Goodall Library’s community room was packed during an information session about Aries project last week.
Photo: ???
By Angelina Keizer, UNE Intern
Concerned citizens filled the Goodall Library on Wednesday, Feb. 25, for a public input session regarding a controversial proposal to treat PFAS “forever chemicals” by burning contaminated sludge at a new facility in Sanford. The event, however, was less an information session and more a platform for residents to voice their anger, distrust, and fear over the project and the company behind it, Aries Environmental.
While the intent to address PFAS contamination was acknowledged by some, many fear Sanford is being asked to host a new technology promoted by a company facing financial challenges.
“We don’t want to be the dump of all of New England,” declared Becky Dixon, articulating a fear echoed by many in the room. Dixon said the project would concentrate PFAS from across the region using a method she believes is not backed by science.
“My biggest concern is concentrating all of New England’s water with technology that hasn’t been proven,” she said. “There are no data analytics to support and prove the efficiency. Aries is just a sales pitch.” She added that she doesn’t believe members of local boards possess the kind of science or engineering expertise to review the project.
The location of the proposed plant concerns Eve Dumont-Wilson, who pointed out that the site sits directly above the aquifer that provides drinking water to all of Sanford. She framed the issue in terms of environmental justice, suggesting the working-class community is being exploited. “We’re being taken advantage of here.” Dumont-Wilson said. Her blunt assessment of the plan: “I hate it.”
A self-identified research scientist at the meeting criticized the process, stating that the format felt designed to avoid meaningful dialogue. “They didn’t answer questions coming out,” the attendee said. While acknowledging the need to address PFAS, the attendee stressed, “They got the right idea but the wrong location. This was sprung on us.”
An employee of the Industrial Park added to the criticism of the meeting’s structure, alleging it was “formatted intentionally to avoid answering questions.” The employee also raised concerns that the City Council may not have been fully aware of the company’s financial instability at the time.
Residents also raised alarms about the broader environmental impact, from the ocean to local wells. Debby Randall posed a series of pointed questions: “What’s that going to do to the ocean? What’s going to happen when this goes sideways?” She argued that Maine should not be the recipient of waste from Massachusetts or New Hampshire. Randall also expressed fears that drawing water for the plant would lower the water table and dry up private wells. She warned that the financial burden on the community would be significant. “All the people in Maine will pay for the electricity to run it,” Randall said. “We’re quite fed up.”
In addition to environmental and procedural issues, concerns were voiced about Aries’ financial health, raising doubts about its ability to deliver on promises made to Sanford. According to financial disclosures and information discussed at the session, Aries is burdened by over $100 million in debt on which it has recently failed to make required payments, including debt service payments that were due on July 25, 2025. The company’s year-end financial statement for 2024 revealed a net working capital deficit, and auditors noted that “substantial doubt exists about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.” Mark Lyons, senior director of business development, has said in earlier interviews that the company’s debt has recently been restructured.
The financial problems stem from operational problems at the company’s Linden, New Jersey plant. The Linden facility, which proponents had hoped would serve as a model, is currently shut down due to a problem with its condenser and has struggled to remain staffed and running for a full year.
Protesters assemble at City Hall
Photo: Livseye Photography
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