When it comes to property, data tells us looks matter. It's no surprise that the way a home presents itself can say a lot about the owners' personal style and even their lifestyle—but did you know that a facade can be a deciding factor for buyers? It’s not just about being eye-catching; a well-designed facade can seriously boost kerb appeal, which is important if you ever decide to sell your home. According to data, a home's facade and general kerb appeal is often the first thing a buyer notices and can significantly shape their overall impression of the property. This, in turn, affects the price they're willing to pay. Indicators like how long a property stays on the market, the number of buyer enquiries, and the percentage of offers above or below the asking price all show that homes with appealing facades tend to improve their resale value. And let’s be honest, there’s something incredibly satisfying about owning one of the best-looking houses on the block. “A well-designed facade doesn’t just look good—it adds value,” explained Bill Giannikos, general manager of design and product delivery at Dennis Family Homes. According to our experience, when buyers are comparing two homes with similar interiors, the facade often becomes the deciding factor, Bill noted. "This emotional connection can significantly influence a buyer’s decision and often leads to a higher resale price.” Data shows that an attractive facade will improve the value of your property. In Melbourne, where homeowners love a mix of modern and classic styles, striking the perfect balance can sometimes be tricky. Dennis Family Homes has created a new range to answer the question around which cutting-edge design is timeless enough to appeal to a savvy Melbourne buyer. Whether it’s a sleek, contemporary look or a timeless, traditional style, they've combined wow-factor with lasting elegance, they've create facades that not only look amazing but also feel great to come home to. “We believe that if you can’t drive away from your home and look in the rear-view mirror with a smile, then we haven’t done our job right,” said Mr Giannikos. Here are the top 10 trends redefining kerb appeal and elevating property values. Homeowners are leaning towards natural materials such as timber, stone and brick to add warmth and authenticity to their home’s appearance. These materials integrate beautifully with Melbourne’s diverse streetscapes. “When you look at iconic architecture, such as Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright, it’s clear using great materials and proportions can create a façade that’s both stunning and enduring,” says Mr Giannikos. A sophisticated colour palette can transform a facade and neutral tones not only blend into the home’s natural surrounds, but are also suited to a wide demographic of buyer as the muted colour palette is more versatile. Earthy tones such as soft greens and greys, and sandy beiges are dominating Melbourne homes. These colours not only complement natural materials but also resonate with the city’s elegance. A combination of textures can elevate a home’s aesthetic by adding depth. Pairing cladding with brick or incorporating stone accents against smooth rendered surfaces creates striking contrasts. “Mixed textures, particularly when paired with geometric forms, allow homeowners to create unique façades that are visually balanced yet distinct within a streetscape,” Mr Giannikos explained. A mixture of textures adds visual interest. Sustainability has become a fundamental element of modern home design, influencing both interiors and exteriors. From eco-conscious materials to energy-efficient fixtures, more buyers are requesting these details in a property’s design. Dennis Family Homes integrates sustainable elements across its range, including solar panels, various insulation options, and energy efficient lighting. The interplay between a home’s façade and its landscaping can make or break its kerb appeal. Features including vertical gardens, planter boxes, and strategically placed greenery soften contemporary designs and create a natural connection to the home’s surroundings. As time goes by and the gardens mature, the home can look even more rooted in its position. Every homeowner wants a property that reflects their personality, making customisation a top priority. With Dennis Family Homes offering up to 40 façade options, buyers have ample opportunity to create a home that stands out. While individuality is a large selling point of the developer, Mr Giannikos highlights the importance of cohesion within a streetscape. “We ensure our designs share a common architectural language, so homes look unique but flow beautifully when viewed together.” Minimalist façades with clean, sharp lines continue to dominate modern architecture. By prioritising simplicity, these designs create a sense of calm and sophistication that stand the test of time. “Great design is about getting the proportions right. When executed correctly, minimalism creates a timeless look that feels both fresh and familiar, ensuring the home remains relevant for decades,” Mr Giannikos explained. A paired back palette conveys calmness and sophistication. Façades that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces are highly sought after. Features such as expansive windows, open patios, and flowing lines create harmony and invite natural light into the indoor spaces. This approach not only enhances a home’s liveability but also adds a contemporary flair that appeals to modern buyers. Technology is no longer confined to interiors. From smart lighting to security systems, tech-enhanced façades are on the rise. These features boost functionality while also future-proofing your abode. Dennis Family Homes is embracing this trend by integrating smart systems into their designs, with features including automated lighting and climate control. Some trends come and go, but the best designs stand the test of time. By focusing on timeless elements such as proportional geometry, quality materials, and thoughtful details, homeowners can ensure their facades remain appealing for generations. “Look at mid-century modern designs; decades later, their simplicity and symmetry still resonate. That’s what we aim for – creating façades that feel as fresh tomorrow as they do today,” said Mr Giannikos.
