State's Largest Business Lobby Sues Environmental Regulators Over PFAS Sampling Of Wastewater

By Danielle Kaeding | Wisconsin Public Radio | April 1, 2021

Read the full article by Danielle Kaeding (Wisconsin Public Radio)

"In just over a month, the state’s largest business lobby has filed another lawsuit against the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources over so-called "forever chemicals" known as PFAS — this time for conducting PFAS sampling in wastewater.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) filed a complaint on Monday in Jefferson County Circuit Court against the DNR, claiming the agency is unlawfully seeking to sample wastewater for PFAS that’s released from industrial and municipal facilities. The business group argues the DNR lacks explicit authority to conduct such sampling among facilities that operate under wastewater discharge permits.

WMC wants to prevent the DNR from collecting samples and releasing the data to the public. Jefferson County Judge William F. Hue granted a temporary restraining order on Monday to bar the agency from sampling for PFAS.

In a statement, DNR spokesperson Sarah Hoye said the agency has been conducting sampling among facilities that hold wastewater discharge permits to gather information as the DNR develops standards for PFAS in surface water. The DNR launched the rulemaking process last year after the Natural Resources Board approved creating standards for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, surface water and groundwater."