History of Water Quality Degradation Paper mills congregate on the Lower Fox River in the 1840s In 1954, Appleton Paper begins to discharge PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) 1957-1971 an estimated 250,000 lbs of PCBs are discharged into the Lower Fox River 1980s the Lower Fox River is Designated an Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC) 11 reported and 2 suspected beneficial use impairments
{}