PFAS_Content Page_Wisconsin PFAS Action Plan

Wisconsin PFAS Action Plan

The Wisconsin PFAS Action Council (WisPAC) has developed statewide initiatives to address growing public health and environmental concerns regarding PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in Wisconsin. In accordance with the stipulations issued by Gov. Evers in Executive Order #40, the council led the development of a comprehensive Wisconsin PFAS Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap for how state agencies will address these emerging chemicals.

The PFAS Action Plan was published and delivered to Gov. Evers on Dec. 16, 2020.

Read the PFAS Action Plan [PDF]

Leer el Plan de Acción sobre las PFAS [PDF]

On Aug. 18, 2022, WisPAC delivered a progress report to Gov. Evers outlining the accomplishments made towards implementation of the Action Plan’s recommendations.

Read the PFAS Action Plan Progress Report

News Release: Wisconsin PFAS Action Council Releases PFAS Action Plan Progress Report To Governor

Appendices
Appendix A: Executive Order #40
Appendix B: Public Comments (Informational)
Appendix C: Public Advisory Group Gap Analysis
Appendix D: Local Government Advisory Group Recommendations
Appendix E: Citizens Advisory Group Recommendations
Appendix F: Glossary
Appendix G: Public Comments (Action Plan)
Action Plan Development

As a group, WisPAC decided on what went into the plan. Development of the first draft factored in suggestions from WisPAC members (state agencies), two advisory groups and the general public.

Early versions of draft recommendations were organized into four focus areas.

  1. Preventing Future Discharges and Exposures
  2. Inventorying and Minimizing Current PFAS Exposures
  3. Identifying and Addressing Historic or Legacy PFAS Discharges or Exposures
  4. Educating and Communicating About the Risks Associated with PFAS
An updated timeline for the PFAS Action Plan.
The PFAS Action Plan development timeline.

After additional discussion, refining of ideas and consolidation of similar recommendations, eight themes emerged to organize the Action Items in the PFAS Action Plan. The eight themes are more distinct from one another than the four focus areas, and are used in the PFAS Action Plan to structure final Action Items.

  1. Standard Setting
  2. Sampling
  3. Pollution Prevention
  4. Engagement, Education, and Communication
  5. Research and Knowledge
  6. Phase Out
  7. Future Investments
  8. Identifying and Addressing Historic Discharges

The graphic to the right illustrates the overall timeline WisPAC followed.

Public Input

WisPAC provided a number of opportunities for public input regarding the Action Plan, including a survey, advisory groups and public meetings.

WisPAC surveyed the public from Feb. 3-21, 2020, to collect input to be considered by the state for possible inclusion in the Wisconsin PFAS Action Plan. Two advisory groups were established: one group focused on issues facing local units of government, while the other focused on citizen or public input. These groups hosted public meetings to provide a forum for engagement in the plan development process. Recommendations collected at advisory group meetings were compiled and forwarded as proposals for WisPAC to consider for inclusion in the Action Plan.

Resources from past public meetings are available on the WisPAC page.