the Orders' clear requirements. In accordance with Maine law and this Department's orders, the DEP expects that Mallinckrodt will immediately resume efforts to accomplish site remediation.
The Notice of Violation is available on the DEP Mallinckrodt webpage.
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For additional information, contact:
David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner
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