CARSON, Calif. — Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic scored in the first half, and the LA Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final with goals from their star forwards, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing decade, even finishing 26th in the 29-team league last year. But the Galaxy turned everything around this season with a high-scoring new lineup that finished second in the Western Conference and then streaked through the playoffs with a playoff-record 18 goals in five games to win another crown. “I’m just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “We spent a lot of energy at the start, but I’m just so proud of these guys. They’ve cemented themselves as legends in this club.” Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable postseason charge ended one win shy of their first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win MLS' playoff tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. “I love these guys,” Schwarz said. “Some guys, they are crying. In the big picture, that’s a start. Sometimes when you lose the final, it’s tough, but you use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity.” The Galaxy won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the Western Conference final. Puig watched this game in a suit, but his teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their fans during the celebration. “I was really waiting for this moment,” said Paintsil, who scored his 14th goal of an impressive season. “I’m much more, 10 times faster than them, and Gaston saw the space. ... It was really a good thing. We did it for Riqui, and we did it for our family that came, and our supporters.” Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home the 21st goal of his outstanding year as the Galaxy’s striker. Brugman was named the MLS Cup MVP after a commanding performance in midfield. The Uruguayan hadn't started a match for the Galaxy since Oct. 5, playing only as a postseason substitute before the final. Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons. He was the MVP of the 2022 MLS Cup Final for the Galaxy's crosstown rival, Los Angeles FC. Paintsil put the Galaxy ahead in the ninth minute when he ran onto that sublime pass from Brugman and pounded home his 14th MLS goal — including four in the playoffs — in the Ghanaian forward's outstanding first season. Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home the 21st goal of his outstanding year as the Galaxy's striker. Nealis got New York on the scoreboard in the 28th minute when he volleyed home a ball that got loose in LA's penalty area after a corner. The Galaxy's usually shaky defense gave up another handful of good chances before reaching halftime with a tenuous lead. The second half was lively, but scoreless. Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while LA's Gabriel Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose again in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. The Galaxy bench rushed onto the field and prematurely celebrated a victory in the seventh minute of injury time, only to be herded back off for another 30 seconds of play. After Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz received the MLS Cup that bears his name because of his steady financial support of the league during its shaky years, Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida carried the trophy onto a stage filled with his teammates for a celebration amid fireworks and confetti. The Galaxy extended their lead over DC United (4) for the most MLS Cup championships in league history. The Red Bulls remain one of three original MLS franchises never to win the title, along with FC Dallas and the New England Revolution. The Galaxy's Greg Vanney became the fourth coach to win an MLS title with two clubs. The former Galaxy player also won it all with Toronto in 2017. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of traveling Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough on MLS' biggest stage. Just last season, the Galaxy's own supporters boycotted the team at certain matches, fed up with years of mismanagement and no progress. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández swiftly rebuilt itself into a contender this season by spending big to get lesser-known young talents from around the world. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and Paintsil out of Belgium. The duo combined with incumbent Serbian striker Joveljic to form a potent attack that could outscore almost any MLS opponent. But the Galaxy also relied heavily on Puig, their Catalan catalyst and one of MLS' best players. Puig stayed in last week's game after injuring his knee, and he even delivered the decisive pass to Joveljic for the game's only goal. Get local news delivered to your inbox!ETFs tracking securitized debt, AI and Novo Nordisk add to industry’s banner 2024
Judge weighs whether to order Fani Willis to comply with lawmakers’ subpoenas over Trump caseRobotic Cell Market Forecasted for Strong Growth from 2024 to 2032 12-19-2024 07:21 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Prudent Markets Robotic Cell Market The Robotic Cell Market 2024-2023 report provides a comprehensive analysis of Types (Robot Welding Cell, Robot Polishing Cell, Robot Distribution Unit, Others), Application (Food Industry, IT, Medical Industry, Aviation Industry, Others), Analysis of Industry Trends, Growth, and Opportunities, R&D landscape, Data security and privacy concerns Risk Analysis, Pipeline Products, Assumptions, Research Timelines, Secondary Research and Primary Research, Key Insights from Industry Experts, Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2024-2032. 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An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron.South Korean prosecutors question ex-defence minister over botched martial law - Yonhap NewsPolitical chaos in South Korea: what is martial law and what comes next after Yoon Suk Yeol’s U-turn?
LA Galaxy win record 6th MLS CupLibra - (23rd September to 22nd October) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, balance and Harmony Guide Your Day Your diplomatic nature shines today, creating harmony in relationships and fostering success in professional endeavors. Keep an eye on your well-being. Today, your natural charm and ability to mediate are highlighted, offering you the chance to smooth over any tensions. While your love life may see positive changes, stay focused at work as new opportunities arise. Financially, be cautious with spending. Make sure to prioritize your health, and remember to balance work and relaxation. Libra Love Horoscope Today: In matters of the heart, today brings an opportunity to deepen your connection with your partner. Open communication will allow for greater understanding and compassion between you. If you're single, don't be surprised if someone intriguing crosses your path. This is a good time to strengthen bonds and explore new possibilities in relationships. Being open-minded and genuine will lead to meaningful interactions and, potentially, romantic growth. Libra Career Horoscope Today: Your diplomatic skills at work will prove valuable today, allowing you to navigate any conflicts that may arise with ease. This is an ideal time to tackle group projects or negotiate deals, as your ability to communicate effectively is