Background
Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MEDEP) referred the Yankee Stripper Site to EPA using the Emergency Planning and Response Branch (EPRB) Referral Form on February 9, 2026. Yankee Stripper began operating at this location in 1988 and ceased operation in August of 2025. The Town of Rockport acquired the
property as part of a tax lien foreclosure in March of 2025.
What Has Been Done To Clean Up the Site?
EPA conducted a Site Inspection (SI) on May 6, 2026 to determine if a time-critical removal action (TCRA) should be conducted to address environmental conditions at the site. During the SI, EPA documented the presence of RCRA Hazardous Waste (D001, F003) and CERCLA Hazardous Substances (Xylene, Dimethylformamide) inside of the facility in the process area of the building. The EPA On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) determined conditions at the Site pose an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment and meet the criteria for a TCRA. The SEMD Director approved the EPA OSC decision during a Site Review Meeting on May 27, 2026.
What is the Current Site Status?
The SEMD Director approved the Action Memorandum for the Yankee Stripper Site on June 11, 2026. EPA mobilized to the Site during week of July 13 and began the time-critical removal action. The hazardous waste has been consolidated and is awaiting transport and disposal scheduled for fall 2026.
