State DNR Adds New PFAS Rules
Regulating 'forever chemicals' in drinking water, surface water and fire fighting foam.
![Foam present in Starkweather Creek in October 2019 shows elevated levels of PFOS and PFOA (PFAS chemicals). Photo from courtesy of the DNR.](https://urbanmilwaukee.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191219_pfas.jpg)
Foam present in Starkweather Creek in October 2019 shows elevated levels of PFOS and PFOA (PFAS chemicals). Photo from courtesy of the DNR.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced new administrative rules for perfluroalkyl and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS). Called “forever chemicals,” PFAS and similar chemicals were used in man-made products from non-stick fast food wrappers to firefighting foam for decades. The bio-resistant chemicals don’t break down in nature nor within our bodies, and have been linked to numerous chronic diseases including cancers.
Establishing rules for PFAS in drinking water has been a difficult journey for the state. In February, the Natural Resources Board rejected the advice of scientists who recommended limits for PFAS in drinking water be set at 20 parts per million. The recommendation was also backed by the Department of Health Services. In a 6-1 vote, however, the board set a limit of 70 parts per million.
Earlier this month, Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit against three Wisconsin manufacturers and 15 other defendants accused of contaminating the state with PFAS and its relatives. Environmental groups have also pushed the DNR to institute PFAS standards for groundwater. Implementing the most recent trio of administrative rules were identified as priorities by the Wisconsin PFAS Action Council (WisPAC) in the state’s PFAS action plan. WisPAC consists of representatives from close to 20 state agencies.
DNR sets PFAS rules for drinking water, surface water, firefighting foam was originally published by the Wisconsin Examiner.
More about the PFAS Problem
- PFAS in Foam Far Worse Than Water in Wisconsin’s Rivers, Lakes - Danielle Kaeding - Jul 10th, 2024
- Lawmakers At Odds Over Releasing Health, PFAS Funds - Erik Gunn - Jun 6th, 2024
- Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes - Baylor Spears - May 15th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Sues Republican Legislators for Continued Obstruction of Investments Intended to Address Pressing Challenges Facing Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - May 13th, 2024
- Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds - Erik Gunn - May 8th, 2024
- Gov. Evers Again Calls Republican Lawmakers into Special Meeting to Urge Immediate Release of $140 Million to Fight PFAS Statewide, Respond to Hospital Closures in Western Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers - May 6th, 2024
- The State of Politics: Voters Worried About PFAS in Water - Steven Walters - Apr 22nd, 2024
- EPA Slaps Two PFAS Chemicals With Superfund Law Designation - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 19th, 2024
- DNR Responds To EPA’s Designation Of PFOA And PFOS As Hazardous Substances - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Apr 19th, 2024
- Evers Won’t Rule Out Court Challenge to Force Release of PFAS Funds - Danielle Kaeding - Apr 16th, 2024
Read more about PFAS Problem here