Molybdenum Meeting Set for Feb. 21

The state Department of Natural Resources will host a public information meeting for residents whose wells may be contaminated by molybdenum on Feb. 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

According to a written release from the DNR, a series of meetings are scheduled throughout Southeast Wisconsin to help residents better understand what molybdenum is, how to test for it and how to treat their wells if necessary.

The Caledonia meeting is the first of three meetings the DNR is putting together. State and local officials will be on hand so residents can talk to them and ask questions.

"We will provide as many chances as we can for the public to get information, express their concerns on the issue and offer input. We’re there to listen,” said DNR Southeast Regional Director Eric Nitschke in the release.

High levels of molybdenum were found in homes in Caledonia and Oak Creek near the We Energies Oak Creek Power Plant several years ago, but now more wells have been identified, a Nitschke said last month.

Molybdenum is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust and in water in low levels, but it’s also a byproduct of coal combustion and industrial waste. While humans already have trace amounts of molybdenum in their bodies, drinking water with high levels of molybdenum may carry some risk to humans including digestive problems and gout, according to a DNR report.

If You Go:

What: Molybdenum Public Information Meeting
When: Thursday, Feb. 21; 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church & School, 7900 Nicholson Road