SITE INVESTIGATIONS OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) BY THE WI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR).

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic organic compounds first manufactured in the 1940’s. Due to their widespread use in industry, PFAS are now ubiquitous in the environment and at high concentrations have been associated with deleterious health effects. The Wisconsin DNR has been collecting and analyzing samples in drinking water, ground water, surface water and wildlife (mainly fish) samples statewide to quantify their concentrations, and investigate sites of potential contamination when higher concentrations are found. Since PFAS are found in all environmental matrixes, the WI DNR utilizes a cross-programmatic approach (in these examples, Drinking Water and Groundwater, Water Quality and Fisheries Management programs) to share results when a potential site is identified, and then implement follow-up sampling by collecting PFAS in the corresponding matrix (e.g., drinking water, surface water, fish tissue).  Here we present WI sites from a surface water perspective that have been characterized. In some instances, PFAS remain confined to certain matrices or areas, in others, PFAS is pervasive. These results can then be used to quantify the risk to the environment or human health.

Primary Presenter: Patrick Gorski, WI Dept. of Natural Resources (patrick.gorski@wisconsin.gov)

Authors:

Patrick Gorski, WI DNR  (patrick.gorski@wisconsin.gov)

Tim Asplund, WI DNR  (tim.asplund@wisconsin.gov)

Meghan Williams, WI DNR  (meghan.williams@state.co.us)

Sean Strom, WI DNR  (sean.strom@wisconsin.gov)

Steve Elmore, WI DNR  (steve.elmore@wisconsin.gov)

Melanie Johnson, WI DNR  (melaniel.johnson@wisconsin.gov)