PFAS

This week the EPA proposed new changes experts say would weaken reporting and monitoring rules for toxic “forever” chemicals known as PFAS

The City of Tomahawk is considering the construction of a new facility to address the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in the city’s water supply, and this week, the city’s Common Council took a step towards seeking funding that would help make the project a reality.

The same components that make PFAS great for non-stick products make them extremely resistant to degradation.

Common Council approved spending up to $460,000 for the design of a PFAS water treatment facility for the wells.

The Wisconsin DNR is working through expanded testing of PFAS in private wells in Oneida County.

The Wisconsin DNR has identified two responsible parties for the PFAS contamination in the town of Stella in Oneida County.It comes as the EPA is moving to the next step in the process that could end with the area being declared a superfund site.

Studies show the next generation of pesticides contain PFAS, otherwise known as forever chemicals

The advisory issued Thursday included the Moen Chain and some other nearby lakes. Advisories were also issued for deer harvested in the area.

The City of Rhinelander is looking at its next steps for its municipal wells after Nicolet College declined to be the site of a new one.The city shut down two of its wells in 2019 because of PFAS contamination.There are enough remaining wells to meet current water demands— But the city will need a new well to keep up with future growth.

Nicolet Technical College does not approve of the City of Rhinelander installing a new municipal well on its property.The decision comes after the college held a community listening session, commissioned a peer review of materials related to the project’s environmental impact, and consulted with legal counsel.