DNR To Host Virtual Listening Sessions Regarding PFAS Investigation In Marinette, Peshtigo And Surrounding Communities On March 17

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host online listening sessions on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 to seek public input on PFAS contamination in the city of Marinette, town of Peshtigo and surrounding communities. The meeting is the 13th in a series of meetings the DNR will host for area residents.

The March 17 listening sessions will take place virtually from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required. The online sessions will be conducted via Zoom video conferencing. Participants may join either session via the preceding link, or by dialing 312-626-6799 and using this meeting ID number: 987 8984 2376.

The listening sessions will include routine updates from the DNR, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and other partners regarding the status of PFAS investigations and cleanup actions 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.

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

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.

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

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.

The DNR has undertaken several measures to mitigate PFAS pollution, including establishing the Wisconsin PFAS Action Council (WisPAC) in 2020 and spearheading the creation of the statewide PFAS Action Plan. The plan includes 25 action items centered around three guiding principles: environmental justice, health equity and pollution prevention.

More information on how to participate in the listening session is available here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.