heightened. New opportunities might present themselves, so stay alert and ready to seize them. Your hard work and dedication could catch the eye of superiors, paving the way for future advancements in your career. Libra Money Horoscope Today: It's important to be cautious with your finances today. While you might feel tempted to indulge in some luxuries, consider focusing on long-term savings instead. Reviewing your budget and cutting unnecessary expenses could provide a clearer picture of your financial standing. If you've been considering investments, take the time to research and seek advice before making any decisions. Financial prudence now will lay the foundation for a more secure future. Libra Health Horoscope Today: Your well-being should be a top priority today. Balancing work and relaxation is key to maintaining your health. Consider incorporating a relaxing activity, like yoga or meditation, into your routine to help manage stress. Pay attention to your diet and ensure you're nourishing your body with healthy choices. If you feel fatigued, don't hesitate to take a break and recharge. Taking care of yourself now will contribute to your overall happiness and vitality. Libra Sign Attributes Strength: Idealist, socially presentable, Aesthetic, Charming, Artsy, Generous Weakness: Uncertain, Lazy, Non-interventionist Symbol: Scales Element: Air Body Part: Kidneys & Bladder Sign Ruler: Venus Lucky Day: Friday Lucky Color: Brown Lucky Number: 3 Lucky Stone: Diamond Libra Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius Good compatibility: Aries, Libra Fair compatibility: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces Less compatibility: Cancer, Capricorn By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)FLORENCE — Texas Department of Public Safety will graduate 130 recruits next week following 29 weeks of rigorous physical, mental and situational training, part of which occurred just 20 miles south of Killeen. Class B-2024, which began May 20, is about to complete the rigorous six-month course. Last week, officials held a joint field training exercise at the DPS Tactical Training Center in Florence in Williamson County. “We provide a quality of training which is excellent,” said the facility’s Assistant Chief of Training Derek Prestridge. “Our intensive program and in-resident training brings value to our academy and a level of excellence that is a part of the core value of this organization.” Texas Department of Public Safety Assistant Chief of Training Lt. Derek Prestridge explains some of the strategies taught at the training center near Florence. The in-resident training allows recruits to experience the physical challenges of being away from family members and friends. One instructor said the arrangements inside the building where recruits stay are not like hotel accommodations. Recruits sleep on cots, or on the floor, or periodically wherever they can catch a nap. The reasoning behind this type of training is to see how recruits deal with mental and emotional situations which may be brought on by uncomfortable accommodations or the lack of adequate sleep, rest and daily schedule. For a portion of the physical training, there are 16 stations set up throughout the 200-acre training area. The training center has a three-mile track used to teach vehicle dynamics, coned skill courses, a road course, pursuit and emergency response tactics. There are three towers which give instructors the ability to run all electrical signs, lights, gates, security cameras and for visual observation. The Texas DPS training facility near Florence is home to 130 recruits who reside there during the last week of skills training The driving course is designed to teach precision driving skills within the urban environment, skid control and high-speed pursuit skills. The course is also used to teach crash investigation techniques. Included on the course: a paved level surface which, when wet, offers a slick surface to practice driving in those conditions in order to prepare for real-life situations. On Thursday, instructors had set up several exercises which would simulate conditions similar to a traffic stop. The first exercise involved a civilian vehicle which appeared to be broken down on the side of a road. Recruits are given no more information than that as they drive toward the vehicle, stop and attempt to survey the situation. The recruit attempts to make contact with a man who is under the hood of the vehicle by shouting out. In this case, the man yells back at the recruit to go away. As the recruit steps closer to the man’s vehicle it appears he has a gun and begins to shoot at the recruit. The recruit returns fire, appearing to have hit the man who falls to the ground, and is still. The recruit moves to the rear of the DPS vehicle, while using the radio to notify a dispatcher that help is needed and the important details of the stop. This all happens very quickly, in a matter of minutes. After the role-play is complete, instructors who have shadowed the recruit and watched from a close proximity, give the recruit feedback. These drills are run several times throughout the training period in many different circumstances. Another exercise involved a situation in which another trooper might be using excessive force. The recruit is told he is being called to assist in the take-down of a criminal, but when the recruit approaches, the original trooper appears to be using a baton to hit his suspect in the back of the head with excessive force. In this case, the recruit had to quickly assess the scene, determine the severity of the troopers actions and decide how to assist. One recruit used his own strength to pull the offending trooper off the suspect while assessing whether or not the trooper was in control of himself and his actions. Then, in an instant, the recruit apprehended the suspect and called dispatch to alert them of the situation. Another recruit was set up at the same station a few minutes later to test their assessment and action taken. This time, after pulling the trooper from the suspect, the recruit pushed the offending trooper to the ground and proceeded to handcuff him. When asked why by his instructors later, the recruit said the trooper appeared to continue his bad behavior even after the recruit arrived and told him to stop. These two exercises had very different endings and neither were wrong, according to instructor Lt. Michael Monaghan. “In the second case, the recruit felt they might be in danger, due to the aggressive demeanor of the trooper,” Monaghan said. “This is all part of the training and could happen out in the real world.” In this first exercise, the recruit in the gray shirt has pulled over to assess the situation of a car with a raised hood on the side of the road. The suspect is seen pulling a weapon from his pants and the recruit must call