DNR Hosts Virtual Listening Sessions On PFAS Contamination In Marinette & Peshtigo On May 19

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting online listening sessions on Wednesday, May 19 to seek public input on PFAS contamination in Marinette, Peshtigo and surrounding communities. These listening sessions are the 14th public input opportunities hosted by the DNR for area residents.

The listening sessions will include routine updates from the DNR and the Department of Health Services (DHS) regarding the status of the PFAS investigations in the community.

The DNR presentation will include information related to the DNR-led potable well sampling effort in the Expanded Site Investigation Area.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of firefighting foam.

These contaminants have made their way into the environment through spills of PFAS-containing chemicals, discharges of PFAS-containing wastewater to treatment plants and certain types of firefighting foams.

Addressing PFAS contamination in the environment is part of Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide initiative to ensure Wisconsinites have access to clean, safe, drinking water. In 2019, the governor signed Executive Order #40 to address the issue of PFAS across the state.

Additionally, the governor’s recently unveiled 2021-23 biennial budget proposes significant resources for the monitoring and testing of PFAS including over $20 million over the next two years for assistance and resources to local communities that are impacted by PFAS contamination, aiding local fire departments in disposing of PFAS foam, and adding additional DNR staff to implement the Wisconsin PFAS Action Council’s action plan.

Listening Sessions On PFAS Contamination In Marinette & Peshtigo

WHEN: Wednesday, May 19, 2021, Noon – 2 p.m. and 6 – 7:30 p.m.

WHO: Christine Haag – DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Program Director
Bridget Kelly – DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Program PFAS Team Leader
Alyssa Sellwood – DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Program Project Manager
Kyle Burton – DNR Drinking and Groundwater Field Operations Director
Brita Kilburg-Basnyat – DHS Toxicologist

WHERE: Join via Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88268945061
Join by phone: 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 882 6894 5061

Additional information on PFAS contamination in Marinette, Peshtigo
and surrounding areas is available on the DNR website here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.