Posted January 27, 2026- Wisconsin Conservation Voters (WCV) travels north to produce storytelling video of Stella PFAS contamination. 

In July OCCWA shared an article about an independent statewide PFAS coalition that OCCWA participates in. The coalition is comprised of communities affected by PFAS and environmental non-profits both large and small. While OCCWA falls under the small non-profit category, larger non-profits such as Wisconsin Conservation Voters fall under the large category. These larger non-profits are also known as non-governmental organizations (NGO). An excerpt from our July article names some of these NGOs and their value to the PFAS coalition.

"The most prominent NGOs involved in this PFAS coalition are Wisconsin Conservation Voters, Midwest Environmental Advocates, Wisconsin's Greenfire, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. These groups provide so much to organizations such as us at OCCWA, but also to affected communities like Stella, Marinette, French Island, Madison and Milwaukee.

These NGOs with financial resources from donors provide environmental studies and help organize and educate citizens and lesser funded local groups. They employ lawyers to help understand legal issues including state legislation. They also lobby in Madison emphasizing environmental issues. Remember, Industries spend millions lobbying on their behalf, but who's there for the little guy? Though many expect our elected officials to represent our concerns in Madison, too often poor public canvasing and partisan politics get in the way. NGOs provide expertise on specific issues and are another path to educate and influence decisionmakers in the state. This kind of work is not financially possible for small groups such as OCCWA"

As stated, larger non-profits can do more things that smaller non-profits can't. To that point Wisconsin Conservation Voters showed up in the town of Stella to produce a storytelling video about the towns plight. The 6-minute video can be viewed at Stella, Wisconsin | PFAS contamination in a small town's drinking water - YouTube .

You may visit Wisconsin Conservation Voters at their website  conservationvoters.org | Your voice, your actions, your vote. 

Related Story- Rhinelander paper mill to provide free water to potentially 300 households within 3-mile radius of Stella Town Hall.

In a recent WXPR story Rhinelander paper mill owners launch bottled water program for Stella area | WXPR the Rhinelander paper mill is providing drinking water to Town of Stella households. The twist is that qualified residents regardless of whether they tested their wells or not are eligible. A quote from the article explains the details.

"Ahlstrom recently sent letters to roughly 300 households within a 3-mile radius of the Stella Town Hall.

It comes with an offer to provide 5-gallon water jugs through Culligan Water. No well testing is required.

Tricia Schwartz, communications manager, North America for Ahlstrom, provided this statement to WXPR regarding the program:

“Ahlstrom is announcing the launch of a bottled water program for eligible residents in the Town of Stella and surrounding communities, reinforcing our commitment to the region as a dependable partner. As a longtime employer in our local communities, we understand that concerns about drinking water have been raised by residents of the region, and we are working to be part of the solution.”"

By OCCWA Staff November 21, 2025- As Oneida County residents are aware, the county has experienced multiple PFAS contaminations dating back to the City of Rhinelander closing two of its wells near the Rhinelander Airport. The Rhinelander PFAS contamination was PFHxS commonly used in airport firefighting foam. Years later, PFAS contamination was detected in the Town of Stella. The Stella PFAS contamination being PFOA and PFOS commomly found in biosolid spreading. Other less severe PFAS contamination also have been detected in other parts of the county.

Trying to keep track of the different contaminations has become quite difficult. We at Oneida County Clean Waters Action (OCCWA) have done our level best to inform the public. With the recent Town of Stella's DNR, DHS, EPA meeting on October 1st and the DNR expanding testing in Oneida County to determine if PFAS may be more widespread, keeping track is near impossible.

With that in mind, we solicited the DNR to answer a few additional PFAS questions that we could share on our occwa.org website. Well, a few questions turned into 34! To the DNR's credit, they did not hesitate to reply to our request promptly and in a most professional manner. If you have been following our PFAS coverage over the years, you would already know that that is not a surprise. We at OCCWA have never been disappointed with any of our many DNR interactions both local and Madison based. We thank them for their patience.

The questions below are questions submitted to the DNR by our organization (OCCWA). The answers below are the exact responses the DNR provided. It is our hope that most if not all the information will help residents better understand the many different and complex PFAS issues they may be facing. We encourage you to share this information with friends and neighbors. 

OCCWA questions pertaining to DNR expanded testing for PFSAS in Oneida County

1) Is the expanded PFAS testing in Oneida County for PFOA and PFOS only? 

DNR Answer DNR Answer The project utilizes EPA Method 537.1, which reports results for 18 PFAS compounds.

2) Are any of the offered test sites close enough to Rhinelander to include testing for PFHxS? 

DNR Answer Invitations to sample will be sent to residents in the Town of Crescent – North near Rhinelander. This sampling with utilize EPA Method 537.1, which reports results for 18 PFAS compounds including PFHxS.

3) If the DNR only is testing for PFOA and PFOS, does that mean any other PFAS compounds would not be detected? 

DNR Answer The project utilizes EPA Method 537.1, which reports results for 18 PFAS compounds.

4) Has the DNR's survey of companies who used PFAS in the past helped in determining where to test and for what PFAS type?

DNR Answer That data was collected by the RR Program in response to PFAS detection in municipal wells located on the airport. Information about land use that is similar to the Town of Stella was utilized to target potential private wells for PFAS analysis in other Townships in Oneida County.

5) Have the property addresses that were offered PFAS testing been shared with their respective town boards? 

DNR Answer The town chair people of each township were notified by letter prior to the sampling of the effort. Results have been shared upon request.

6) Have the property addresses that were offered PFAS testing been shared with Oneida County? 

DNR Answer The Oneida County Health Department has been copied on all correspondence regarding private well PFAS results.  The DNR and Department of Health Services continue to hold regular check-ins with Oneida County Health Department about the expanded sampling project and PFAS impacts in the county.

7) Will the PFAS test results be shared for individual properties, or only shared as an aggregate? 

DNR Answer Private well PFAS test results are being tracked utilizing Wisconsin Unique Well Numbers (WUWN). Individual pdf files are created for each WUWN and will be posted on BRRTS Bureau for Remediation and Redevelopment Tracking System (BRRTS) on the Web | | Wisconsin DNR. (EPA owns the data.)

8) Will bottled water be provided by the DNR to property owners whose tests comeback above state standards? 

DNR Answer Wisconsin does not currently have state groundwater standards for PFAS. However, Wisconsin Administrative Code ch. NR 738 allows for the provision of emergency bottled water if results exceed DHS recommendations. Property owners whose wells have results in excess of DHS recommendations will be offered emergency bottled water.

9) Will the DNR provide well grants to property owners whose tests comeback above state standards much like Stella residents were provided? 

DNR Answer The state statutory well compensation program is available to impacted well owners. 

10) Regardless of the expanded PFAS testing results, does the DNR expect to expand testing further? 

DNR Answer If funding becomes available, the department may offer additional testing.

11) Could you please explain the DNR/EPA coordination efforts in the expanded testing? 

