DNR Starting Voluntary Testing for PFAS Contamination

The state Department of Natural Resources
is asking wastewater treatment plants to test for pollution from substances
known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in different
products for decades, including fire-fighting foam, non-stick cookware and fast
food wrappers. Research suggests those chemicals can decrease female fertility
and increase the risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women and lower birth
weights. 


The DNR said Monday they have started sending letters to
125 municipal wastewater plants, asking them to sample and analyze water
flowing in and out of the facilities for the PFAS compounds. The DNR picked
these facilities because they’re more likely to receive wastewater from businesses
that use PFAS. Data from the sampling will be used to build a plan to reduce
PFAS entering the facilities.