Chair raises PFAS litigation concern; counsel says DNR is lead

Chairman Billy Fried opened a discussion about PFAS at the Oneida County Executive Committee meeting, saying the county is "involved in litigation" and that the topic warrants consideration of a designated point of contact or committee. Fried said he wanted the county to be aware of the issues as they develop.

Corporation Counsel Chad Lynch responded that "the only issue that he is aware of is Solid Waste at this time," and he emphasized that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the lead agency for water-related PFAS concerns. Staff cautioned against creating overlapping committees: Jensen and Hartman said PFAS issues cut across Health, Conservation, and Solid Waste and that duplication of effort could be counterproductive. The committee did not take formal action on creating a PFAS committee or point of contact; members instead discussed monitoring litigation and coordinating with state agencies.