You will be able to learn where the state has gone since PFAS became a four-letter acronym that struck a chord with communities across Wisconsin. Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals used worldwide in industry and consumer products since the 1950s. Over the last five years, it has stolen headlines after homes near Tyco Fire Products’ facility in Marinette began having water issues because of the company’s testing policies. Last week, legislation sponsored by State Senators Eric Wimberger and Rob Cowles created the framework for how $125 million in funding will go to support homeowners and businesses affected by PFAS contamination. Included in the bill is a provision that would limit the Department of Natural Resources control on the situation in ordering landowners to test their water or clean up the mess unless they believe it would likely exceed the standards set by Wisconsin and the federal government. Clean Water Action Council of Northeast Wisconsin Executive Director Dean Hoegger is happy that legislators are taking PFAS contamination seriously but hopes their forum on October 27th addresses the deeper impact of the forever chemical.

The event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at UW-Green Bay’s University Union, will feature Wimberger, Cowles, and Rep. Joel Kitchens to discuss the legislation being circulated in Madison alongside Hoegger and Peter Burress of Wisconsin Conservation Voters. Dr. Beth Neary from the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU), Region 5, will talk about the health impacts of PFAS contamination while Rob Lee from Midwest Environmental Advocates will present on the current legal actions happening in our state. You can register for the forum by clicking this link.

Picture courtesy of Pixabay