DNR monitoring contaminated water spill in Marinette

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin environmental officials said Monday that they’re monitoring the cleanup of what they’re calling an accidental release of contaminated river and groundwater at a Marinette plant that manufactures fire extinguishers and fire-suppression systems.

Department of Natural Resources officials said in a statement that they were notified of the release late Sunday evening. Representatives at the JCI/Tyco facility reported a mixture of river water and contaminated groundwater entered storm-sewer drains which flow back to the Menominee River.

Sampling in the past has shown groundwater at the site is contaminated with arsenic and PFAS from previous discharges. PFAS are man-made chemicals that research suggests can decrease female fertility, increase the risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women and lower birth weights. The chemicals have been used for decades in a range of products, including firefighting foam, nonstick cookware and stain-resistant sprays.

The DNR in April ordered JCI/Tyco to provide clean drinking water for three homeowners after test results showed elevated PFAS levels in their wells.

The DNR statement Monday did not specifically say what kind of contaminants were in the groundwater released Sunday. A DNR spokeswoman, Sarah Hoye, said the water may contain PFAS but the department hasn’t confirmed that.

Fraser Engerman, a spokesman for Johnson Controls, said in an email to The Associated Press that a water main that brings water into the plant from the Menominee River broke Sunday night. The company quickly turned off the water line and immediately began working to capture the water and only a limited amount reached the storm drain that connects back to the river.

Johnson Controls merged with Tyco in 2016.