MARINETTE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – There are concerns in Marinette County about foam found in area waterways, near areas that have PFAS contaminated groundwater.
Johnson Controls has admitted it used firefighting foam containing PFAS at its Tyco Fire Products testing facility in Marinette.
According to the CDC, PFAS can increase cancer risk, affect growth, learning, and women’s fertility.
The DNR says it received several calls on Monday about foam in the ditch at the intersection of Krause and Leaf Roads, as well as in the Peshtigo River.
“Foam from PFAS contamination looks more like a bright white, more of a plastic-type foam,” said Kyle Burton with the DNR.
The DNR collected foam samples from the ditch and the Peshtigo River on Wednesday. It expects to know whether it was caused by PFAS contamination in 30 days.
At first glance, the DNR’s David Viste tells FOX 11 he believes the foam is natural.
“I can’t really give you a definitive answer right now. From the pictures I saw, there was a lot of brown in there. That typically means its organic stuff. It’s just when the water gets agitated, the water is high, there’s a lot of runoff from farm fields, stuff like that can start that foaming action.”
The DNR told people at a listening session Wednesday evening that if people send pictures of foam, and it looks concerning, a contractor will come to collect a sample to test. It generally takes 30 days for the test results to come back.
Buck Melton says he’s found foam in the Little River, which runs through his backyard. He went to the DNR listening session to find out whether he should be concerned.
“We’ve been there 30 years and from time to time after you’ve had a heavy rain, you’d see some foam. It’s always white foam and stuff, so it’s just something to ask about.”
The state’s Department of Health issued a letter to residents stating skin contact with PFAS contaminated foam or water is low exposure. Swallowing the water is a higher exposure and more concerning.
If you have skin contact, it’s still recommended you wash your skin after.
The DNR says concerns, like about foam, are why it’s now having monthly listening sessions. So far, six listening sessions are scheduled. Each month will have a different focus.
In October, the focus will be on how PFAS contamination could affect deer and other wildlife.
“It’s really the public’s session,” said Christine Haag of the DNR. “It’s their time to ask questions of the department.”
At the listening session, the DNR also told residents it will not hold a scheduled meeting October 3rd about long-term water supply for those affected by the PFAS contamination.
The DNR says Johnson Controls submitted a revised report last week on possible long-term solutions. It hopes to review the report over the next month.