DNR Answer The DNR worked with EPA to secure funding to analyze PFAS levels in drinking water wells in the townships surrounding the Town of Stella. This involved creating a project plan that outlined sampling areas, targeted wells, communication tools, and resources for impacted wells. The EPA approved this plan and worked with their contractor to secure a contract with Northern Lakes Services lab in Crandon to analyze the drinking water samples for PFAS. The DNR volunteered to serve as the project facilitator, which involves coordinating offers to sample with well owners, sample kit pick up, communication of results to owners of wells sampled, connecting impacted well owners to available resources (i.e. emergency temporary bottled water and the Well Compensation Grant Program), as well as answering all questions from area residents about the project. The DNR does not receive any funding for their coordination of the project. The DNR continues to coordinate with the EPA on the sampling and investigatory work being done in Oneida Co. These partners meet regularly to provide updates and information.

12) Without the EPA provided funding for testing, would the DNR have the financial resources to conduct the current expanded PFAS testing? 

DNR Answer The DNR does not currently have any additional funds to continue the expanded sampling.

13) Does the DNR have any indication from the state as to where funding for expanded testing and well compensation will come from going forward if Senate Bill 128 fails to get resolved and passed?

DNR Answer No.

14) Is the DNR aware of any specific PFAS related funding in the state's latest approved budget for private well owners?

DNR Answer No.

15) With the current expanded PFAS testing focused on areas near agricultural fields, will the DNR be using their historical Biosolid permitting records to better pinpoint areas of concern?

DNR Answer The DNR identified areas with similar conditions as the Town of Stella. Such similarities include the general groundwater flow and proximity to known biosolid spreading sites as well as private well construction.

16) With the know PFAS contamination at MHLT elementary school, are there any plans on offering PFAS testing in that area? 

DNR Answer Not at this time. If PFAS Trust Fund money or other funding becomes available, grant money could become available for municipalities and/or counties to undertake PFAS sampling in targeted areas.

17) Does the DNR have an idea of when companies in Oneida County stopped using PFOA and PFOS?DNR Answer Not at this time.

OCCWA follow up questions from Town of Stella October 1st meeting

1a) The DNR sent questionnaire letters to past biosolid spreading entities in Oneida County asking detailed questions as to what PFAS products they used and when. What is the DNR hoping to determine from the questionnaire results?

DNR Answer The DNR seeks to better understand where PFAS-containing solid waste may be located or has been discharged.

1b) Has any progress been made with this investigation?

DNR Answer On Sept. 26, 2025, the DNR issued two Responsible Party letters. These letters are available on the Bureau of Remediation and Redevelopment Tracking System (BRRTs). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also has a website with information about the town of Stella.

1c) What if any benefits could there be to the town of Stella or Oneida County from this investigation?

DNR Answer A “responsible party” under the Spills Law and Wis. Admin. Code § NR 700.03(51) must follow applicable law to address the discharge of a hazardous substance to the environment or other environmental pollution. Wisconsin Stat. ch. 292 and Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 700-799 provide specific requirements for undertaking appropriate response actions to address contamination, including requirements for emergency and interim actions, public information, site investigations, remedy selection, design and operation of remedial action systems, and case closure.CERCLA, informally called Superfund, is a program through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows EPA to clean up contaminated sites. It also forces the parties responsible for the contamination to either perform cleanups or reimburse the government for EPA-led cleanup work.When there is no viable responsible party, Superfund gives EPA the funds and authority to clean up contaminated sites.

2.) Since the DNR adopted a biosolid interim strategy https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/PFAS/PFAS_BiosolidsInterimStrategy.pdf based on the state of Michigan's researched standards, and Michigan has since lowered their allowable PFAS number in biosolids, is the state of Wisconsin/DNR planning on following suit?

DNR Answer The department is currently working on updates to the interim strategy.

3.) Since the town of Stella's fields, surface water, and aquifers already have PFAS contamination above the state of Wisconsin's allowable levels, would it not be prudent to ban all spreading of biosolids in Stella regardless of their PFAS levels?

DNR Answer There are currently no state or federal standards for the allowable levels of PFAS in biosolids. There are also no state standards for PFAS in groundwater that could be used to determine protective levels of PFAS in biosolids. The department has developed the Interim Strategy for Land Application of Biosolids and Industrial Sludges Containing PFAS to help wastewater treatment facility operators make decisions on handling biosolids and industrial sludge that contains PFAS.

4a.) Can the DNR suspend (not permit) biosolid spreading in Stella?

DNR Answer No

4b.) If no, please give explanation

DNR Answer There are currently no state or federal standards for the allowable levels of PFAS in biosolids. There are also no state standards for PFAS in groundwater that could be used to determine protective levels of PFAS in biosolids. The department has developed the Interim Strategy for Land Application of Biosolids and Industrial Sludges Containing PFAS to help wastewater treatment facility operators make decisions on handling biosolids and industrial sludge that contains PFAS.

5.) Has the City of Rhinelander's waste treatment plant's biosolids been tested for PFAS, if so, what were the PFAS levels?

DNR Answer The City of Rhinelander recently shared results of PFAS testing they performed on their biosolids. The PFOS results were 43 ppb and the PFOA results were 4.6 ppb for a combined PFOS + PFOA concentration of 47.6 ppb.

6.) How many locations in Stella have received City of Rhinelander biosolid waste over the years?

DNR Answer Eight sites have been used by the City of Rhinelander in the Township of Stella between 1997 and 2011.

7.) Were any of the soil samples taken by the EPA from fields that had Rhinelander wastewater sourced biosolids spread?

DNR Answer Yes. We expect analytical results from this sampling event in early 2026.

8.) Are there any plans to request biosolid testing for PFAS from the Rhinelander waste treatment plant outside of their normal permit timeline requirement, much like was requested from the Ahlstrom Munksjo mill?

DNR Answer The City of Rhinelander has provided PFAS monitoring results for their biosolids.

9.a) Is Stella PFAS testing of water and soils limited to PFOA and PFOS?

DNR Answer No

9b.) If no can you share the other PFAS compounds sampled for each?

DNR Answer Analysis for PFAS in surface waters and soil is done using EPA method 1633A, which analyzes for 40 PFAS compounds.

10.) Most PFAS contamination in Wisconsin involves a small number of tightly spaced point sources. What additional challenges do you see where the contamination involves many dozens of point sources spread over a large area such as Stella/Oneida County?DNR Answer The DNR continues to prioritize a health-based approach by cutting off the exposure pathway, primarily through the provision of bottled water.

11.a) According to the September 2021 EPA multi-industry report: "As of July 2021, the four Ahlstrom-Munksjö Wisconsin facilities are applying coatings containing PFAS to impart oil and grease resistance to food service products. Has either DNR or EPA done any testing to determine whether past chemistry at those mills has caused a problem?

DNR Answer The DNR has not done this type of testing.

11b) Has DNR encountered any other situations where PFAS-contaminated paper mill waste has been spread on land?

DNR Answer The department has very limited historical data on PFAS concentrations in paper mill sludge. Results received since we started requiring monitoring in WPDES permits have indicated PFOS + PFOA concentrations less than 5 ppb for a very limited data set.

11c) Has DNR identified the other three Ahlstrom mills and determined whether any of them has land spread their waste?

DNR Answer There are currently 4 Ahlstrom Munksjo facilities with individual wastewater permits:· DePere (Brown County, NER) – WI-0001473 – No land application is allowed in the permit, wastewater is discharged only to the City of DePere.· Mosinee (Marathon County, WCR) – WI-0003671 – Land application is allowed in the permit, but biosolids are being incinerated or landfilled (per 3400-52 forms from 2019 through 2024). Annual PFAS sampling is required since 2024 whether land application occurs or not· Thilmany Road (Outagamie County, NER) – WI-0000825 – No land application is allowed in the permit, sludge is landfilled.· Rhinelander (Oneida County, NOR) – WI-0003026 – Currently land applies. Annual PFAS sampling is required since 2024.