on her training to follow through with the stop. In another exercise, recruits were tested at an intersection where the driver of a vehicle sped past and the task was to make a traffic stop. It was all going along well, until the other driver decided to speed away from the stop taking some twisting turns and leaving the roadway. After pursuing the driver with sirens, lights and a PA call to pull over, the driver slowed down again. Before the recruit could stop his vehicle, the driver of the other car was off again, finally coming to a stop several hundred yards in front of the recruit. By this time, a second DPS vehicle had joined the pursuit as back up. The remainder of the stop consisted of giving the suspect directions as the recruits from both vehicles trained their guns on him. There was a series of commands given in order to subdue the driver, check the vehicle for other passengers and calm the situation down. In this exercise, there were several options open to the recruits to complete the test. “If an instructor believes additional training is needed, recruits will circle back through the situations that gave them difficulty,” Monaghan said. “The purpose of this is to help recruits feel at ease with their decisions and to develop the confidence to make snap decisions and follow-through in a safe manner.” Monaghan also pointed out that on every stop there are so many variables that they couldn’t possibly set them all up. He also said that the academy brings in experts in their field to assist in some of the scenarios. There are emerging threats that come up and the training needs to stay ahead and up to date with the latest methods, technology and strategies. The mission of the DPS’s Training Operations Division is to prepare law enforcement leaders and peace officers to meet 21st Century demands and challenges. The division develops a wide variety of world-class training and education programs and delivers them to public safety professionals within the department and throughout the state. Recruits, in the gray shirts, hold a suspect at gunpoint and verbally instruct him on how to proceed during this traffic stop exercise. “The Texas Department of Public Safety is committed to recruiting and training a diverse workforce that reflect our values of integrity, excellence, accountability and teamwork,” Prestridge said. The rigorous recruit training includes the basic peace officer course, which exceeds mandatory licensing requirements established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Trooper trainees are educated by experts on criminal and traffic law enforcement, crash investigation, crisis intervention, use of force, emergency casualty care, criminal investigations, communications, cultural diversity, fitness and wellness and many other areas, gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job of a highway patrol trooper anywhere in Texas. “The Texas DPS is the premier law enforcement agency in the state, as well as one of the finest in the nation,” according to the state’s website. In order to meet the many challenges facing law enforcement today, the department operates a world-class training program. Law Enforcement Education educates and trains recruits, troopers, agents, and other law enforcement officers across the state. Students study tactical vehicle operation, firearms, use of force, effective report writing, communications skills, and first aid, as well as other topics. Physical training and arrest and control tactics training are also core elements of the program. At the end of training, recruits are taken to DPS headquarters in Austin and given a chance to prepare for graduation. The annual DPS Legacy Run took place on Friday. The four-mile run went from the DPS Fallen Officers Memorial at DPS headquarters to the Peace Officers Memorial at the Texas State Capitol. First implemented in 2008, recruits and instructors have said it is a way to mark the end of the 30-week training academy. According to the DPS website, trooper trainees are accompanied by their instructors, members of DPS leadership and often times DPS retirees. Before leaving the Training Center, Prestridge talked about the relationship DPS has with legislators in Austin. “Our training brings value to the state,” Prestridge said. “We have the ear of legislators and have worked with them to help equip our facilities and provide state-of-the art technology. The way we invest in our personnel makes this a law enforcement agency of excellence.”
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LA Galaxy win record 6th MLS CupFirefighting foam from last summer’s spill at Brunswick Executive Airport floated on the wind in the days after the discharge. Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer This article is the first in a series, A Fire Hose of ‘Forever Chemicals,’ which can be seen in entirety here . The series was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship Program, first appeared on the Maine Morning Star site . During 21 years working as a municipal firefighter, “I had hyper-exposure” to foam, recalled Jim Graves, director of training at the Maine Fire Service Institute. Graves entered the fire service at age 17 and was later sent to “foam firefighting school,” a week-long training in the selection and use of these chemical fire-suppression agents. Fires are classified by the material ignited, and only Class A fires – involving wood, cloth, rubber and some plastics – respond well to water. Class A foam is typically used on structural fires because it penetrates into materials to quell flames quickly. Class B or aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF, called “A triple-F”) targets flammable and combustible fuel fires, which water can spread. A cascading arc of AFFF, formed by mixing a small percentage of concentrate with a high volume of water, can slide quickly across the surface of a fuel spill, creating a thin barrier that effectively deprives flames of oxygen and suppresses fuel vapors. The efficiency of AFFF relies on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a vast class of thousands of synthetic chemicals characterized by nearly unbreakable carbon-fluorine bonds. First used in World War II, PFAS were subsequently added to hundreds of types of consumer and industrial products due to the chemicals’ ability to repel water and oil, resist heat, and reduce surface tension. Corporate documents reveal that chemical manufacturers like 3M and DuPont knew a half-century ago that fluorinated chemicals posed serious health risks. