For the past year, WGNHS Samples Coordinator Carsyn Ames has participated in the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Thriving Earth Exchange Program as both a Community Science Fellow and a Project Scientist. This program supports 6 to 18-month community-based science projects by connecting communities in need with scientific experts that can help address local issues related to earth processes.
The role of a Community Science Fellow is to manage projects and facilitate communication between all collaborators. Ames worked with the Town of Peshtigo to sample additional wells in the township for PFAs contamination.
The Town of Peshtigo sits on the northern side of Green Bay, outside of the City of Marinette. This area is a known site of PFAS contamination: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals used to manufacture heat and fire-resistant products that cause harmful effects to both humans and the environment. With 35% of private wells within the township located within the active PFAs plume, this a large and complex issue in Wisconsin’s history.
This area is currently part of multiyear site investigation through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR), however there are areas within the defined investigation site that lack well data. The goal of this Thriving Earth Exchange project was to collect additional well data to add to the WI DNR dataset and thus help resolve the area of contamination. Samples from 2 wells just outside the WIDNR initial area of interest were analyzed and the results shared with both the private residents and the WIDNR.
How did you get involved in this project?
Ames heard about the AGU program a couple of times including within the UW-Madison Division of Extension. She applied as a science fellow and connected with community leaders in the Town of Peshtigo, WI. Everyone involved in project had a tie to Wisconsin. Due to her research experience with WGNHS, she was equipped to serve as the Project Scientist.
What did the experience teach you?
“I got to see how communities view problems that they can solve with science. Translating [technical] knowledge into something useful for them was great… I got to practice developing that skill. This helps me to fulfill the WGNHS mission to support WI citizens… I hope these results give peace of mind to the residents and empower them to continue engaging with the work being done… within their community” -Carsyn Ames
Learn more:
AGU Thriving Earth Exchange Program – Learn about this program, and how to get involved.
PFAS Contamination in the Marinette and Peshtigo Area – WI DNR webpage for all PFAS-related information for the region
WI PFAS Interactive Data Viewer – Learn about active WI DNR study sites and advisories.
WI DNR PFAS homepage – Find resources for communities, opportunities for input, advisories, and news about PFAS in Wisconsin.