12.) Is there an allowable limit for PFAS in soil as there is for drinking water?

DNR Answer The DNR establishes soil cleanup standards called residual contaminant levels (RCLs) that can assist in determining human health risk and establish if a soil cleanup or capping is needed to address the contamination. RCLs are calculated using U.S. EPA's regional screening level (RSL) web calculator and following the procedures in NR 720.12 for determining soil direct-contact RCLs protective of human health.

13.) Is there another source of funding available to the DNR to address Stella's PFAS issues outside of funding from a bill such as SB128? 

DNR Answer No, not at this time.If the funds are released by the legislature, Wisconsin's PFAS Trust Fund could be utilized by local communities to conduct additional sampling and continue to gather more information about the community-specific impacts. It could also be used to support beneficial activities that would disrupt exposure to PFAS – whether additional resources for clean water or different agricultural interventions and beyond.

Clarification Questions on Enforcement Discretion Policy

1) Could you Please clarify what is meant by WDNR Enforcement Discretion Policy?

2) Is there actually a policy or is it just language in NR 700? 

3) Is Memo: PFAS Enforcement Discretion for Farmers considered a policy or just an interpretation of NR 700?

4) What weight does a memo such as this carry, and can the position be altered at a later date? 

DNR Answer Questions 1 thru 4 The DNR has not and does not intend to pursue farmers [Memo: PFAS Enforcement Discretion for Farmers] who own agricultural land for response actions or costs related to unintentional PFAS contamination resulting from permitted land spreading. The DNR will continue to work with communities and stakeholders to determine whether and how additional enforcement discretion may be applied.

 By Eric Rempala October 12, 2025- On October 1st the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDHS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed up at the Stella Town Hall to address the PFAS contamination in the town. The town hall meeting was the fourth for the WDNR in Stella, the second for the WDHS and the first for the EPA since the WDNR's discovery of PFAS in the town in July of 2022.

The organizer of the event was the Stella Town Chairman Casey Crump. Mr. Crump stated that he organized the meeting as a private citizen not as the town chairman and explained he was not representing the town or the town board. No reason was given as to why the Stella Town Board could not come to a consensus on hosting the PFAS town hall. Organizing a meeting of this magnitude and importance to the town of Stella and its residents is no small feat. We at OCCWA commend Mr. Crump for his efforts.

It is important to note, that neither of the town of Stella's State legislators, Representative Swearingen or Senator Felzkowski were present. OCCWA having three members present, also did not recognize any Oneida County Board members in attendance.

WDNR

WDNR's NR Region Program Manager Mark Pauli who is based out of Rhinelander has been on the ground in Stella since the discovery of PFAS and spoke to the process during the meeting. Mark has been involved with residents receiving bottled water, DNR funded well testing, and advising property owners how to replace their wells including applying for grant monies from the state. Updates provided at the meeting Town of Stella - public meeting slides - Oct. 1, 2025 were shared by Mark and included:

Private Well Sampling as of June 20, 2025, 

241 private wells have been sampled for PFAS 

Breakdown of results:

• PFAS detected above DHS’ recommended health guidelines: 88 private wells
• PFAS detected below DHS’ recommended health guidelines: 39 private wells  
• No detection for PFAS: 114 private wells 

Well Type of 88 Private Wells Over DHS’ Recommended Health Guidelines: 

•  16 point 
•  27 sand and gravel 
•  25 bedrock 
•  20 unknown 

Assistance To the Community 

29 awards to impacted homeowners in Town of Stella 

• 25 replacement wells 
• 4 treatment systems Award activities 
• 25 projects have completed work and submitted for reimbursement 
• 4 projects are active 
• 3 projects are under review 

Well Success Stories 22 wells have been installed utilizing the  Town of Stella well recommendation 

• 8 wells have no detection of PFAS 
• 11 wells significantly reduced initial PFAS  levels 
• 3 wells had additional treatment installed

WDNR Wastewater Engineer-Adv Fred Hegeman stated that the PFAS is an emerging contaminant and is a legacy issue. To no one's surprise he confirmed that PFAS was contained in biosolids and industrial sludges spread on the landscape. Mr. Hegeman explained that Wisconsin PFAS regulations have been in the works at the state level for quite some time but are not expected to be finalized perhaps for years. In the meantime, the DNR has a biosolid interim strategy based mostly from PFAS studies performed by the state of Michigan. The interim strategy can be viewed here: Interim Strategy for Land Application of Biosolids Containing PFAS 

 WDNR Field Operations Director Trevor Nobile revealed that the WDNR has identified responsible parties to the Stella PFAS contamination. Once again, to no one's surprise responsible party letters were sent to Rhinelander paper mills former owner Wausau Paper and its current owner Ahlstrom Rhinelander. The responsible party letters and entire well testing results for the town of Stella can be found on the DNR's BRRTS site at: RR BOTW | Wisconsin DNR  An excerpt from the responsible party letters states:

 
“the Spills Law  charges the DNR with ensuring that responsible parties fulfill their statutory duties to investigate and remediate  discharges ‘to restore the environment to the extent practicable’ and to ‘minimize the harmful effects of it."

For those of you who have been following OCCWA's coverage of PFAS contamination in our county and the state of Wisconsin, you will know that for years now the Wisconsin Spills law has been under attack. The Wisconsin Spills Law was challenged originally in a lawsuit by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce which in the end failed. A quote from a Wisconsin Examiner article Pro-polluter PFAS bill would leave taxpayers holding the bag • Wisconsin Examiner

 
"Groups representing the interests of PFAS polluters have long sought to undermine the Spills Law. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce is currently suing the state to prevent it from using the Spills Law to require polluters to clean up PFAS contamination."

The Legislature also got involved with trying to weaken the Spills Law with 2024 Senate Bill 312 and now 2025 Senate Bill 128. Both bills call for changing responsible party language in the Spills Law. A quote from the same Wisconsin Examiner article stated:

"During the budget process, Sen. Eric Wimberger introduced SB 312, the PFAS funding bill with no funding. The bill was sold as legislation that would spend the $125 million, but it contained no provisions to release any funds for helping communities. Instead, Sen. Wimberger’s bill created loopholes in the state’s toxic Spills Law that favored PFAS polluters. This drew criticism from leaders in Marinette, Wausau, French Island, and other communities affected by PFAS contamination. They did not want legislators to use state taxpayer funds as leverage to pass a bill that would exempt PFAS polluters from responsibility and exacerbate their problems."

Questions were asked from residents about the recent WDNR/WDHS fish and deer consumptions advisories for the area around Stella. The WDNR did answer a few questions on the subject but cited the purpose of the Stella meeting was to address town of Stella PFAS concerns. The WDNR stated that previous to the meeting they had agreed to arrange a separate meeting with the Moen Chain Lakes Association to discuss the fish and deer advisory with date and location for that meeting yet to be determined.

