Environmental Toxins: Maine MTBE Controversy

According to a Maine newspaper, the governor of Maine has asked that an outside expert come review accusations that the Maine Department of Environmental Protection did not fulfill obligations to address an MTBE-contaminated well. Crystal Canney, the governor's press secretary, said Monday, "We're going to let the report speak for itself."

MTBE was used to improve air emissions since the 1970s; however, MTBE has been found to pollute water and is being banned in Maine come 2007. MTBE is colorless and acts as a carcinogen. The owners of the well in question discovered the presence of MTBE in 2004. A solution as to how to respond to the MTBE remains in question.