DNR Positions Will Put Priority On PFAS Research Near Marinette And Peshtigo

The head of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says additional scientists included under the next budget will examine chemicals known as PFAS near places where firefighting foam has been located, including the Marinette and Peshtigo areas. The agency just recently expanded the scope of its investigation into chemical contamination there related to the Tyco Fire Products` fire training center.

DNR Secretary Preston Cole said the agency will hire two positions in the coming months to focus on identifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater and surface water. The budget also includes $200,000 from the state`s environmental fund to create a model to identify areas of likely contamination and survey fire departments about the use of firefighting foam...