Cape Elizabeth, Maine (ZIP 04107), currently holds a critical environmental hazard designation due to extensive nearby industrial contamination. Within a ten-mile radius, twelve hazardous waste locations require ongoing monitoring, with five situated less than five miles from the community. The nearest primary threat is Colonial Cleaners, an active EPA Superfund site located 2.8 miles away. The EPA classifies the primary pollutants at this facility as unspecified hazardous substances. Given the historical operation of dry cleaning and industrial facilities in this cluster, including nearby sites like SNV Cleaners and the CSX Railcar Sulfuric Acid Release, residents face risks of exposure to volatile organic compounds and corrosive chemical runoff. Prolonged exposure to these substances through vapor intrusion or contaminated groundwater can cause neurological issues, liver damage, and an increased risk of respiratory complications. Colonial Cleaners remains in an active phase on the National Priorities List. This indicates that site investigation and environmental remediation efforts are currently ongoing, and the contamination has not yet been fully contained or neutralized by federal authorities.

Due to the active status and proximity of these hazards, residents must implement protective measures. Homeowners relying on private wells should test their water semi-annually for volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. Individuals living in properties with basements or crawl spaces should install EPA-certified vapor mitigation systems to prevent hazardous soil gases from accumulating indoors. Finally, residents should utilize high-efficiency particulate air filters with activated carbon inside their HVAC systems to capture airborne industrial pollutants.