Environment PFAS
Foam found on the banks of Starkweather Creek showed high concentrations of a contaminant called PFAS (photo by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)
PFAS are considered ‘Forever Chemicals” which are being discovered in many parts of Wisconsin including Marinette, Rhinelander and Madison.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 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. They are found in people, wildlife and fish all over the world. Some PFAS can stay in peoples’ bodies a long time and do not break down easily in the environment.
Does Your Community Water System Test For PFAS?
Probably Not, Finds WXPR Investigation
Interactive Map: PFAS Contamination Crisis: New Data Show 1,398 Sites in 49 States
https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/2019_pfas_contamination/map/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=202001PFASNews&utm_medium=email&emci=6f664e32-8d30-ea11-a601-2818784d6d68&emdi=21e29f09-9130-ea11-a601-2818784d6d68&ceid=1674500
Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) GUIDE TO AVOIDING PFAS CHEMICALS
https://static.ewg.org/ewg-tip-sheets/EWG-AvoidingPFCs.pdf
Environment - PFAS - Marinette & Peshtigo
The manufacture, testing and use of firefighting chemicals cause PFAS contamination
PFAS contamination in the Marinette and Peshtigo area
PFAS contamination has been detected in the Marinette and Peshtigo area in soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, private drinking water wells and biosolids.
Does Your Community Water System Test For PFAS? Probably Not, Finds WXPR Investigation
WI DNR Logo
WISCONSIN DNR INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Gov. Evers’ Executive Order #40 directed the DNR to create the PFAS Coordinating Council, now known as the Wisconsin PFAS Action Council (WisPAC), in partnership with other state agencies. WisPac will develop and coordinate statewide initiatives to address the growing public health and environmental concerns regarding PFAS. Meetings are open to the public.
Wisconsin DNR Resources https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/contaminants/marinette.html
If you have questions call 888-626-3244 or email DNRJCIPFAS@wisconsin.gov
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/
OTHER INFORMATION RESOURCES:
Stop Poisoning Our Water-Local group dedicated to information & remediation lnk S.O.H2O
Dark Waters Movie that documents how Rob Bilott, a corporate defense attorney, took on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution. Very strong parallels to what is happening in Marinette/Peshtigo https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9071322/
Wisconsin DHS Resources https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/pfas.htm
EPA website https://www.epa.gov/pfas
MEDIA LINKS
Four Videos from DNR Listening Session:
| Eagle Herald re 12/19 listening session | https://ehextra.com/Content/News/News-Articles/Article/Kaul-hears-PFAS-concerns/12/35/58903?fbclid=IwAR2jiUqmZfo9kXwE8CvzIsA6F_AyvmigU7N0L85DmFnSK415SoPpiMbxwO4 |
| Eagle Herald -JCI details cleanup efforts | https://ehextra.com/Content/News/News-Articles/Article/JCI-details-cleanup-efforts/12/35/58935 |
| Video 12/19 Dale Schroeder | https://www.facebook.com/andi.rich.7/videos/10162494246560532/UzpfSTEwODE4ODEyMzU6MTAyMTc2NDQ0MDU0NzY4OTg/ |
Concerns rise over tainted sewage sludge spread on croplands https://www.wisfarmer.com/story/news/2019/09/12/concerns-rise-over-tainted-sewage-sludge-spread-croplands/2308338001/
https://bigbendsentinel.com/2019/12/18/researchers-find-leak-in-west-texas-injection-well/
MA Sets New Limits On Toxic PFAS Chemicals https://www.wbur.org/earthwhile/2019/12/13/massachusetts-pfas-chemicals-drinking-water
High levels of arsenic found in bottled water sold at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods https://www.cbs17.com/news/high-levels-of-arsenic-found-in-bottled-water-sold-at-walmart-target-whole-foods/
Our family’s “Dark Waters” story https://www.salon.com/2019/12/21/our-familys-dark-waters-story-how-my-fathers-cancer-and-my-sons-first-film-role-are-connected/
How the EPA and the Pentagon Downplayed a Growing Toxic Threat https://www.propublica.org/article/how-the-epa-and-the-pentagon-downplayed-toxic-pfas-chemicals%C2%A0
‘Dark Waters’ Tells the True Story of the Lawyer Who Took DuPont to Court and Won https://time.com/5737451/dark-waters-true-story-rob-bilott/
Madison, Fond Du Lac Fire Departments Stop Using Firefighting Foam Containing PFAS
Environment - PFAS - Rhinelander
Rhinelander has had to close two drinking water wells due to PFAS Contamination. Rhinelander Mayor attended the Dec 18 DNR Listening Session in Marinetter.