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment and accumulate in bodies–potentially disrupting hormonal, immune and reproductive systems, and increasing the risk of various cancers. AFFF became a staple on military bases in the 1970s, not long after its development by 3M and the U.S. Navy. By 1988, the federal government mandated its use at commercial airports (a stricture that held until May 2023). Use of AFFF foam increased among Maine fire departments in the 1980s and 1990s, with 70% of departments in a recent survey reporting that prior to 2022 they used the foam, at least occasionally, primarily for combustible fuel fires, vehicle fires and routine trainings. Brendan Bullock/Maine Morning Star Some municipal fire departments, particularly those near highways, industry and airports, also kept stocks on hand for vehicular and other fuel fires and for use in periodic training. A recent survey of Maine fire departments (see sidebar) found that 70% used AFFF prior to 2022, at least occasionally, primarily for combustible fuel fires, vehicle fires and routine trainings. When military bases in Maine closed, they gave some AFFF (made to military specifications, high in PFAS) to municipal departments around the state. “Smaller departments always had access to that ‘mil-spec’ foam,” one fire chief observed. AFFF became a staple tool for many departments because it worked remarkably well. “It was a truly amazing chemical engineering accomplishment,” Graves said, “but horrible, as we have now learned.” NOT ‘SAFE AS DISH SOAP’ In 2001, a consultant told a technical committee of the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that the toxicity and persistence of two PFAS compounds that Class B foams can degrade into – PFOA and PFOS – could be a “death warrant.” Manufacturers changed methods to produce PFAS formulations with shorter carbon chains, and marketed those AFFF concentrates to fire departments as a “sustainable substitute.” But over time, many of the newer compounds proved to be just as toxic, and more mobile and persistent in ecosystems. States began to control AFFF use in 2019, and in 2021 Maine banned its manufacture, sale and distribution (temporarily exempting airports and oil terminals), and mandated containment and reporting of any use. Maine also banned AFFF in firefighter training, but through the preceding decades “we trained with foam because it was required,” Graves said, referring to the voluminous standards the NFPA sets for fire departments. “If we had known, we would have stopped using [foam] way earlier.” Firefighters were assured that AFFF was safe as dish soap, and the concentrate looked similar – a pale amber liquid stored in sparsely labeled 5-gallon pails, 50-gallon drums or translucent 250- to 330-gallon totes. The concentrate could become viscous at times, congealing around valves. Graves recalls once having to reach into a tank of AFFF concentrate up to his shoulder to release a clog. Convinced that all firefighting foams were harmless, departments used them – not only at live fires and trainings – but occasionally, when requested, for recreational purposes. Various foams (of unknown class) were spread for birthday parties and at parks for community events so that children could slide and romp in what seemed like a bubble bath run wild. Worker cleaning up foam concentrate from a spill at the former Naval Air Station in Brunswick on Monday, August 19. Ed Friedman/Friends of Merrymeeting Bay Recent research indicates that some legacy PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS may transfer readily into aerosol form. When the State of Michigan tested foam at a highly contaminated lake, it found PFAS levels as high as 220,000 parts per trillion (ppt). Yet little research has been done on health effects from inhaled particles of AFFF, according to a spokesperson for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “For many firefighters, AFFF may be the most significant source of exposure to PFAS,” a working group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, part of the World Health Organization) concluded. In 2023, the IARC classified PFOA as carcinogenic and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Cancer has become the leading cause of death among active firefighters. North America’s largest union of first responders, the International Association of Fire Fighters, reports that in 2023 occupational cancer accounted for 72% of the line-of-duty deaths among its U.S. members. Firefighters are 9% more likely than the general population to develop cancer and 14% more likely to die from it, a federal study found. A fire station sign reads: “You can’t train too hard for a job that can kill you.” Brendan Bullock/Maine Morning Star Through training, appropriate equipment and careful practices, firefighters work to minimize the hazards inherent in fires, smoke and diesel truck fumes. But they were never warned that chemicals in the AFFF spewing out of firehoses and blowing about them like snow could get into nearly all of their organs and remain for years. “It freaks me out so bad that the firefighters of Maine had no clue,” Graves said. “Honestly, I’m scared for a lot of my generation.” He has already lost many firefighter friends to cancer. Colleagues in the fire service share Graves’ sense of being trapped in what he terms a “bad lottery,” expecting not a winning ticket but a devastating illness: “Many of us are sadly waiting for the day that we get a diagnosis.” RISKS OF SCATTERED AFF STOCKS The threats posed by AFFF extend far beyond the fire service. “AFFF is responsible for some of the largest PFAS releases to the environment,” Washington State’s Department of Ecology wrote recently in a 260-page environmental impact statement. “These are also the most complex, costly, and difficult to investigate and remediate.” The longer AFFF concentrate sits at dispersed locations around Maine, Graves said, the greater the likelihood it will get spilled or dumped. Public awareness of that risk rose after a hangar fire suppression system at Brunswick Executive Airport malfunctioned last August, mixing water with roughly 1,450 gallons of PFAS-laden concentrate to fill the massive structure four to five feet deep in foam. That spill, which could affect the community and watershed for generations, was far from anomalous. Brunswick Landing, the converted compound of a former U.S. Navy air station, has had at least a dozen other inadvertent AFFF spills recorded during and after its military use, including another hangar spill in 2019 and a 2012 hangar spill of 2,000 gallons of concentrate discovered by the Brunswick Sewer District. The August 19 AFFF spill at Hangar 4 of Brunswick Executive Airport, the site of a former U.S. Navy air station, was one among at least a dozen other AFFF spills recorded during and after the military’s tenure there. Photo by Martha Spiess For 30 years ending in 1990, the former station hosted fire trainings (many of which likely involved foam discharge), according to an environmental assessment prepared for the Brunswick Armed Forces Reserve Center. The report also noted that “expired AFFF would be discharged to