DNR Asking For Public Input On Wisconsin PFAS Action Plan

MADISON, Wis. – On behalf of the Wisconsin PFAS Action Council (WisPAC), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues to accept input from the public on the PFAS Action Plan.

The public may offer input through the submission of written comments by Oct. 31, and by attending either of the two virtual listening sessions on Oct. 6 and Oct. 21 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Drafts of the proposed actions items are available on the DNR’s website.

The PFAS Action Plan was requested by Governor Evers in Executive Order #40, directing state agencies to address concerns over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in Wisconsin. WisPAC would like to offer the public an opportunity to provide additional input, comment or ask questions regarding the contents of the action plan prior to delivering it to the Governor, other policy makers and the public.

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. These chemicals bioaccumulate and can stay in the human body for many years. Certain PFAS substances have been determined to have human health impacts, such as causing high cholesterol and cancer.

With input from a public survey conducted in February and local government and citizen advisory groups meeting in the spring, the PFAS Action Plan was developed by WisPAC’s state agency members to leverage resources, personnel and expertise from across a multitude of state agencies and other entities toward addressing environmental and public health concerns that are or may be posed by PFAS in Wisconsin. To learn more about WisPAC and the development of the PFAS Action Plan, visit the WisPAC webpage.

The action plan is anticipated to be finalized and submitted to Governor Evers in late 2020. This plan is part of the important work that began last year as part of the Governor’s Year of Clean Drinking Water.

WisPAC understands that environmental contamination by PFAS has a direct impact on Wisconsin communities. The council has ensured that all meetings are open to the public and that Wisconsin residents have been given opportunities to participate and provide input toward building a PFAS Action Plan that reflects their needs and concerns throughout the process. In keeping with this precedent, WisPAC is seeking public comment on the plan, before it is submitted to the Governor.

The public can provide input and ask questions at the listening sessions on Oct. 6 and Oct. 21. Written comments may be submitted through an online form or by e-mailing DNRPFASInquiries@wisconsin.gov. Even if you provide verbal comments at the listening session, it is important to provide written comments as well.

WisPAC asks that any written comments on the action plan be submitted on or before October 31, 2020. Questions should be submitted to DNRPFASInquiries@wisconsin.gov.