DNR Providing Emergency Drinking Water to Homeowner with PFAS Contamination Near JCI Investigation Area
Green Bay, Wis. – The Department of Natural Resources has provided emergency drinking water to a homeowner near Marinette after testing by the owner showed the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the individual’s private well.
PFAS contamination has been detected in the Marinette and Peshtigo area in soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, private drinking water wells and biosolids. Under the oversight of the DNR, Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) and its subsidiary Tyco Fire Products have been identified as responsible parties and have been directed by the DNR to conduct site investigations of areas impacted by PFAS contamination in the Marinette and Peshtigo area due to their companies’ operations.
The property with the contaminated well is located near the ongoing, groundwater study area for PFAS contamination. The DNR first offered JCI/Tyco the opportunity to resample the homeowner’s well and provide emergency water. After JCI/Tyco declined that offer, the DNR stepped in to work with the homeowner to provide alternative drinking water and re-sample the well to validate the results. The DNR will re-evaluate the groundwater contamination study area boundaries and JCI’s/Tyco’s site investigation plan based on this new information.
PFAS can persist in the environment and the human body for long periods of time. Recent scientific findings indicate that exposure to certain PFAS may have harmful health effects in people. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to some PFAS substances above certain levels may increase the risk of adverse health effects, such as thyroid disease, low birthweights and cancer.
The DNR has scheduled a series of listening sessions to ensure that the public receives timely information about PFAS contamination in the Marinette-Peshtigo area. The next session is scheduled for January 15, at noon and 6 p.m. All listening sessions will be held at the Community REC Center, 2501 Pierce Ave., Marinette.
The DNR, in consultation with the Department of Health Services (DHS), is also developing groundwater, surface water and public drinking water standards for PFAS. DHS provided the DNR with recommendations for groundwater standards in June. The DNR will continue to work closely with DHS and local health officials to ensure that the public stays informed of these situations when they develop.
Gov. Tony Evers has also asked the DNR to work with state agencies and local partners to take additional actions, including establishing a PFAS Coordinating Council and public information sites to inform the public on the matter of PFAS and the risk these chemicals pose to public health and Wisconsin’s natural resources.
Please visit the DNR website for more information on PFAS or to learn how to get your wells tested. You can also go to dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “wells.”
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.
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
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