The people of Door and Kewaunee counties may have one less thing to worry about polluting the water supply if a couple of proposed bills are passed in Wisconsin. Democrats and Republicans have each proposed bills targeting fire foam. Polyfluoroalkyl, also known as PFAS, are found in fire foams which can contaminate water supplies. Dean Hoegger, President of the Clean Water Action Council of Northeast Wisconsin, says that contaminated surface water in Marinette County has already entered the Bay of Green Bay.
The bill called the Chemical Level Enforcement and Remediation (CLEAR) Act would require the DNR to establish acceptable levels of PFAS in fire foam. State Senator Dave Hansen is one of the sponsors of the bill. A bill introduced by members of the Republican Party would limit the use of fire foam. PFAS have been linked to a reduction in fertility, increases the risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women, and lowers birth weights. The bill is still in the introduction phase.