various grassy areas around [the Naval Air Station] from fire vehicles for routine maintenance.” In an assessment of airport fires at Department of Defense facilities nationwide, the U.S. Air Force found that just one fire had occurred over three decades (extinguished by a water deluge system) while chemical foam had discharged accidentally once every two months on average over 15 years, resulting in one death, 21 injuries and more than $24 million in “mishap” costs. Two months prior to the Brunswick accident, 800 gallons of foam concentrate spilled at an Air National Guard facility in South Burlington, Vermont. Fire suppression systems used in oil and gas storage and transport, many of which rely on AFFF, can also malfunction. Rack systems used to transfer oil and gas from storage tanks to trucks have built-in sprinkler systems that are prone to accidents, according to Philip Selberg, chief of the South Portland Fire Department. Oil terminals are subject to Maine’s AFFF law as of January 1, 2025, but to Selberg’s knowledge, only one local terminal has transitioned to a fluorine-free substitute. (That terminal owner, Global Partners, declined Maine Morning Star’s request for an interview.) Awareness of risks associated with AFFF has increased since the state restricted its use in 2021, but deliberate dumping of foam concentrate remains a concern. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has spent several years overseeing the remediation of a site where intentional dumping occurred in 2020. A U.S. Air Force Assessment found that chemical foam systems at military installations discharged accidentally once every two months on average over 15 years, resulting in one death, 21 injuries and more than $24 million in “mishap” costs. Foam from the recent Brunswick spill carried PFAS chemicals into surrounding ecosystems. Photo by Steve Walker During routine well monitoring at a closed demolition debris landfill in Gorham, DEP staff learned that the town’s public works staff had dumped 500 gallons of AFFF concentrate from the fire station into the landfill several months earlier. That discovery led to a protracted investigation and remediation (with costs borne by the municipality), involving multiple environmental assessments and removal of contaminated soil, according to agency records. AFFF can also be deployed inadvertently, due to confusion among firefighters (many of them volunteers) who face a vast and ever-changing array of foam formulations. In New Hampshire, contractors for the state recently identified about 250 AFFF formulations from roughly 40 manufacturers. Maine fire departments received clear guidance not to use AFFF in training and to report its use to the DEP, but they never got instructions on separating AFFF stocks and storing them carefully until they can be collected – to reduce chances of unintended use. Some AFFF containers in Maine far exceed the product’s long shelf life, which ranges from 10 years to 25 years. Plastic drums of PFAS-laden concentrate stored at the Brunswick Executive Airport (as of November 2023) had production dates in the mid- to late 1980s. NOT A SIMPLE SWITCH A wide range of fluorine-free foams (called F3) are now available, and two independent entities have tested some of these products to ensure that they are not – unlike earlier PFAS reformulations – “regrettable substitutions.” Anila Bello, a researcher with the Department of Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Lowell who surveyed fire-training facilities nationally, has observed how that earlier deception left fire professionals skeptical about current marketing claims. Having been told that shorter-chain PFAS were safe during the foam transition that occurred in the mid-2000s, “[firefighters] are very hesitant transitioning to F3 foam; they want it to be truly safe for human health and for the environment,” she said. “They’re concerned that they’ll be in the same situation 10 or 20 years from now.” A toxicological study of six PFAS-free foams concluded that the new formulations, when compared to earlier products with PFAS, “appear to have a lower likelihood of environmental persistence and bioaccumulation and to have lower oral human health toxicity.” However, the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council cautions that all Class B foams (including F3 ones) can be problematic “if the foam reaches drinking water sources, groundwater [or] surface water” with the potential for “acute aquatic toxicity” and “nutrient loading.” Even fire departments ready to adopt F3 alternatives can be slowed by the costs and the logistical hurdles of selecting appropriate foam, training staff in its use, and purging AFFF from existing equipment so it does not contaminate the new foam. Fire departments ready to adopt F3 alternatives can be slowed by the costs and the logistical hurdles of selecting appropriate foam, training staff in its use, and purging AFFF from existing equipment so it does not contaminate the new foam. Brendan Bullock/Maine Morning Star In South Portland’s case, the needed foam research took considerable time and expense, including sending staff members to different out-of-state product demonstrations to determine which new formulas might work best – knowledge that fire departments can’t derive from “white papers written for chemical engineers,” Selberg said: “It’s a bit of a leap of faith to be sure that what you buy is going to work for you.” The South Portland Fire Department recently settled on a replacement foam that Selberg has confidence in, but now the department needs to coordinate with seven oil terminals, each of which is mandated to keep a reserve of AFFF on-site but all of which rely on the city for fire services. The foam that terminals select for replacements, he said, “needs to be something we as a department are familiar with so if we respond to a facility, we can all work together.” One of the largest concentrations of AFFF still stored in Maine is in South Portland, where seven oil terminals along the Fore River are mandated to keep reserves on hand for the City’s fire department to use. Legislation that prevents oil terminals from purchasing new AFFF takes effect January 1, 2025. Photo by Alex MacLean Once departments acquire F3 foams, they need to rid foam equipment of residual AFFF. That process, typically involving a series of rinses, is complicated by the need to save rinse water for safe disposal (a process outlined in detail by states like Washington and Connecticut). Maine has no central clearinghouse for information on the foam transition so departments like South Portland’s have been fielding frequent calls since the August 19 airport hangar spill. “Brunswick has upped the ante for everybody: I can’t tell you how many calls I’ve gotten from departments wanting to know what to swap, how to swap,” Selberg said. “Suddenly, it’s