EPA

EPA representative Erica Aultz was on hand to elaborate on the progress of determining if the town of Stella would qualify for being designated a Superfund site and being listed on the National Priorities List (NPL). From the EPA's Stella website Stella Township PFAS Contamination | US EPA :

• The Stella Township PFAS Contamination site will move forward in the Site Assessment evaluation process.   
• EPA made this decision based on data from a recently completed site inspection with WDNR. Soil, groundwater, and sediment at the site have PFAS levels more than three times the background levels, or typical levels found in the area. 
• Visit the link to the complete site inspection. 
• The next step is to continue evaluation under the Expanded Site Inspection stage (also known as a Site Reassessment in the figure). This evaluation will address data gaps for a possible Hazard Ranking System Package. 

A quote from a WXPR Katie Thoreson article Wisconsin DNR names two responsible parties in Stella PFAS contamination | WXPR

"The EPA is in the early stages of determining if the area qualifies for the National Priorities List—which could eventually assist in cleaning up contamination. But EPA National Priorities List Coordinator Erica Aultz cautioned it is a years-long process. “I cannot guarantee this. This is why it says tentative. We do not guarantee National Priorities List inclusion, and this is tentatively projected in 2027,” said Aultz."

WDHS

WDHS's Nathan Kloczko was on hand to share updates and information. It appeared that not much has changed for recommendations from the DHS as far as blood or urine testing. Checking with one's health care professional seems to be the recommended avenue for residents who fear they have been affected by PFAS. More information on PFAS from the WDHS can be found at: Chemicals: Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Substances | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

OCCWA occasional contributor and longtime Northwoods reporter Beckie Gaskill, covered the Stella meeting with a compelling must-read article in  The Northwoods River News . 

A quote from the article shared WDHS's Nathan Kloczko comments:

"While there are some health effects that are linked to PFAS, Nathan Kloczko of Wisconsin DHS, it was not possible to tell each and every person what health issues they would definitely have if there were certain levels of certain PFAS in their bodies. If residents wanted to know the levels of various PFAS in their bodies, tests are available, and residents could ask their health care providers for those tests. However, he reiterated that a certain level of a certain compound did not necessarily equate to any specific health malady. The lack of PFAS in a person’s system, though, could lead to a certain peace of mind. Still, he said it would be up to each person whether they felt the need to have their blood or urine tested by their doctor." 

Dr. Schultz

Last but not least of the speakers was Amy Schultz PhD, MS, Environmental Epidemiologist, University of Wisconsin-Madison. As you may recall from previous OCCWA articles, Dr. Schultz has been attempting to acquire a National Institute of Health (NIH) grant to study PFAS health effects on the residents of Stella. Part of the study would include residents being paid to have their blood tested. The blood test results would be used as an aggregate number and personal blood tests would be shared only by mail with the participant.

During the meeting Dr. Schultz covered what her study would consist of and how it would be administered. The residents on hand at the meeting found Dr. Schultz very open and engaging and asked her many health-related questions. Dr. Schultz has agreed to share more details of her latest NIH grant study proposal with OCCWA and we hope to have a specific post up in short order. In the meantime, we are sharing portions of DR. Schultz's NIH grant proposal Fact Sheet.

What are the Goals?

• Test PFAS in people’s blood and in their environment at two time points, two years apart.
  
• Identify what the primary pathways of exposure are. This will let us know how people can reduce their exposure moving forward.

• Understand how people’s exposure to PFAS is changing over time. Is it decreasing, increasing, or staying the same? What factors are linked to decreasing exposure?
  
• Understand how PFAS exposure may affect cholesterol or other lipids in the blood. This may be a way PFAS lead to health problems. Scientists can work on treatments once they better understand what PFAS do in the body.
  

What are the benefits?

• Free PFAS testing.
  
• Knowledge about your exposure levels.
  
• Helping your community advocate for resources and protections.
  
• Receive $70 for blood draw and interview; $25 for household sample collection.
   

By Eric Rempala July 17, 2025- OCCWA's involvement in Wisconsin's PFAS problem was born of our members dedication to protecting clean water and following our Mission Statement.

"OCCWA advocates non-partisan responsible representation at the local and state government levels for protecting our greatest in the Northwoods: our pristine waters, wetlands, forests and clean air."

The History

When I first came to be a member of Oneida County Clean Waters Action (OCCWA) in 2019, the group did not cover PFAS contamination. OCCWA at the time was fledgling organization with its roots firmly planted in metallic mining issues of the day, namely the Lynne Deposit. At that time the only known PFAS contamination in Oneida County was that of the City of Rhinelander's municipal wells. Honestly, it was a relief to our group that there was a Facebook group Water Action Team of Rhinelander (WATR) that was tracking the Rhinelander problem as we were in no position to be of much help, but always in the back of my mind I wondered if we should dive in.

 
Well things settled down, Rhinelander closed the contaminated wells and provided water from their remaining 3 wells. Of course, reducing well capacity by 40% was a story as well as where did the PFAS come from, but PFAS was at least removed from the system. The WATR Facebook page slowly became less active as several years passed with the Facebook page's last meaningful post made in July of 2022.

 
Suddenly, in December of 2022 high concentrations of PFAS were discovered by the WDNR in the town of Stella and everything changed for the town, the county, and OCCWA. Despite having a small membership and accepting no money, we knew we could not ignore this ominous issue and remain true to our mission statement. So, we jumped in headfirst and did our best to get up to speed and provide as much information to affected residents. PFAS research was done, other groups with more PFAS experience were contacted, and many conversations with DNR personnel were had. We also leaned heavily in our education process on non-profit environmental organizations, also known as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's).

The Present

Fast forward 3 years which included a very steep learning curve and many formal and informal meetings, our members put OCCWA in a position to be invited to a statewide coalition addressing PFAS. On June 5th our organization participated in a PFAS summit meeting hoping to share and learn and advocate for our county's residents affected by PFAS.  This coalition is a most effective combination of Wisconsin Environmental Groups, local community groups, and citizens.  We are proud to work with these dedicated people and thank them for all their efforts on this important issue. Wisconsin's Greenfire, a member of this coalition, provided their report of the summit. (See Photo)

"On June 4-5, 2025, Wisconsin’s Green Fire participated in the first in-person summit of the statewide PFAS coalition. As you may know, PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These “forever chemicals” are common in many household and industrial products but are known to contaminate drinking water in some areas of Wisconsin. This coalition of groups working on PFAS typically meets virtually each week. It includes many conservation organizations including WGF, advocacy groups, faith groups, and others from around Wisconsin. The representatives from WGF at the summit were John Robinson, Chair of our Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) Work Group, and Paul Heinen, WGF’s Policy Director.

Attendees came from Marinette to La Crosse, Peshtigo to Stella, and many other cities, towns and villages. We convened at Rib Mountain State Park to share experiences and stories of the work to clean up PFAS in their communities. Some are local officials, some are heads of local citizens groups and other are moms and dads with kids who need clean water to drink.

Many of the attendees have been working for seven or more years to get the needed funding for their hometown’s cleanups. In the meantime, they are drinking bottled water and teaching their children to avoid the taps in their homes. They have been working with a cadre of lobbyists, including Paul Heinen, to convince the Legislature to write protective standards covering this forever pollutant and have come to Madison numerous times to tell their story and lobby their representatives.

Wisconsin’s Green Fire’s CEC Work Group has been supplying the statewide group with the science, regulatory and policy information needed to address the PFAS problem. We will continue to work together until we solve the problem of PFAS in Wisconsin for all people living, working and visiting Wisconsin."

