Evers administration proposed groundwater quality standards

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers’ administration is proposing new groundwater quality standard recommendations for 27 substances determined to be a threat to public health, including compounds known as PFAS.

The proposed limits announced Friday marks the first time in a decade that the state’s groundwater standards have been updated.

The recommended enforcement standard for PFAS is below the federal advisory and the same as one in place in Vermont.

Unlike the lame-duck session, where the courts ruled Friday in favor or Republicans changing laws to limit some of the governors powers, the public, in this case, will have a chance to comment on the newly proposed standards in the coming months before the Department of Natural Resources proposes rules to incorporate them.

That process is expected to take two and a half years, but administration officials could seek an emergency rule to enact them sooner.