a big deal. Honestly, it should have been a big deal for us five years ago, right? Until Brunswick happened, we’ve all been sitting around waiting to figure out if someone would take the lead. And sadly, we haven’t.” A MISSED OPPORTUNITY Five years ago, Graves and two dozen other individuals knowledgeable about Class B foam were invited to serve on an AFFF Working Group of the Governor’s PFAS Task Force, which formed to develop a strategic plan for the state’s PFAS response. The working group drafted recommendations, endorsed by the task force and published in January 2020, that could have set Maine on a path toward gathering and securing all remaining AFFF stocks, a step that might have prevented the Brunswick spill. The task force recommended in part “that all fire departments in the State of Maine be required to disclose the type and quantity of current inventory of Class B AFFF,” and that protocols be established for safe storage and routine inspection. It called for a state-level funding mechanism that would allow the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the DEP to “develop and execute a Class B AFFF takeback and/or replacement program that does not financially burden Maine fire departments or their municipalities.” The state-level funding mechanism, a prerequisite for many of the other working group recommendations, was never established. In response to inquiries from Maine Morning Star, spokespersons for MEMA and the DEP indicated that any progress toward an AFFF inventory and takeback (or buyback) program await funding. Even the mandated reporting of AFFF use is in essence “voluntary,” according to DEP spokesperson David Madore, because it was an unfunded initiative. “We do not have the financial resources or staff required to implement the program,” he wrote. Fourteen states have now taken action to limit uses of AFFF, according to the nonprofit Safer States, but few states have created the sort of dedicated revenue source that the Maine task force envisioned. Funded by a tax on tanker fuel transport, Colorado helps fire departments cover foam replacement costs by buying back AFFF at $40/gallon. The tax also supports a grant program that helps public water systems, private well owners and local governments sample waters for PFAS contamination, including those affected by past AFFF use. Connecticut appropriated $3 million to help fire departments transition off fluorinated foams, providing grants for disposal of AFFF concentrate and rinsate from decontaminating trucks and equipment. Manufacturers marketed AFFF to fire departments as being ‘safe as dish soap,’ so firefighters took few precautions handling the concentrate or the foam created when concentrate was mixed with high volumes of water. Brendan Bullock/Maine Morning Star Without a provision to cover municipal costs for foam replacement, budgetary pressures or the Yankee penchant to use things up before acquiring replacements could drive fire departments to retain their remaining AFFF stock. As South Portland has learned, the foam transition entails extensive labor and costs – in research, retraining and equipment cleaning – that extend beyond replacement foam purchases. Asked what the fire department would like going forward, Selberg replied: “The best-case scenario is the State comes in tomorrow and says ‘Inventory what you have, we’ll come down and get it, and we’ll credit you so you can buy what you need. Right now, that burden is going to be on our city to do all those things.” DETERMINING HOW MUCH AFFF IS IN MAINE The AFFF Working Group discovered during its 2019 research that completing a statewide inventory would prove challenging. An initial survey sent to 305 fire departments by the Office of the State Fire Marshal garnered just 61 responses. Among 20 “industry partners” with potential AFFF (like paper mills and oil terminals), eight responded. Incomplete state-level data complicates the work of undertaking an inventory. Maine currently lacks a comprehensive database of all the state’s fire departments, and only 259 out of an estimated 378 departments report to the state. MEMA and staff of the Fire Marshal both informed Maine Morning Star that they have no current contact information for industry partners. As of 2022, the Maine Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan documented more than 19,000 gallons of AFFF stored in just four communities. Former military bases represent another significant source, with an estimated 6,000 gallons of AFFF concentrate at Brunswick Landing alone (although numbers are still in dispute). Factoring in other military sites, airports, helipads, paper mills and fire departments, AFFF accounting becomes speculative. The DEP estimated the total volume statewide in 2022 at 48,000 gallons but that was simply an extrapolation from the limited responses to the AFFF Working Group survey. A recent survey completed by Maine Morning Star, which like the state’s 2019 survey had only a 20 percent response rate, reported roughly 4,000 additional gallons at municipal departments beyond those counted in the oil spill plan. A similar extrapolation, adding in the 25,000 gallons from industry and military sources, would total 45,000 gallons–close to the DEP’s original estimate. LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR COLLECTION For Maine to successfully gather back most of the remaining AFFF, it will need an accurate inventory of where the foam concentrate is stored. Achieving a high response rate on an inventory is clearly challenging – but not impossible. North Carolina undertook an AFFF inventory with roughly three times the number of fire departments Maine has (1,217 departments spanning 2,119 sites, when counting multiple stations) and achieved a 100% participation rate. Brian Taylor, the State Fire Marshal, said he knows what Maine is up against, given that his office typically gets a 10% return rate on surveys and both states have a high proportion of departments staffed entirely or mostly by volunteers. In North Carolina, Taylor said, the AFFF inventory was mandated and strongly supported with “boots on the ground” – regional resource people (affiliated with the North Carolina Collaboratory) who could help local departments compile the needed information. The state also has three “foam research analysts” to help gather and manage data, at an annual cost of roughly $300,000, according to Taylor. North Carolina plans to conduct an annual AFFF inventory until all remaining stocks are collected, with about 11% gathered and stored by the State to date). Its foam analysts are also helping gather data for a state investigation of water quality at wells located near fire departments and training areas. To make AFFF reporting easier, Taylor’s office encouraged the development of a new application within a software system already used to report fire incidents