MADISON, WI (SPECTRUM NEWS) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced an accidental spill and possible contamination in the Marinette Area of PFAS.

PFAS are a set of manmade chemicals used in things like firefighting foam, nonstick pans, and food wrappings. They are harmful to humans if digested and are often called “forever chemicals” because they last so long in the environment.

The DNR reports that the spill is coming from a fire technology facility owned by a company called Tyco — owned by Johnson Controls Incorporated. Tyco is currently working with the DNR on remediation efforts for years of PFAS contamination into groundwater in the area.

In a press release, the DNR said a mixture of rainwater and contaminated groundwater from the JCI/Tyco facility accidentally entered stormwater drains that flow back into the Menomonie River. The DNR said the company is working to clean up the spill and the agency is monitoring those efforts.

JCI/Tyco notified the DNR of the spill on Sunday. The company was responsible for PFAS entering groundwater for years and ultimately contaminating several wells in the Marinette and Peshtigo areas.

The company has worked with the DNR and local municipalities to get clean drinking water to people that need it in recent years. Tyco maintains it stopped practices that lead to contamination after learning of the presence of the PFAS chemicals and has not discharged any more of them in years.