DNR Publishes Results Of Firefighting Department PFAS Survey
MADISON, Wis. – As requested by Gov. Tony Evers in the 2019-2021 Biennial Budget, the DNR conducted a survey of the state’s fire departments to determine their use of PFAS-containing, or fluorinated, firefighting foams. This survey was designed to help the DNR better understand how much, how often and why fluorinated foam is used across Wisconsin. This information will inform efforts by the state, in partnership with Wisconsin fire departments, to address PFAS contamination that has occurred through the discharge of fluorinated firefighting foam into the environment.
PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. PFAS do not occur naturally and are widespread in the environment. These chemicals bioaccumulate and can stay in the human body for many years. The discharge of PFAS-containing firefighting foam during emergency fire events or training exercises has been identified as a significant source of PFAS contamination.
“The DNR Firefighting Foam Survey provides valuable insight regarding the usage of and disposal needs associated with PFAS-containing firefighting foams throughout Wisconsin’s municipal fire departments,” said Chief Chris Garrison, president of the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association (WSFCA). “The survey results also clearly indicate the immediate need for resources and mechanisms for a centralized PFAS-containing firefighting foam collection and disposal program. Collection and environmentally conscious disposal of PFAS-containing firefighting foams is a priority of the WSFCA, and we will continue to collaborate with the DNR and the Wisconsin PFAS Action Council (WisPAC) to ensure we minimize the impacts of PFAS-containing firefighting foams on firefighters, their local communities and the environment.”
The results of this survey will support the state’s efforts going forward to mitigate the use and discharge of fluorinated firefighting foams, including the Wisconsin PFAS Action Plan and work of the Wisconsin PFAS Action Council (WisPAC). The DNR will continue to work with Wisconsin’s fire departments to address PFAS in firefighting foam and protect the health of the firefighting community, the environment and the general public.
For more information, full results and other resources including FAQs and the DNR’s poster for fire departments, visit the DNR’s webpage on PFAS-containing firefighting foam, under “State Survey.”
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
- Wisconsin Supreme Court Hears Challenge to State Authority in PFAS Case - Danielle Kaeding - Jan 14th, 2025
- Legislature Will Try Again On Regulating Forever Chemical Contamination - Danielle Kaeding - Jan 3rd, 2025
- EPA Adds Nine Additional PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Jan 3rd, 2025
- Coalition of 30 Groups Calls for $953 Million Funding For Safe Drinking Water - Danielle Kaeding - Dec 24th, 2024
- Insurers Add PFAS Exclusions to Liability Policies - Danielle Kaeding - Dec 21st, 2024
- EPA Releases Draft Health-Based Recommendations for PFAS Levels in Bodies of Water - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Dec 19th, 2024
- EPA Launches New Studies and Data Collection Efforts to Better Protect Communities from PFAS - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Dec 16th, 2024
- More than 30 groups call on State Legislature to take action on safe drinking water for Safe Drinking Water Act 50th anniversary - Wisconsin Conservation Voters - Dec 5th, 2024
- EPA Launches New Initiative to Tackle PFAS, Identify Emerging Contaminants in Water - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Nov 20th, 2024
- Environmental & Public Health Groups Urge Wisconsin Supreme Court to Reject Attempt by WMC to Undermine State’s Spills Law - Midwest Environmental Advocates - Nov 18th, 2024
Read more about PFAS Problem here
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