DNR To Host Online Listening Sessions Nov. 18 Regarding PFAS Investigation In Marinette, Peshtigo And Surrounding Communities

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is holding online listening sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 18 to seek public input on PFAS contamination in Marinette, Peshtigo and surrounding communities. The meeting is the 11th in a series of 13 meetings the DNR will host for area residents. 

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 materials, discharges of PFAS-containing wastewater to treatment plants and certain types of firefighting foams.  

In addition to routine updates regarding the status of the PFAS investigations in the community, the meeting will include:

• An update on potable well sampling in the Expanded Site Investigation Area.
• A presentation by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Public Health on the groundwater quality standard recommendations for certain PFAS compounds, commonly referred to as “Cycle 11.”
• An update on recent fish tissue sampling and the next steps for sampling additional area water bodies.

The Nov. 18 sessions will take place online from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. No pre-registration is required. The sessions will be conducted using Zoom video conferencing.

Zoom meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/99497114924

Zoom meeting phone number: 312-626-6799

Zoom meeting ID: 994 9711 4924

Members of the public are strongly encouraged to submit questions in advance through email at DNRJCIPFAS@wisconsin.gov. Learn more about how to participate in the listening session here.