May 13, 2026

By Lane Kimble

WTBA’s Environmental Committee tackled about a dozen topics during its bi-annual meeting but two in particular stood out: PFAS and concrete slurry.

The committee heard from a duo of legal regulatory experts regarding PFAS.

Godfrey & Kahn’s Derek Punches walked members through federal rule updates and Bill Nelson talked about recent changes here in Wisconsin, including the new law releasing $125 million for public and private efforts.

One of the big questions the transportation industry could face along with local governments is how to properly dispose of PFAS when it’s discovered – namely via deep wells, specialized landfills, or incineration.

“We’ll continue to engineer our way out of this,” Nelson said. “It’s exciting and something we’re tracking regularly.”

WisDOT environmental staffers Jeremy Ashauer and Section Chief Alyssa Barrette led a robust discussion on how to handle concrete slurry produced from diamond grinding.

WisDOT and WTBA have been working through new DNR guidance and coordinating with the natural resources agency on the burden placed on contractors and the DOT.

Eric Petersen also provided a state and federal political update and ARTBA VP of Regulatory Affairs Prianka Sharma walked the group through a host of federal matters.

The meeting was held virtually due to committee General Council Jodi Jensen being in Washington, D.C. for ARTBA’s Federal Issues Program. The committee next meets in November.