The town of Sanford, Maine has just received a federal cleanup grant from the EPA in the amount of $600,000.

The funds will be used to conduct an environmental clean up on a local mill.

The town will receive a single $200,000 cleanup grant from the EPA, as well as two Brownfield grants in the amount of $400,000. A Brownfield is the term used to describe a site that is not currently usable due to previous occupants who may have contaminated the area with pollutants. Common issues facing Brownfield locations include asbestos, lead, or mercury.

According to EPA Administrator Stephen Perkins, this money is just the tip of the iceberg. Perkins stated that the state of Maine is receiving approximately $6.1 million, which is allotted for cleanups and economic development projects throughout the state.

The cities of Bath, Augusta and Lewiston are also receiving grants, as are the towns of Howland, Orono and Windham.

These generous EPA grants are part of the massive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that the Obama Administration signed into existence back in February.

Sanford will use some of the EPA funds to clean up the mill and the surrounding area. This will include removal of rubble, asbestos, and lead paint from the collapsing roof.

Asbestos removal is critical, as the airborne asbestos particles could pose a health threat for the entire town. Once inhaled, asbestos particles may become permanently lodged in the mesothelium, or lining of the internal organs, and may lead to certain medical conditions such as pleural mesothelioma.

The town hopes the space, once cleaned up, will be a prime location for office and retail space. The cleanup effort is expected to take about six months.

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