Does Your Community Water System Test For PFAS? Probably Not, Finds WXPR Investigation
LINKS TO ARTICLES IN THE NORTHWOODS RIVER NEWS
(Note – limited access for non-subscribers)
Guild updates city residents on well testing
Lab owner concerned about administrator’s interpretation of test results
http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?ArticleID=87031&SectionID=6&SubSectionID=47&S=1
DNR questions language used by city administrator in notice to water customers
Elmore: There’s no reason to question the accuracy of the PFAS sampling results
http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?ArticleID=87150&SectionID=6&SubSectionID=47&S=1
Mayor confirms second well taken out of service
http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?ArticleID=87208&SectionID=6&SubSectionID=47&S=1
Mayor releases DHS letter supporting closure of Well 8
Fish samples taken from the Wisconsin River
http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?ArticleID=87311&SectionID=6&SubSectionID=59&S=1
DNR issues directive to airport in connection with PFAS contamination
DNR: Rhinelander airport the ‘most likely source’ of PFAS contamination
http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?ArticleID=87389&SectionID=6&SubSectionID=47&S=1
Commission hires consulting firm to assist with PFAS investigation
http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?ArticleID=87413&SectionID=6&SubSectionID=59&S=1
Airport commission grapples with PFAS puzzle
http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?ArticleID=87389&SectionID=6&SubSectionID=47&S=1
LINKS TO ARTICLES ON WXPR PUBLIC RADIO STATION IN THE NORTHWOODS
PFAS Found In Rhinelander Well, Drinking Water Safe, Crescent Spring to be Tested
https://www.wxpr.org/…/pfas-found-rhinelander-well-drinking-water-safe- crescent-spring-be-tested
Jul 23, 2019 … City officials released information today to Rhinelander Water Utility customers related to a recently published health advisory regarding PFAS ...
Foam Tests On Peshtigo River Reveal PFAS Levels Of 17,000 Parts per Trillion
https://www.wxpr.org/…/foam-tests-peshtigo-river-reveal-pfas-levels-17000- parts-trillion
Oct 31, 2019 … Levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in foam samples on the Peshtigo River spiked well above what may be safe, the DNR …
Rhinelander Keeps Water Well Active As Levels Of PFAS-Family Chimicals Rise
https://www.wxpr.org/…/rhinelander-keeps-water-well-active-levels-pfas- family-chemical-rise
Nov 7, 2019 … This summer, tests showed Rhinelander’s Municipal Well 7 was contaminated with PFAS chemicals. However, the most recent tests show no …
DNR: New PFAS Rules Likely To Have ‘Significant’ Economic Impact
https://www.wxpr.org/…/dnr-new-pfas-rules-likely-have-significant- economic-impact
Nov 19, 2019 … The DNR admitted putting new rules on PFAS in groundwater, drinking water, and surface water will have a “significant” economic impact on …
PFAS Compounds No Longer Detected In Rhinelander Well; Guild Raises Idea of Mistaken Original Tests
Nov 6, 2019 … The latest testing on Rhinelander’s Municipal Well 7 showed no detection of the two best-known per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) …
Wisconsin Solid Waste Professionals: ‘We Don’t Generate PFAS Foam’, Form Coalition to Address Issue
Dec 11, 2019 … Wisconsin landfills are concerned they’re taking the blame for PFAS contamination. But a new coalition of solid waste professionals points out …
PFAS Found in Crescent Town Spring: Water Not Safe to Drink
https://www.wxpr.org/…/pfas-found-crescent-town-spring-water-not-safe- drink
Aug 19, 2019 … Now that the test results have come back as positive for high levels of PFAS, the recommendation not to drink the water at the Crescent Town …
Michigan Develops Comprehensive, Enforceable PFAS Regulations
https://www.wxpr.org/…/michigan-develops-comprehensive-enforceable-pfas -regulations
Oct 28, 2019 … Wisconsin’s neighbor will soon become one of a few states with enforceable PFAS regulations on the books. Michigan could have strict …
DNR Defends Accuracy Of Rhinelander PFAS Tests, Asks City To Make Test Results Publicly Available
Nov 19, 2019 … Note: this story has been updated to include comments from the DNR’s Kyle Burton in a Tuesday interview. Rhinelander City Administrator …
Fire-Fighting Foam? An Old Dump? Exploring Possible Sources of …
https://www.wxpr.org/…/fire-fighting-foam-old-dump-exploring-possible- sources-pfas-near-rhinelander
Sep 19, 2019 … But a month ago, testing found the water had high levels PFHxS, a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) drawing attention in …