MADISON, WI (WRN) – Governor Tony Evers has signed a bill regulating firefighting foams which contain PFAS.
The chemicals are found in many products, but the foam is a major source of contamination. Once in the water supply, the compounds essentially don’t break down and can lead to health issues in humans and the ecosystems they contaminate.
Representative John Nygren of Marinette authored the bill and noted PFAS contamination of groundwater is a serious issue in northeastern Wisconsin and elsewhere.
The new regulations generally prohibit using and training with firefighting foams containing intentionally-added PFAS.
First responders may still use the foam in emergency firefighting or fire prevention. The foam could also be used in certain testing activities, but only with appropriate containment, treatment, disposal and storage methods, as determined by rule by the DNR.
