The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health Services have issued a groundbreaking "Do Not Eat" advisory for fish and specific restrictions for deer consumption in areas near Rhinelander, Wisconsin, due to high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. This marks the first time the DNR has issued such a warning for fish and deer due to PFAS, highlighting the severity of the environmental and public health concerns in the region.
The recently released advisory targets all fish species sourced from the Moen Chain of Lakes, Sunset Lake, Snowden Lake, and Starks Creek, all located east of Rhinelander in the town of Stella. These water bodies have recorded some of the highest PFAS levels in Wisconsin’s environment.
In addition to the do not consume order regarding fish species, the DNR has also released an urgent "Do Not Eat" advisory for deer liver, and a "one meal per month" advisory for deer muscle (venison), harvested within a 5-mile radius of the Town of Stella's town hall. This guidance follows extensive testing of deer samples from the 2024 hunting season.
Due to high community interest in PFAS contamination, the DNR requested hunters within a 3-mile radius of the Town of Stella to donate muscle and liver samples. A total of 11 deer were sampled and analyzed by the DNR and DHS, and revealed elevated PFAS levels in the muscle tissue of the harvested deer.
In what is perhaps even more concerning, sampling also showed significant PFAS levels in deer liver tissues. The liver's role in filtering chemicals means that PFAS can accumulate there over time, leading to significant exposure if consumed. Consequently, the DHS and DNR are also strongly advising against eating liver from deer harvested within the advisory area.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products, such as firefighting foam, non-stick coatings, and water-repellent fabrics. Known as "forever chemicals," PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in wildlife and humans, posing significant health risks. These include links to cancer, immune system disorders, and developmental issues.
Sean Strom, a Fish and Wildlife Toxicologist for the Wisconsin DNR, emphasized the historic nature of these advisories. The high PFAS concentrations detected in the Stella area prompted the DNR to take swift action to protect public health. While the specific source of contamination in this region is not detailed, PFAS pollution is often associated with industrial activities or the use of firefighting foam.
The Rhinelander advisory is part of a larger effort by the Wisconsin DNR to address PFAS contamination across the state. Over 40 sites are currently under monitoring, with previous advisories issued in areas like Marinette and Dane County.
As of right now, residents and visitors in the Rhinelander area asked to adhere to the DNR’s advisories to minimize health risks. For those outside the affected area, staying informed about local environmental advisories and avoiding consumption of potentially contaminated fish or game is advisable.
While DNR officials like Strom believe that it is possible for PFAS levels to go down in fish if the chemicals can be removed, there’s seemingly no easy way to do that.
“Until things change in the surface water in the area we probably do not expect levels to change that dramatically in fish or wildlife,” Strom said.
