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Settlement Funds Put Toward PFAS Cleanup
Three years after Wisconsin lawmakers approved a plan to clean PFAS contamination in some of the state’s waterways, the state has signed a settlement with one of the companies that Gov. Evers blamed for PFAS pollution.
The state’s Department of Justice on Thursday announced a settlement with Tyco Fire Products.
"The monetary payment to the State is in addition to the approximately $100 million the company has already spent to address PFAS contamination in the Marinette area. As part of the settlement, Tyco will continue to provide for replacement wells, conduct required monitoring and reporting, and implement further measures for the long-term remediation of the agreed-upon area," the DOJ said in a statement.
PFAS, the acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. They are used in everything from Teflon coating to firefighting foam. Studies vary on their harmful effects; more is known about their impact on animals than on humans.
Sen Eric Wimberger, R-Gillet, who represent the Marinette-area said the settlement is a long-waited-for win.
"Municipalities like Marinette and Peshtigo have waited far too long for this day to come. Now, the work begins to turn this settlement into relief for pollution victims," Wimberger said on Thursday.
Wimberger first wrote what would become Wisconsin's PFAS clean-up law back in 2023. Gov. Evers, however, didn't sign that law til 2025.
Wimberger said the Tyco settlement dollars will be added to the nearly $130 million that the state has already earmarked for PFAS clean-up.
"The Tyco settlement funds will be used as additional financial support for communities and victims looking to test for, identify, and remove pollutants like PFAS from their land and water. Tyco will also be required to address and continually monitor PFAS discharges in the area, as well as provide clean drinking water and replacement wells for affected residents," he added in a statement.
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