The State of Maine, through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is seeking proposals from experienced environmental consulting firms for a comprehensive statistical analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination data from private drinking water sources. This Request for Proposals (RFP) underscores Maine’s commitment to safeguarding public health and addressing the purported human health and environmental threats posed by PFAS—commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
Recognizing the potential significant risks associated with PFAS, the Maine DEP is prioritizing efforts to better understand contamination patterns and develop efficient strategies for mitigating exposure. By gaining a clearer understanding of PFAS behavior in well water, the DEP aims to enhance protective measures for residents while optimizing the use of resources. To this end, the department is looking for a firm that has a proven track record in domestic water treatment technologies, such as granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO) systems, which are key to PFAS removal. The environmental consulting firm must also demonstrate extensive experience, having completed at least three major projects in the past five years involving statistical analysis of environmental data across various media, including water, soil, sediment or biological tissue.
The selected firm will engage in initial and ongoing collaboration with the DEP, including regular meetings to review progress and share findings. Responsibilities will also include researching PFAS monitoring and treatment practices in other states to integrate effective methods, as well as aligning project activities with the DEP’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for private well sampling. The data analysis phase will involve examining over 13,000 data lines to assess PFAS concentrations before and after treatment. From this analysis, the firm will draft a comprehensive report, outlining recommendations for sampling schedules, filter maintenance, data management and effective treatment solutions. The report will be refined following feedback from the DEP and will ultimately guide the state’s PFAS mitigation strategies.
Ultimately, this RFP marks a pivotal effort to combat PFAS contamination in Maine’s private drinking water. However, the initiative may present financial challenges, as comprehensive data analysis and long-term treatment strategies could require substantial investment and resource allocation. Balancing cost considerations with the need for effective solutions will be crucial. Interested organizations are invited to apply their expertise to this significant project, playing a key role in securing clean and safe drinking water for Mainers while addressing potential economic and consumer impacts. The contract period is from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with no anticipated renewals, and bidders are expected to adhere to all submission guidelines outlined in the RFP.
MG+M Associate Mikaela Barbour is a contributing author of this article.