Why NGOs are important

The most prominent NGOs involved in this PFAS coalition are Wisconsin Conservation Voters, Midwest Environmental Advocates, Wisconsin's Greenfire, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. These groups provide so much to organizations such as us at OCCWA, but also to affected communities like Stella, Marinette, French Island, Madison and Milwaukee.

These NGOs with financial resources from donors provide environmental studies and help organize and educate citizens and lesser funded local groups. They employ lawyers to help understand legal issues including state legislation. They also lobby in Madison emphasizing environmental issues. Rember, Industries spend millions lobbying on their behalf, but who's there for the little guy? Though many expect our elected officials to represent our concerns in Madison, too often poor public canvasing and partisan politics get in the way. NGOs provide expertise on specific issues and are another path to educate and influence decisionmakers in the state. This kind of work is not financially possible for groups such as OCCWA.

Smaller Groups matter too

OCCWA falls into the smaller group category along with groups such Save Our Water (SOH2O), Citizens for Clean Water Around Badger, and Clean Water Action Council of NE Wisconsin. These groups, along with affected citizens share a local perspective with the coalition. No two PFAS contaminations are identical. It's important to share ideas, experiences and information for the coalition to be more effective. 

One Group in particular, SOH2O from Marinette/Peshtigo have been dealing with PFAS for over seven years now. With that kind of time invested and no solution yet in sight frustration builds, but also expertise grows. SOH2O's website is incredible! So much information! Information that all affected communities can use. Information that OCCWA would love to supply on our website but lack the resources to do.  This is where this coalition pays another of its many, dividends.

SOH2O's website provides links and resources to look for help and get more information. They explain the many forms of PFAS contamination and provide excellent answers to health questions. They offer tool kits, DNR links, guides on filtration systems and more. More importantly they welcome anyone interested to visit their site and take advantage of all they offer for free! 

Visit Save Our Water at:  S.O.H2O | PFAS advocacy group

Conclusion

For all the reasons mentioned above and many more, we at OCCWA are proud to be a small part of this coalition. We want to let those affected in our county know that there are people outside of elected officials, that are working for them. We hope that with these combined efforts, that the State of Wisconsin will move forward with a plan to ensure no citizen will have to drink and bathe in PFAS contaminated water. 

Posted September 4, 2025- WDNR set new fish and deer consumption advisories for Town of Stella and surrounding water bodies.

Below is an excerpt from the WDNR's updated fish and deer consumption advisory released on September 4th.

"Fish Consumption Advisory 

The DNR and DHS have issued a “Do Not Eat” PFAS-based consumption advisory for all fish species from the Moen Chain of Lakes (including Moen Lake, Second Lake, Third Lake, Fourth Lake, Fifth Lake), Sunset Lake, Starks Creek (upstream to and including Starks Spring) and Snowden Lake.  

Fish were collected from the Moen Lake Chain and Snowden Lake in a sampling effort for contaminant monitoring. Results from these sampling efforts showed elevated levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a type of PFAS, in the tissue of all fish sampled from these waterbodies.   

Based on this and new consumption guidelines developed to reflect emerging science on PFOS, the DNR and DHS are recommending an updated advisory for the Moen Lake Chain and new advisories for Snowden Lake, Sunset Lake and Starks Creek upstream to Starks Spring.    

Deer Consumption Advisory 

The DNR and DHS have also issued new PFAS-based guidance for the consumption of deer harvested within a 5-mile radius of the Town of Stella's town hall. The new guidance for consuming muscle tissue from harvested deer in this area is one meal per month, and “Do Not Eat” for liver.  

Due to the community's high interest in PFAS contamination near the Town of Stella, the DNR asked hunters within a 3-mile radius to donate muscle and liver samples from their harvests during the 2024 hunting season. A total of 11 deer were sampled, and the results were analyzed by the DNR and the DHS. 

Testing showed elevated PFAS levels in the muscle (venison) of deer harvested from this area. Because of these findings, the DNR and DHS have issued a one-meal-per-month PFAS-based consumption advisory for deer muscle (venison) in a 5-mile radius around the Town of Stella's town hall. 

Sampling results also showed significant PFAS levels in deer liver tissues. The liver filters chemicals from the blood, and some chemicals, like PFAS, can accumulate in the liver over time. These findings suggest that eating liver from deer in this area is likely to result in significant PFAS exposure. DHS and DNR recommend people not eat liver harvested from deer within the advisory area. 

Following fish and wildlife consumption advisories will help protect you from consuming PFAS-contaminated tissue, which can cause the chemicals to accumulate in the body. A complete list of up-to-date fish consumption advisories can be found in the Choose Wisely booklet. More information on safe deer consumption can be found on the DNR’s Safely Eating Venison webpage." 

More information may be found at:  DNR And DHS Issue New PFAS-Based Consumption Advisories For Fish And Deer Near Town Of Stella And Surrounding Waterbodies In Oneida County | Wisconsin DNR 

Also, you can visit:  PFAS Contamination in the Town of Stella and Oneida County | | Wisconsin DNR 

By Kathleen Cooper December 17, 2024- 

In spite of the continued lack of interest in the health of Wisconsinites that have been impacted by PFAS by our state legislators (who have been withholding funds budgeted for PFAS mitigation for the past year and a half), OCCWA has good news that has nothing to do with our state government. Amy Schultz, a scientist at UW Department of Population Health Sciences and Epidemiology Senior Data Scientist, contacted OCCWA for introductions to the Oneida County Health Department and the people in Stella.

   Dr. Schultz is in the process of writing a grant submission to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a community-based research project to quantify human PFAS exposure and community-level risk for the residents of Stella. As previously stated on the OCCWA website, the Town of Stella was found to have the highest PFAS levels in their groundwater, and consequently in their private wells, of anywhere in Wisconsin. This study will consist of a community-based participatory research approach which will recruit interested Stella residents, who consent to have blood samples taken to detect PFAS levels in their bodies. Dr. Schultz has proposed setting up a 12-day phlebotomy clinic at a community site in Stella where residents will have blood drawn to test for PFAS levels, a test that would normally cost $400-$600. Residents who agree to have their blood tested (for free) will be paid $40. Individual results will be shared with the volunteer participants via mail, and aggregate results will be shared at the Stella Town Hall, in keeping with the privacy of the participants. After the blood tests are completed, 40 participants who had the highest PFAS blood levels will be offered an at-home visit where PFAS levels will be tested in their home environment. These at-home participants will be paid an additional $20.

   The purpose of this study is to learn of human exposure to PFAS and PAP’s (which are newer chemicals intended to eventually replace PFAS), to learn of community level risks in Stella compared to the general population, to learn of PFAS in garden and outdoor soil and household dust, and to learn of additional ways to limit exposure.

   Participation is optional, but the study is seeking 160 people to participate. These participants will receive updates regularly or as requested, of the findings and final report. Interested participants will be offered the opportunity to serve on the Stella Study’s Advisory Board, guaranteeing local involvement.

   This study has limited scope and outreach, but once completed can open the way for additional studies, both locally and statewide, so that we can finally understand the scope of the problem of PFAS contamination, the health consequences of high blood PFAS levels, and possibly may persuade our state legislators to finally release the state funding that they have budgeted for PFAS testing/remediation. Perhaps they will even allocate more money in the next budget session! I know, I am a serial optimist, but I can dream, right?

