The NPL guides the EPA in "determining which sites warrant further investigation" for environmental remediation.[2] As of November 29, 2010, there were 12 Superfund sites on the National Priorities List in Maine.[2] No additional sites are currently proposed for entry on the list.[2] Three sites have been cleaned up and removed from the list.[2]
Groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), and fuel-related compounds, including benzene and toluene. Soils contain significant amounts of fuel, oil, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), PCBs, and various VOCs. Surface water and sediment contaminated with VOCs, PCBs, PAHs, and heavy metals.[3][4]
900 to 1,000 gallons of dielectrical fluids from Loring containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) spilled directly onto the ground. The oil migrated through the soil and contaminated groundwater and surface water.[5][6]
soil and water contamination from landfill since the 1930s, more than 3 million gallons of chemical wastes, mostly complex organic compounds including resins, plasticizers, solvents and other chemicals[10]
soil and water contamination from 1967 paint and coating strippers manufacture, 1969 handling and recovering petrochemical-based solvents, 1979 incinerator to burn contaminated sludge[11]
soil and water contamination from manufacturer and finisher (dyeing) of wool and fabric with biphenyl and chlorinated benzene compounds. Liquid wastes discharged to ground beneath mill buildings until 1977. [12]
soil and groundwater incl. Dennys River contaminated with hazardous chemicals like calcium carbide, polychlorinated biphenyls and volatile organic compounds from retailer of army surplus and salvage items (from 1946 to the early 1980s)[13]
Contamination in groundwater, soils, and sediments with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), metals and benzene from shipbuilding and submarine repair work since 1917, landfill operations, spills and leaks from industrial operations and piping, storage of batteries and other materials, filling of land, and outfalls to the river.[14]
Soil and groundwater contamination from tannery sludge containing chromium and other heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds on Saco Municipal Landfill since 1960[15]
