More wells near La Crosse Airport to be tested for PFAS chemicals

More testing will be done on French Island, for a hazardous chemical found in well water near the La Crosse Airport.

Local officials and scientific experts spoke about the testing for PFAS chemicals, used in firefighting foam at the airport for decades, during an on-line meeting Tuesday night.

Geologist John Storlie says the chemical has been found in levels above government standards in 40 private wells already tested.

He says drilling a new well is not recommended, but the preferred remedies are a home filtration system or connection to La Crosse city water.

Almost all of the affected homes have agreed to let the city provide them with bottled water for drinking and cooking, for now.

The new testing will be done mostly in areas south of Interstate 90.

Toxicologist Curtis Hedman from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services says the human body can get rid of PFAS, but it may take months or years.

Hedman says PFAS may affect fertility in women, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and he believes the best remedy is to keep people from drinking water containing PFAS. The water can still be used for bathing, but Hedman doesn’t recommend using the water for home gardening.