   Many thanks to Dr. Amy Schultz for her interest in and compassion for the rural residents of our state. Also thank you to our Oneida County Board of Health Committee for being proactive on this matter. Last but certainly not least, we at OCCWA would like to acknowledge committee member and Stella resident William (Casey) Crump for his valuable input and commitment to his community on this issue.

Link to Power Point presentation of study overview- https://uwmadison.box.com/shared/static/3jhvxsiev01zm8jp5niaolxhy73iedb2.pdf

Related OCCWA Q&A with Wisconsin DHS following May 1st Stella PFAS meeting 

After the May 1st meeting presented by the Wisconsin DNR and Wisconsin DHS addressing the Stella PFAS contamination, OCCWA asked a few questions we felt were not addressed. The questions asked are directly related to the current proposed study. Those questions and answers are posted below.

• Question- Does the DHS recommend residents of Stella to have their blood tested for PFAS?
  • DHS Answer- DHS does not currently broadly recommend blood testing for PFAS. Blood PFAS levels do not give actionable data yet—for now, we can only compare levels to national averages, we cannot estimate risks for any specific health effects. If individuals are concerned, they can talk with their healthcare providers about whether blood testing would be appropriate—ATSDR has factsheets that address this for both residents and clinicians.
• Question- Is there any financial assistance from the DHS or the State of Wisconsin for blood testing?
  • DHS Answer- DHS does not have funding available to support blood testing at this time.
• Question- Does the DHS recommend cancer screenings and what level of PFAS exposure warrants it?
  • DHS Answer- DHS recommends that all Wisconsin residents follow recommended cancer screenings, regardless of PFAS exposure.  At this point, DHS is not recommending additional screenings.
• Question- Does the DHS or any federal agency plan on any historical medical comparisons of Stella residents to non PFAS contaminated communities.
  • DHS Answer- There are not currently plans or resources to investigate a medical comparison. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has conducted some health and exposure studies nationwide and has information available on their website.
• Question- Has the DHS studied AMA tracking of PFAS related illnesses in Oneida County and how they rank historically statewide?
  • DHS Answer- DHS does not have the resources available to conduct an investigation into health impacts/illnesses at this time.

 OCCWA Commentary: In three of the five DHS answers they reference " do not have the resources" (money) or "does not have funding available" (money). This in a state with a $4.6 billion budget surplus and a $1.9 billion rainy day fund. Oh, and by the way, for the last year and a half the legislature can't seem to find a way to release the measly $120 million dollars for PFAS relief for impacted citizens across the state. Though extremely grateful for any beneficial information garnered from the Stella proposed study, one has to ask, what are our legislators thinking?

By Eric Rempala August 28, 2024- In recent conversations with several local DNR agents OCCWA was updated on the results of this summer's DNR testing activity in Stella.

Results from expanded surface water testing and newly drilled well tests are provided below. Bear in mind the testing so far has concentrated on the Stella area and any expanded testing to other parts of our county continue to be delayed by the Joint Finance Committee's blocking of designated state PFAS funding. One wonders when large corporation dollars rather than our tax dollars will be spent to clean up contamination they are responsible for. That my friends, is a story for another day.

  The Wisconsin DNR shared their expanded Stella area PFAS surface water test results with OCCWA in map form (See Photo at right) These most recent test results are public record but not yet posted on the DNR/Stella website page. The DNR expects the results will be posted on their Stella PFAS page  PFAS Contamination in the Town of Stella | | Wisconsin DNR as soon as their IT department processes them, but no timeline was given. Expanding the photo provided on your device should make viewing easier. You can also visit the DNR/Stella website to access previous surface water tests Stella and Rhinelander Surface Water PFAS Testing - Maps and Tables (wisconsin.gov)  , and start to put together a bigger view of the Stella area surface water PFAS picture.

   Though the map accounts for only PFOA and PFOS, two of the most prolific and oldest forms of PFAS, the DNR actually tested for 34 forms of PFAS which they provided in chart form which is also public record. Since the town of Stella contamination is most likely legacy contamination from many years of land spreading, one would suspect that the highest numbers discovered would be PFOA/ PFOS. 

  Water bodies that tested below State Water Standards (GOOD) for PFAS are Jennie Webber Creek @ Cross County DR, Jennie Webber Creek @ Roosevelt RD, North Pine Lake Creek, Lily Bass Lake, Tom Doyle Creek, Jennie Webber Lake, Skunk Creek @ River Road, Pine Lake Creek @ Forest Lane, Shepard Creek @ Timber Lane, Gudagest Creek 50 ft above Moen, Del Stengl Lake, Lela Creek, Gutagest Creek @ Spafford Road, Starks Springs Outlet, Starks Creek Downstream of Starks Spring, Angelo Lake Creek @ Tenderfoot Road, and an unnamed water body south of Starks Springs Outlet.

  Water bodies tested over State Water Standards for PFOS are Starks Creek Downstream of Starks Springs, Unnamed Spring Run south of Starks Springs, and Sunset Lake.

   Water Bodies tested over State Water Standards for PFOA are Jewel Creek, and Sunset Lake.

   One important point to consider is that these new test results are only from surface water testing. To assume groundwater in the areas tested are free of PFAS would be a mistake. Only groundwater testing and well water testing will determine the safety of those water sources.

   Along with providing the results of this summer's tests the DNR offered an initial assessment of the results.

DNR initial assessment:

 "The major finding so far, confirmed from last year, is that the PFAS contamination in surface water appears to be confined in the waterbodies directly surrounding the Stella area where the high PFOA and PFOS values were initially found in private wells. Those waterbodies are Starks Cr, Snowden Lake, the Moen Chain of Lakes, Twin Lakes Creek, North Branch of the Pelican River and downstream of where the North Brach of Pelican River into the Pelican River. As mentioned in the town hall meeting in early May, we know that the general groundwater flow in this area is in a south and west direction, towards the Wisconsin River. Our general thought at this point is that it appears to be reaching these surface waters but doesn’t appear to be reaching surface water beyond the Moen Chain. For example, notice the low PFAS concentrations in lakes Thompson and George from 2023.

  The main effort of 2024 was to expand the area sampled to the North and West and get a few additional samples around Stella/Starks that we didn’t sample in 2023. The areas around Jennie Webber and Tom Doyle are low, which is good news. We had public comment and are aware of the old paper plant landfill south of Jennie Webber Lake, and don’t see indications of PFAS coming from the landfill into surface water.  Sunset Lake had the highest concentrations of PFOA and PFOS, which is unfortunate, although not too surprising since it’s close to Snowden and directly connected to Starks Creek, which were shown have very high PFAS concentrations in 2023. The high PFOA value at Jewel Cr, slightly above the PFOA surface water standard of 95 ng/L, appears to be unique to the creek itself although the PFOA concentration is elevated in Jennie Weber Cr downstream of the Jewel Cr confluence."

  The DNR recommends using the DNR PFAS Interactive Viewer at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/PFAS/DataViewer where the latest test results have been entered. Simply click on the link and select " Launch PFAS Interactive Viewer".

WDNR shares latest results of expanded well testing in the town of Stella.