by many fire departments nationally. That AFFF management application is now available to any state at no added cost. Use of that reporting software is mandated in North Carolina but remains optional in Maine, according to State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler. It was given to departments in 2014 and 91 percent of reporting departments in the state now use that software, according to the Fire Marshal’s office. GETTING RID OF AFFF Following up on Maine’s AFFF law, the DEP delivered a progress report to the Legislature in March 2022 that identified obstacles to disposing of the foam concentrate stocks. The primary options at that time involved incineration or transport to a hazardous waste dump. Incineration of surplus AFFF by the Department of Defense had already generated PFAS contamination downwind of incinerators, indicating that temperatures in a typical incinerator do not fully break down PFAS (a concern confirmed by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance document last spring). Transporting PFAS out of state to hazardous waste facilities in fenceline communities runs counter to the environmental justice provision Maine must apply in its own siting decisions regarding solid waste facilities. Landfills can contaminate groundwater and surface waters with PFAS from leachate and can emit PFAS in a gaseous form. Since 2022, experimental approaches to break down AFFF into relatively benign elements have advanced, with some methods now being piloted at a commercial scale. Two states, Ohio and New Hampshire, have sent their AFFF stocks to a new plant in Columbus, Ohio that uses superheated water to break apart the strong fluorine-carbon bonds in PFAS, a process known as supercritical water oxidation (SCWO). This highly energy-intensive process is still new and while it doesn’t appear to generate problematic PFAS byproducts, it does produce hydrofluoric acid, which the EPA notes “may require protections for worker health, emission controls, and reactor care.” A 2022 U.S. Government Accountability Office report noted that “maintenance can also be difficult and costly because of the intense heat, pressure and corrosive by-products generated during treatment.” New Hampshire’s contract to dispose of 9,924 gallons of AFFF using SCWO is costing roughly $500,000, according to Andrew Gould of the state’s Department of Environmental Services. Once the material is processed, the state will be provided per-batch confirmation of destruction to help protect the participating fire departments and airports from liability. (PFOS and PFOA are now listed as hazardous waste under the federal “Superfund” law, but the EPA has issued a policy explicitly stating that it does not intend to pursue entities such as fire departments, local airports and water utilities.) In its 2022 report to the Legislature, the DEP indicated that it “does not recommend pursuing long-term consolidated storage of waste AFFF at this time. Until the U.S. EPA provides final guidance on management of this waste stream, the Department recommends ensuring that existing stocks of AFFF are stored safely in place.” Nearly three years later, the EPA appears no closer to issuing final guidance, having just updated its “interim” guidance in April 2024. The August foam spill at Brunswick Landing undercut public confidence that remaining AFFF stocks can or will be “stored safely in place.” By mid-September, Maine Rep. Dan Ankeles (D-Brunswick) had submitted three bill titles to the Legislature, including ones that would mandate and fund both an AFFF inventory and a takeback program. Details are still being finalized in concert with the DEP and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The foam spill at Brunswick Landing last August undercut public confidence in the safety of dispersed storage of AFFF stocks. Photo by Steve Walker Maine could collect AFFF and store it until a thorough analysis of emerging technologies is completed. Now that oil terminals in Maine are becoming subject to the AFFF law, they will be transitioning off fluorinated foams. Staff of the South Portland Fire Department have been meeting with oil terminal representatives and are considering disposal options for the City’s remaining stocks of AFFF. “We don’t have the facilities to keep it other than how we keep it,” Selberg said. The department’s AFFF containers are stored in climate-controlled settings, but they’re not bermed off or protected with secondary containment to catch leaks. Planning for the removal and replacement of 3,000 or so gallons of foam concentrate, he adds, “the logistics and cost of that are pretty burdensome.” The city recently allocated $125,000 in federal American Rescue Plan funds to begin that transition. “I’ve been approached by some of the terminals here about going in with them and getting rid of [AFFF stocks] through one of the waste contractors,” Selberg said, “but I don’t really know where it’s going. So am I just sending it to some poor county in the middle of nowhere and making it their problem?” We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . 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A unique opportunity to expand luxe hotels in India: Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles & Fairmont... A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as next month, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikTok's petition to overturn the law — which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — and rebuffed the company's challenge of the statute, which it argued had ran afoul of the First Amendment. "The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States," said the court's opinion, which was written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg. "Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary's ability to gather data on people in the United States." TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court, though its unclear whether the court will take up the case. "The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans' right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue," TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the TikTok ban was conceived and pushed through based upon inaccurate, flawed and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people," Hughes said. Unless stopped, he argued the statute "will silence the voices of over 170 million Americans here in the US and around the world on January 19th, 2025." Though the case is squarely in the court system, it's also possible the two companies might be thrown some sort of a lifeline by President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term but said during the presidential campaign that he is now against such action. "He wants to save TikTok," Rep. Michael Waltz, Trump's pick for national... HALELUYA HADERO AP business writer