Environment
PFAS found in 45 wells near La Crosse Airport
About one-third of private wells tested so far on French Island contain an excess amount of a hazardous chemical used for years at the La Crosse Airport.
That total is 45 so far, according to geologist John Storlie, who’s working on PFAS detection with the city of La Crosse.
Those 45 households could qualify for bottled water or home filtration systems.
Trouble is, Storlie says those PFAS chemicals show up almost everywhere: Teflon pans, Bounce dryer sheets, “shampoos, hair conditioners, sunscreen, lipstick…you’re putting it right in your mouth.”
La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat says the city will discuss extending municipal water to affected homes, but he doesn’t know how many families will want it.
Kabat says the city was required by the federal government to use the firefighting foam containing PFAS at the airport for years.
The French Island testing began after PFAS were found in two city-owned wells close to the airport.
Storlie says