 Below are the results provided by the DNR for the expanded PFAS testing in Stella. If you recall the DNR earlier expanded the free well testing zone in Stella by an extra half mile circumference. These results are for the expanded area only. We have not been informed of any more expansion of testing at this time. No details as to what these results indicate have been shared.

  It bears repeating that the DNR has been extremely transparent with OCCWA on all inquiries made. Also remember the DNR resources (money) for PFAS remediation has been blocked for over a year by the legislature with no release in site.

DNR Results for expanded 2.5 to 3.0 miles area:

As of August 7, 2024:

116 Offer letters sent to part-time and full-time residents

35 Letters sent to residents that didn’t respond to the initial mailing, one more additional mailing will occur

17 letters sent to residents from 2.5 to 3.0 miles that paid for their testing and provided the results to the department.  Offer of:  resample or reimburse.

69 sampling kits picked-up

62 sampling kits received at the laboratory

57 private well sample results

• 7 Health Advisory Letters issued
• 11 wells with PFAS detected below DHS recommended health guidelines (20 ng/L for PFOA+PFOS)
• 39 wells with no PFAS detected
• 
  

 OCCWA questions on results from newly drilled wells.

1) How many wells have been drilled in Stella using DNR recommended drilling method? (Deep wells drilled into bedrock with cement plug) 

    ANSWER- To date we have analytical results for 15 ARPA well installations.

 2)What percentage of new wells tested at zero PFAS detection?

    ANSWER- 7 of 15 or roughly 47%

 3)What Percentage of new wells tested at PFAS levels that can be filtered economically?       

    ANSWER- 8 of 15 or roughly 53%

 4) Did any new wells result in PFAS levels that would still require high-cost filtration?

    ANSWER- No wells or 0% The highest level treated to date is 2,500 ng/L with two units in series.  The post treatment sample indicated 2.7 ng/L (PFOA).

One Point, OCCWA does not believe that 2,500 ng/l would fall under low-cost treatment options. Of course, one's interpretation of cost varies. We hope to have a better idea of the cost involved to filter 2,500 ng/l soon. 

  Again, we at OCCWA thank the DNR for their transparency responding to our questions. We have shared these results with the Oneida County Conservation and UW Extension Committee and expect discussion under their standing PFAS agenda item in the September meeting.

By Eric Rempala May 2, 2024- OCCWA attended the May 1st combined Wisconsin DHS and DNR presentation hosted by Oneida County's Department of Health. The presentation covered recent PFAS developments in the town of Stella and included a public Q&A session. The meeting took place at Rhinelander's James Williams Middle School rather than Stella Town Hall due crowding concerns. Attendance at the presentation was estimated at 100 attendees of which most were Stella residents.

  The Wisconsin Department of Health Services led off the presentation with general information of what PFAS are and the health hazards that ingesting them can cause. The DHS emphasized ingestion was main culprit of PFAS accumulation in the body. The DHS dismissed concerns about PFAS entering the body through skin absorption. Stella specific handouts and a link p03610.pdf (wisconsin.gov) for more information and contacts were shared. Guidance for drinking water, fish consumption, gardening, and surface water recreation, were included in both.

  Next up was the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. A good portion of the DNR's time was spent sharing promising results from recent well drilling in Stella. The new deeper wells have been testing clean or at a low enough level where filtering is effective. Multiple property owners have drilled new deeper wells using the DNR recommended method.

  The recommended method uses the pouring of a concrete 20 ft plug at the top of the bedrock layer which helps separate the lower bedrock aquifer from the upper ground gravel/sand aquifer. The reason being is that ground aquifers have higher PFAS levels, and you don't want them to contaminate the cleaner bedrock aquifers below.

  The DNR also revealed that they are expanding the Stella free testing circle to 3 miles. Property owners in the expanded area should look for a DNR offer letter to arrive by June. If an owner chooses to accept the free testing, they can receive a test kit from the DNR's Rhinelander Service Center by presenting their letter. The Service Center address is 107 Sutliff Ave.

  Also addressed were multiple questions from Stella residents asking if the septage spreading around Starks is a factor contributing to the PFAS problem.  The DNR representative dismissed that concern stating that septage pumped from a homeowner's septic tank would not have severe PFAS contamination as might biosolid/sludge from an industrial site or wastewater treatment plan.

  The DNR briefly discussed their Superfund Preliminary Assessment application (See our February 16 post). Federal Superfund designation would bring federal tax dollar assistance to help address the contamination. By no means is the application a guarantee that the Superfund designation would be applied, but the Stella contamination level may well score high to qualify. This application process and designation would most likely take years to finalize.

  There was also discussion on whether the DNR certified biosolid spreading records in Oneida County could help lead to discovering other potential PFAS contamination in county. Stella is not the only town biosolids were spread in Oneida County. The problem with using the records is that since PFAS was not determined to be hazardous when the applications were made, it will be difficult now to determine which applications actually had high PFAS contamination. To address this issue the DNR is sending questionnaire letters to all past biosolid spreading entities asking detailed questions as to what products they used and when, to try and determine which applications would be a concern. This is no small endeavor and will take an undetermined amount of time.

  The DNR had no less than six or seven representatives on hand for this presentation. Representatives were from Oneida County as well as Madison. We at OCCWA have the highest regard for the DNR's commitment and the work they have done so far. They have been professional and extremely helpful in all our groups interactions. We would ask residents of Oneida County to consider the difficult process that lies ahead. During the meeting, the statement was made that this "will be a long slog". There will be many years of investigation and remediation before we can put this issue behind us.

 The DNR representatives emphasized they are available to answer any and all citizens concerns. To that point, a specific Stella Questions phone number has been established 888 626-0605 along with a specific email address Dnrstellapfas@wisconsin.gov  We were told these contacts will be monitored daily.

  OCCWA would like to acknowledge the Oneida County Health Department for the tremendous job they did in relocating the presentation site and facilitating the meeting. As for local government, Oneida County supervisors attending the presentation were Lenore Lopez, Steven Schreier, and Collette Sorgel. Sadly, no State Legislators were in attendance to our knowledge.

Must Read WXPR Coverage 

Once again Katie Thoresen hits it out of the park with her coverage! I can't emphasize enough how valuable Katie and WXPR are to this community.  DNR: Initial new well installations look to be successful in treating PFAS contamination in Stella | WXPR 

Helpful Links

Oneida County Health Department presentation link Water Quality – Oneida County Public Health Department (oneidacountywi.gov)

American Rescue Plan Act well replacement flyer  ARPAFlier.pdf (wisconsin.gov)

Wisconsin Department of Health Services PFAS link Chemicals: Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Substances | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources PFAS Contamination in the Town of Stella | | Wisconsin DNR

Update by Eric Rempala October 11, 2023- We are sharing the DNR's recent surface water tests results posted on 10/9. Here is the DNR quote " The DNR sampled additional waterbodies in the Town of Stella area for PFAS in mid-August, and sampling results are now available. Results show that lakes Second, Fourth and Fifth in the Moen chain of lakes, as well as Twin Lakes Creek have levels of PFAS above Wisconsin’s surface water standards. PFAS were also detected in lakes Thompson, George and Stella, but were at levels lower than the surface water standard and similar to many other waterbodies around the state."  

