Maine monitoring finds benzene above guideline near South Portland terminals

New air-monitoring efforts in Syracuse and South Portland aim to give residents better information about pollution exposure. In Syracuse, SUNY ESF and community partners have expanded a network to five monitors, with an online dashboard offering local readings and alerts, amid construction including the I-81 project. In South Portland, state monitoring found elevated benzene levels near petroleum terminals, including long-term readings above Maine’s guideline at two sites; officials caution that fenceline readings do not establish residents’ exposure levels, and state health officials say the measured short-term levels do not indicate an acute risk. Maine environmental officials are recommending a year-long study with monitors between the terminals and nearby homes to determine how benzene levels change with distance.