Public Notice: EPA Issues Explanation of Significant Differences for Wausau Groundwater Contamination Superfund Site

Summary

In March 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency formalized a change to the existing cleanup plan at the Wausau Groundwater Contamination Superfund site in Wausau, WI.

The EPA is implementing additional legal restrictions in contaminated areas of the site in order to protect human health and the environment. This modification to the site remedy is documented in the Explanation of Significant Differences report. The EPA prepares an ESD when changes to the original selected remedy are significant, but do not fundamentally alter the original remedy’s scope, performance, or cost.

New legal restrictions include a local municipal ordinance that restricts installation of wells and access to the groundwater plumes, a deed restriction on the former Wausau Chemical facility, and restrictions on groundwater use and potential soil exposure.

The ESD document and more information are available online at Wausau Groundwater website and at the Marathon County Public Library, 300 N. First St., Wausau.

Related Documents

2024 Explanation of Significant Differences Wausau GWC (pdf)

Applicants or Respondents