  I think the DNR statement speaks for itself, some good news and some bad. Here is the link to DNR map with test results  Stella and Rhinelander Surface Water PFAS Testing - Maps and Tables (wisconsin.gov) 

 Just a reminder that the Oneida County Board of Health Committee has PFAS as an agenda item on October 16th at 10am, meeting link has yet to be posted on the county website.

 By Eric Rempala September 13, 2023- Recent WDNR testing of Rhinelander's paper mill sludge are in and the results are promising. As we stated in a previous article, Ahlstrom Munksjo who provided the sludge sample, acquired the mill several years ago and may not be responsible for the PFAS issue in Stella. As originally suspected by residents, but not yet determined by the DNR, the PFAS issue in Stella could well be a legacy pollution issue stemming back to previous mill owners. To be clear, there has been no determination of the PFAS source by the DNR as of yet. 

  OCCWA found the test results  Ahlstrom Munksjo PFAS Sludge Sample Set Report (wisconsin.gov) a bit confusing, so we contacted the DNR for clarification. Provided is the DNR response. 

"The PFOS results are the results listed under Perfluoro-n-octane sulfonic acid (1.67 ng/g).  PFOA results are those listed under Perfluoro-n-octanoic acid (0.342 ng/g).

There are currently no limits in state or federal code pertaining to biosolids for any PFAS chemicals for the Department to compare the results to.  The Department does have an Interim Strategy for Land Application of Biosolids Containing PFAS (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/PFAS/PFAS_BiosolidsInterimStrategy.pdf).  This document is intended to assist municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities in making decisions in how they handle biosolids containing PFAS (specifically PFOS and PFOA) based on the best information the Department has at this time.  While the Ahlstrom paper mill sludge is regulated as an industrial sludge under ch. NR 214, Wis. Adm. Code as opposed to municipal biosolids which are regulated under ch. NR 204, Wis. Adm. Code, you can see that the concentration of PFOS and PFOA would not result in any suggested restrictions in land application.  

Michigan has collected a lot of data on PFAS concentrations in municipal biosolids.  They found the median PFOS concentration of all 162 WWTPs they sampled was 8.25 ppb and the average was 14.39 ppb.  The Ahlstrom sample had a PFOS concentration of 1.67 ppb which is significantly below the median and average.  Ahlstrom has indicated on its website that it has switched to a fluorine free product.  The Department is not aware of when this change occurred.  The Department is not aware of and has not been provided any PFAS results from samples taken before this recent sample which the Department collected.

The EPA is currently developing a risk assessment to better understand the potential public health and ecological risks associated with PFAS in land-applied biosolids.  This information will be used by the department and EPA to inform decisions on the need to regulate biosolids."

 I would be remiss at this time to not acknowledge the DNR for their quick response as well as their professionalism in answering all questions posed by OCCWA.

  One point to clarify from the DNR statement. It appears Michigan has been way ahead of Wisconsin on PFAS testing, taking positive action as far back as 2021.   Land Application of Biosolids Containing PFAS Interim Strategy (michigan.gov) Are our Wisconsin legislators not as interested in protecting water quality as Michigan's? Let's hope not, but it's a legitimate question as our local legislators have in the past opposed public opinion on mining as well as Pelican River Forest.

  We would also like to share WXPR's Katie Thoresen's coverage of the DNR sludge testing results.  Rhinelander papermill sludge testing shows low PFAS levels | WXPR  As we have stated before WXPR and in particular Katie, have done a fantastic job covering this local issue.

 A couple of points to be considered going forward. Where did the PFAS contamination come from? If the contamination in fact came from past mill spreading, where else was that sludge spread and what other towns may be affected? What is Oneida County's responsibility pertaining to this issue? Well hopefully the last question will be addressed soon, as the Oneida County Board of Health Committee has chosen to add the PFAS discussion to their October 16th meeting agenda. See Kathleen Coopers update article below for more details. Job well done Kathleen and compliments to the Oneida County Board of Health Committee for their consideration.

By Eric Rempala August 25, 2023-  OCCWA would like to share a link to the Wisconsin DNR's Interim Strategy for Land Application of Biosolids (Sludge) Containing PFAS dated September of 2021.  Interim Strategy for Land Application of Biosolids Containing PFAS (wisconsin.gov)  Here is an excerpt from said document.

" 3.0 Proposed Interim Strategy for Land Application of Biosolids Until a fully vetted, risk-based assessment is completed for PFAS in biosolids, similar to other states DNR is implementing the following strategy to assist WWTFs and landowners/farmers who make decisions relating to land application of biosolids with detectable concentrations of PFAS. Note, the department expects that this interim strategy be used in conjunction with the requirements of NR 204, Wis. Adm. Code. 

 The strategy primarily focuses on three-parts for success: • PFAS Biosolids Sampling. Sample and analyze biosolids suspected to be impacted by PFAS prior to land application.

  • PFAS Source Identification and Reduction. PFAS analytical results from biosolids sampling will dictate the level of source identification and reduction efforts. Note, while PFAS sources are often associated with industrial manufacturing, other sources, including a variety of commercial businesses, have the potential to substantially contribute PFAS loading to WWTFs.

 • Farmer and Landowner Communication. It is important that PFAS concentrations in biosolids and source reduction efforts are communicated with the landowner and/or farmer receiving the biosolids. DNR will assist in providing analytical information and additional educational resources specific to PFAS in biosolids in Wisconsin."  

  So, this document is what the DNR is using for monitoring and testing of sludge applications until a more permanent testing process is put in place. The testing of the Rhinelander paper mill sludge which the DNR referenced in their August 15th meeting with the town of Stella falls under this document. We would recommend anyone wishing to get a better understanding of the spreading of sludge in Wisconsin review the entire link provided above (approximately 8 pages). 

  Another excerpt from the cited document is " Because there are potentially many sources of PFAS within biosolids, source identification is necessary to ensure biosolids are protected from industrial and commercial contamination. Common industrial sources of PFAS include metal finishers, landfills (leachate), paper manufacturing, mixed manufacturing, paint manufacturing, leather tannery facilities, commercial industrial laundries, chemical manufacturers, centralized waste treaters, and a variety of miscellaneous sources. Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) used as fire-fighting foam can also have lingering impacts as a source of PFAS as residuals within sewers or from infiltration into the sewer collection system.

  For small WWTFs, small commercial operations including operations that appear innocuous, such as floor mat cleaning, commercial laundries and truck washes, may be PFAS sources and identified as potentially impacting PFAS concentrations in biosolids.

  The department is eager to partner with any WWTF operators wanting to establish a PFAS source identification and reduction program and stands ready to assist if requested."

  In the Stella January meeting it was brought to the DNR's attention by local residents, that they felt their PFAS issues were due to land spreading. At this point the DNR seems to be directing their investigation in that direction. Identifying the source of the PFAS is the first step in stopping the continuation of the contamination. 

 If you require more reason for concern from paper mill sludge, reference this Portland Press Herald article dated July of 2021.  Trail of ‘forever chemicals’ leads to Maine paper mills (pressherald.com)  

Article excerpt provided, 

" Paper mills have used a lot of PFAS – and in some cases still do – in the coatings that keep grease or liquids from soaking through picnic plates, takeout food containers, pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers."

“They have legacy use of PFAS, almost certainly,” said John Gardella, an attorney at CBMG3 Law in Boston who specializes in environmental law and advises clients on PFAS issues. “The question is, how long were you using it and what did you do with the (sludge) that came from the waste?”