Federal Funding Likely for PFAS Cleanup
The DNR is also reviewing new federal guidance on PFAS contamination.

Marines fighting fires with foam, a product that uses PFAS . Photo by Lance Cpl. Shawn Valosin/U.S. Marine Corps.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) PFAS External Advisory Group had a meeting Friday to go over the state’s efforts to combat PFAS contamination state-wide. The advisory group reviewed federal updates involving American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and the state’s own program to replace PFAS-containing firefighting foams.
PFAS are part of a man-made group of chemicals used in industry for decades. The compounds were found in non-stick coatings, fast food wrappers, firefighting foam, and numerous other products. They do not break down in nature nor in our bodies, and have been linked to several chronic health conditions including cancers. PFAS contamination sites are found around the state, from Milwaukee to Madison to Marinette. Recently, half of the wells in the city of Eau Claire were shut down due to high PFAS levels.
The advisory board is also continuing to follow new guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which focuses on groundwater, wastewater, sediment and fish tissue. The new draft method to determine PFAS in various mediums would include 40 PFAS compounds. However, the DNR does not recommend using the draft method, which it continues to review. The advisory board also noted that the Federal Aviation Administration missed its deadline to no longer require the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam. However, the administration did request that airports limit the use of such firefighting foam.
Discussion during the advisory group meeting also touched on how to replace PFAS-containing firefighting foam, particularly given budgetary limitations of volunteer fire departments. Group members suggested that prioritizing fire departments based on budgetary needs may need to be considered in the future.
PFAS advisory group highlights federal moves on clean up was originally published by the Wisconsin Examiner.
More about the PFAS Problem
- Who Will Pay for PFAS Pollution? - Bennet Goldstein - Feb 27th, 2025
- Gov. Evers’ biennial state budget prioritizes clean water, clean energy, and public lands for Wisconsin - Wisconsin Conservation Voters - Feb 18th, 2025
- Gov. Evers Announces Comprehensive Plan to Ensure Clean Water for Kids and Families in 2025 Year of the Kid - Gov. Tony Evers - Feb 18th, 2025
- GOP Lawmakers Propose School Water Filters to Address PFAS, Lead - Danielle Kaeding - Feb 14th, 2025
- Wisconsin Conservation Voters thank Gov. Evers for prioritizing public health, urges bipartisan prioritization of baseline PFAS groundwater standards - Wisconsin Conservation Voters - Feb 5th, 2025
- Evers Announces $145 Million Plan to Address PFAS - Danielle Kaeding - Feb 4th, 2025
- Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin Praises Governor Evers’ Proactive Plan to Address PFAS in Our Water - State Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin - Feb 4th, 2025
- Gov. Evers Announces New Plans to Combat PFAS, Protect Kids and Families from Harmful Contaminants, and Expand Access to Clean, Safe Drinking Water - Gov. Tony Evers - Feb 4th, 2025
- Gov. Evers Kicks Off 2025 Year of The Kid with Efforts to Ensure Kids and Families Have Access to Safe, Clean Drinking Water - Gov. Tony Evers - Jan 28th, 2025
- Wisconsin Supreme Court Hears Challenge to State Authority in PFAS Case - Danielle Kaeding - Jan 14th, 2025
Read more about PFAS Problem here