From 3M to Amazon: Tracking Menomonie’s Expanding PFAS Footprint

Recent environmental tests have identified persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at a newly constructed Amazon facility, raising fresh concerns over local soil and groundwater safety in the Menomonie area.

In November 2025, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remedial report identified low-level PFAS contamination within the top five feet of soil at the 29-acre North Industrial Park site on 59th Street Northeast, the future location of an Amazon last-mile delivery station. This location is one of several documented PFAS sites in the Menomonie area, raising questions about whether the contamination stems from historical releases at a nearby 3M manufacturing facility. Past industrial disposal at that 3M site has already leaked PFAS into the shallow groundwater—with on-site PFOA and PFOS levels exceeding 1,000 parts per trillion (ppt)—though Menomonie’s deeper municipal wells remain uncontaminated and meet strict EPA standards. While 3M is currently tracking the groundwater plume under DNR oversight, no concrete proof currently links the 3M site to the shallow soil contamination found at the planned Amazon facility.

While I was researching PFAS “Forever Chemicals” related to the cooling systems for data centers, I found a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources PFAS Interactive Data Viewer, which is a mapping tool that incorporates datasets from several DNR programs to show locations throughout Wisconsin that have been impacted by PFAS.

On the map, I located the 3M PFAS spills and saw another point indicating additional PFAS contamination. That one is 2.6 miles northeast of the 3M site. I clicked on the site and found a letter to David Schofield, City of Menomonie, regarding contamination Remedial Action options. My first thought was: Is this contamination related to the 3M one?

Let’s go back to explore the 3M contamination.

The primary PFAS soil and groundwater investigation at the 3M Menomonie Facility (located at 1425 Stokke Parkway) was triggered by an unintended release of aqueous film-forming (firefighting) foam that occurred on May 17, 2022. The primary fire suppression foam release occurred at the plant when a line broke during construction work, discharging over 1,000 gallons of water and foam mixture. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. PFAS have been used specifically in some synthetic Class B firefighting foams, including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). The latest report, June 3, 2025, WI DDNR Groundwater Investigation Report Review, stated multiple releases of fire suppression water containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) have been reported.

A groundwater plume of PFAS is an underground body of water contaminated with man-made per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that spreads horizontally and vertically through an aquifer away from a specific release source, moving with the natural flow of groundwater. Thankfully, the 3M Menomonie Plant at 1425 Stokke Parkway has not been reported or detected at Lake Menomin Park. The ongoing groundwater and soil investigation overseen by the Wisconsin DNR remains focused on the immediate facility property, and city municipal drinking water wells continue to test clear of the chemical release.

A Timeline

May 17, 2022: The primary fire suppression foam release occurred at the plant when a line broke during construction work, discharging over 1,000 gallons of water and foam mixture.
October 21, 2022: 3M reported initial soil sample results detecting PFAS from stockpiled soils generated during the site cleanup and facility operations.
October 25, 2022: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a Responsible Party letter to 3M, establishing the ongoing environmental repair case (BRRTS #02-17-590808).
Subsequent Releases: Additional minor or localized fire suppression system foam activations or line releases at the property have occurred and been documented by the DNR on dates including June 24, 2024, September 26, 2024, and June 15, 2025.

And now the contamination at the Amazon Delivery Site in Menomonie, which is 2.6 miles from the 3M plant site.
 

According to an Oct. 2025 report by the Wisconsin DNR, that site on 59th Street was found to have PFAS contamination in the top five feet of soil. Jason Vangalis, Amazon head of central U.S. expansion, said they have worked with the DNR to develop a mitigation plan in the construction of the new facility. Recommendations from the DNR include capping the development with concrete and asphalt, importing clean soil, and adding a stormwater infiltration pond with an impermeable liner.

Ultimately, while the discovery of low-level PFAS at the future Amazon site highlights the persistent nature of these chemicals in the Menomonie area, a definitive source remains unconfirmed. The proximity to 3M’s known high-level groundwater plume warrants continued vigilance and rigorous monitoring by environmental authorities. However, until comprehensive soil and hydrogeological tracing establishes a direct link, the contamination at the 59th Street Northeast location must be managed as an isolated issue. Moving forward, strict DNR oversight of both 3M’s remediation efforts and Amazon’s site development will be vital to safeguarding local environmental health and ensuring the long-term safety of the community’s drinking water.

Forever Chemicals (PFAS) History-at the time, the public had no idea that these man-made chemicals were harmful to humans.

“In 1952, 3M discovered its own PFAS chemical, PFOS, when its chemists were trying to develop a rubber that wouldn’t deteriorate when exposed to jet fuel. During the experiments, some of the new substance was dropped on a laboratory assistant’s tennis shoe. When the assistant tried to clean the substance from her shoe, she discovered that it was impervious to water and alcohol. 3M began marketing the new material in 1956 as “Scotchgard”. Source: GMO / Toxin Free

PFAS (forever chemicals) are completely invisible, odorless, and tasteless. Because of this, you cannot detect them on your own. The only reliable way to find out if PFAS are in your well water is to have a certified laboratory test a sample of your water.

More about this topic.

Bridging the Gap: Uncovering Potential Links Between PFAS Exposure and Childhood Cancers

Wisconsin DNR PFAS

Wisconsin Adopts More Protective PFAS Drinking Water Standards
March 6, 2026

A chemical foam that firefighters have sprayed on fires for decades to protect others was a hidden threat to them. The foam contains PFAS, which are dangerous man-made chemicals. New technology aims to reduce the risk. Mark Strassmann takes a look.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAS) are long-lasting compounds that are showing up in soil, ground water, drinking water sources, even rainfall, and have been linked to cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and other ailments. By some estimates, this toxic family of chemicals can be found in the blood of nearly every person on the planet. Correspondent Lee Cowan looks at how the chemicals got here, and talks with families, farmers, and health advocates fighting for clean, safe water.

Rachel Tilseth is a Menomonie, Wisconsin-based environmental writer, filmmaker, and owner of Wolves of Douglas County WI Films & Media. Lead writer at The Red Cedar Watershed Ledger. Her work explores the intricate relationships between humans, wildlife, and local ecosystems.

Jan O’Neill-editor at large. Jan edits the blog for grammatical accuracy and contributes story ideas.

Given Jan’s extensive 45-year nursing background, protecting the health and well-being of the Menomonie area has been her life’s work. With deep local roots in the Red Cedar River Watershed, she views environmental conservation as a natural extension of public health. Jan is dedicated to halting the proposed mega data center to preserve the community’s natural resources, advocating instead for sustainable, community-driven economic development that protects the long-term quality of our watershed.

The Red Cedar Watershed Ledger is based in Menomonie, Wisconsin, in the historic Red Cedar Basin.

Discover how our local economy can thrive without leaving the planet behind. We cover news and stories on sustainable economic development, highlighting initiatives that boost community prosperity, foster equity, and protect our local ecosystems.

We are producing a series of educational articles and interviews featuring city leaders, scientists, and residents to explore sustainable economic development in the region. What began as a grassroots effort by Menomonie residents to successfully pause a controversial data center has evolved into a broader mission championing environmentally conscious, community-driven economic growth.”

The Red Cedar Watershed Ledger, Menomonie, WI

Wolves of Douglas CO WI Films & Media, LLC

https://wolvesofdouglascountywisconsin.com