Here’s Why Parts of Maine Are Dealing With Poor Air Quality Today

According to an article on the WCH 6 website, firefighters from several communities remained on scene Wednesday morning as crews continued battling a fire at the Eagle Point Energy Center in Orrington.

The fire was reported around 9 PM on Tuesday at the waste-to-energy facility, formerly known as the PERC plant, according to the Penobscot Regional Communications Center. Multiple fire departments responded, and officials expected crews to remain at the facility throughout much of Wednesday.

As of Wednesday morning, the fire was still burning, but Orrington Fire Chief Scott Stewart said firefighters believed they had successfully prevented the blaze from spreading further.

The fire also prompted the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to issue an air quality alert for the Bangor area on Wednesday.  The agency said smoke from the fire caused particle pollution levels to reach very high levels and advised residents to follow health precautions associated with an "unhealthy" Air Quality Index, particularly in areas where smoke was noticeable or visibility was reduced.

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According to the department, people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, children, teenagers, and those who work outdoors should limit strenuous outdoor activity and consider moving activities indoors. The agency also recommended that everyone reduce prolonged physical exertion outside and take additional breaks during outdoor activities.

No traffic disruptions had been reported as of Wednesday morning.

This is not the first time there has been a fire at the facility.  The article explains that a fire in October of 2024 took several days to put out

According to a website for the facility, Eagle Point Energy Cenrter

is a waste-to-energy facility that generates up to 25 megawatts of electricity by converting municipal solid waste into fuel. The process cuts landfill waste by as much as 90 percent while providing a steady source of renewable energy.

EPEC accepts waste from municipalities and commercial haulers, playing a key role in Maine’s waste management system. The facility emphasizes workplace safety and environmental responsibility, with support from participating communities.

EPEC acquired the former Penobscot Energy Recovery Center (PERC) in 2024. Originally opened in 1988, PERC was Maine’s first and largest waste-to-energy plant. Today, EPEC is managed by local energy developers and co-owned by the Town of Orrington.