Brewer, ME (04412) – Environmental Hazard Report

ZIP: 04412

Brewer, Maine

Score: 10/10

Brewer faces a critical environmental threat due to several nearby hazardous waste sites. The 6 Clinton Street Former Dry Cleaner is a major concern as an active Superfund site. This location released tetrachloroethylene, a toxic chemical often used in industrial cleaning. For your daily life, this means dangerous vapors can rise through the soil and enter buildings through cracks in foundations. Exposure to these invisible fumes can cause long-term health problems for families living in the surrounding area.

Hazard Data Summary

Hazard Score
10/10
Risk Level
Critical
Primary Contaminant
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE/PERC)
Nearest Superfund Site
6 CLINTON STREET FORMER DRY CLEANER
Distance to Nearest
2.4 mi
Sites Within 5 Miles
7
Sites Within 10 Miles
9
County
Penobscot
NPL Status
Active

Regulatory Overview

The EPA ID 110071100079 identifies the 6 Clinton Street Former Dry Cleaner as an active site on the National Priorities List. The primary contaminant, tetrachloroethylene (PCE), is a known human carcinogen. Exposure pathways include inhalation of indoor air via vapor intrusion and ingestion of contaminated groundwater. Long-term exposure to PCE targets the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver, and increases the risk of certain cancers. Cleanup efforts are ongoing to monitor and mitigate these risks across the Brewer and Bangor region. Residents should take three specific defensive measures. First, install a high-quality carbon-activated air filtration system to reduce volatile organic compound levels indoors. Second, seal any cracks in basement floors or foundation walls to block toxic vapors from entering the home. Third, if using a private well, conduct regular laboratory testing specifically for chlorinated solvents. Continuous monitoring of EPA updates regarding this site is essential for local safety. There are nine hazardous sites within ten miles, including Broadway Dry Cleaning and Mrs. Bubbles, which compounds the regional chemical load. Understanding these regulatory statuses is the first step in personal environmental protection.

Threat Summary

Brewer faces a critical environmental threat due to several nearby hazardous waste sites. The 6 Clinton Street Former Dry Cleaner is a major concern as an active Superfund site. This location released tetrachloroethylene, a toxic chemical often used in industrial cleaning. For your daily life, this means dangerous vapors can rise through the soil and enter buildings through cracks in foundations. Exposure to these invisible fumes can cause long-term health problems for families living in the surrounding area.

Nearby Superfund Sites

Site NameEPA IDDistanceNPL Status
BROADWAY DRY CLEANING1100711000841.28 miActive
MRS. BUBBLES1100711000801.65 miActive
BANGOR DRY CLEANING AND LAUNDRY1100715242112.12 miActive
HILLSIDE CLEANERS1100713267502.41 miActive
6 CLINTON STREET FORMER DRY CLEANER1100711000792.42 miActive
MAINE AIR NATIONAL GUARD-BIA1100711006302.51 miActive
DOW AIR FORCE BASE FIRE TRAINING AREA (FORMER)1100711009143.33 miActive
BANGOR-AROOSTOOK RAILROAD COMPANY1100711004935.03 miActive
PENOBSCOT ENERGY RECOVERY FACILITY1100099134157.03 miActive

Action Required

Residents must take immediate steps to secure their housing and environment. Contact the PENQUIS COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM at 207-973-3500 for assistance with housing safety and local resources in the Bangor area. For those seeking land conservation and environmental advocacy, the Bagaduce Watershed Association provides information on regional water quality. If you are a member of the tribal community, reach out to the FOUR DIRECTIONS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION at 207-866-6545 for specialized housing support. Document all health symptoms and property concerns to present to these organizations for professional guidance and intervention.

HUD Housing Counseling

Government Verified
Penquis Community Action Program
Bangor, ME
Four Directions Development Corporation
Orono, ME

Environmental Organizations

IRS Verified
  • Alamoosook Lake AssociationEnvironmental
  • Almanac Region Land TrustEnvironmental
  • Bagaduce Watershed AssociationEnvironmental

Data Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS). Facility data from EPA Facility Registry Service (FRS). Nonprofit data from IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File. Housing counseling data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This report is generated from publicly available government data and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For current site-specific information, visit EPA Superfund.

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