MADISON, Wis. — The Department of Natural Resources is holding a listening session in Marinette on Wednesday to seek public input on PFAS contamination in the Marinette-Peshtigo area.

Representatives from the DNR will be on hand from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Marinette Community REC Center, 2501 Pierce Ave., to answer questions and hear concerns from community members regarding PFAS cleanup and investigation.

PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays, and certain types of firefighting foam.

These legacy contaminants have made their way into the environment through accidental spills of PFAS-containing materials, discharges of PFAS-containing wastewater to treatment plants and certain types of firefighting foams.

The meeting is the first in a series of six meetings the DNR will hold in the area as part of the department’s effort to provide open and ongoing communication via monthly, in-person forums, where residents can meet with DNR and Department of Health Services staff.

All sessions will be held on Wednesdays at the Community REC Center. Other scheduled sessions include:

— Oct. 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

— Nov. 20, noon to 1:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m.

— Dec. 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

— Jan. 15, noon to 1:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m.

— Feb. 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information contact Christine Haag, Remediation and Redevelopment Program director, 608-266-0244 or christine.haag@wisconsin.gov