DNR Seeking Public Input On PFAS Contamination In Marinette, Peshtigo And Surrounding Communities

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting two listening sessions on Wednesday, May 3 to share updates and seek public input on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the city of Marinette, the town of Peshtigo and surrounding communities. These listening sessions are the 19th in a series of public input opportunities hosted by the DNR for area residents.

The May 3 listening sessions will be conducted in person at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in Marinette. Attendees can also participate virtually via Zoom. Pre-registration is not required.

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 public is strongly encouraged to submit questions in advance through email at DNRJCIPFAS@wisconsin.gov or by telephone at 1-888-626-3244.

PFAS 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.

Additional information on PFAS is available on the Wisconsin DHS website and the Wisconsin DNR website.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT:
Listening Sessions On PFAS Contamination In Marinette and Peshtigo

WHO:
Christine Sieger – DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Program Director
Alyssa Sellwood – DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Project Manager
Jodie Peotter – DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Brownfields, Outreach and Policy Section Chief
Kyle Burton – DNR Drinking and Groundwater Field Operations Director
Patrick Gorski – DNR Water Quality Program Research Scientist
Nathan Kloczko – DHS Site Evaluation Program Coordinator

WHEN:
Listening Session 19, Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Noon-2 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. DNR representatives will be available from 11-11:30 a.m. for questions from members of the media.

WHERE:

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
1601 University Drive, Marinette, WI 54143
Room MN101/102 (Enter at Door #21 – door closest to Green Gable Road from Parking Lot A)

Join on Zoom.
Meeting ID #884 9840 9297

Join by phone: 312-626-6799; Meeting ID 884 9840 9297

Submit questions in advance by email at DNRJCIPFAS@wisconsin.gov or by phone at 1-888-626-3244.

The Zoom meeting link and an agenda for these listening sessions will be posted on the DNR’s Marinette and Peshtigo PFAS webpage.

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.