These 6 businesses paid nearly $400,000 over Wisconsin air pollution concerns. Here’s why.
Wisconsin DNR sent at least 6 air permit cases to DOJ in last 5 years Post-Crescent
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Six Wisconsin Businesses Penalized for Air Pollution Violations
Six businesses in Wisconsin have agreed to pay a total of nearly $400,000 over the past five years after being accused of violating the state’s air pollution laws. The alleged violations occurred in Manitowoc, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Shawano, and Wood counties, and date back to 2016.
Each case was referred by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, who filed forfeiture complaints in circuit court against the businesses. The cases were settled either on the same day or shortly after they were opened, with the businesses not admitting liability and the state not conceding the veracity of its allegations.
What are the six businesses?
According to the Wisconsin DNR, the following businesses had complaints filed against them in circuit court over the past five years:
- ECC Corrosion, Inc. (opened and adjudicated in 2019)
- Carmeuse Lime, Inc. (opened and adjudicated in 2019)
- Veolia ES Technical Solutions, LLC (opened and adjudicated in 2021)
- Kerry, Inc., doing business as Red Arrow Products (opened and adjudicated in 2021)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjo NA Specialty Solutions, LLC (opened and adjudicated in 2022)
- Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood, Inc. (opened and adjudicated in 2022)
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
“Clean air and a strong economy in Wisconsin does not have to be opposition,” said Ciaran Gallagher, energy and air manager with Clean Wisconsin, an environmental organization. Emissions from industries and power plants can have negative economic effects, from hospital bills to missed work days. By reducing emissions and improving air quality through federal standards and regulatory actions, “we’re protecting Wisconsinites’ health and their checkbook,” Gallagher said.
Do all violations end up in court?
There are other air permit violations from the past five years that were not referred to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, according to Craig Czarnecki, spokesperson for the Wisconsin DNR. The DNR follows a process called “stepped enforcement” when a facility does not comply with a permit. This process includes inspections, letters, notices, conferences, referrals to other agencies, and prosecution/citation. The Department may tailor its response to fit the circumstances of each situation, and there are times when it is appropriate to proceed directly to prosecution, especially when violations cause significant harm to health or the environment or involve potential criminal violations.
Individual Cases
ECC Corrosion’s Case in Wisconsin Rapids
ECC Corrosion, Inc., a reinforced plastic composites manufacturing facility in Wisconsin Rapids, faced two violations for exceeding emission limits and not reporting permit deviations in a timely manner. The business agreed to pay $33,926.87 as part of the settlement.
Carmeuse Lime’s Case in Manitowoc
Carmeuse Lime, Inc., a lime quarry and lime processing facility in Manitowoc, allegedly exceeded its permit limit on 18 days. The company took steps to prevent future issues and paid $42,430.28 to settle the case.
Veolia’s Case in Port Washington
Veolia ES Technical Solutions, LLC operates a facility in Port Washington where it recovers mercury from mercury-containing wastes. The facility emitted uncontrolled emissions of mercury, which caused an exceedance of the ambient air quality standard. Veolia voluntarily shut down its retort ovens and made upgrades costing about $880,000. The company paid $59,437.08 to settle the case.
Kerry’s Case in Rhinelander
Kerry, Inc., a facility in Rhinelander that produces liquid smoke, allegedly had eight violations including exceedances of particulate matter emissions and failure to maintain required records. Kerry invested in facility upgrades to avoid ongoing violations and paid $61,137.75 to settle the case.
Ahlstrom’s Case in Kaukauna
Ahlstrom-Munksjo NA Specialty Solutions, LLC operates a pulp and paper mill in Kaukauna. The facility emitted more particulate matter than allowed by its permit on a specific day. Ahlstrom self-reported the issue and quickly addressed it. The company paid $16,920.07 to settle the case.
Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood’s Case in Mattoon
Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood, Inc., a hardwood veneer, plywood, and lumber manufacturing facility in Mattoon, exceeded its particulate matter emission limits for a period of time. The company cleaned its boilers and returned to compliance with its permit. Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood paid $50,933.67 to settle the case.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | The article mentions that emissions from industries and power plants can have negative economic effects, such as hospital bills and missed work days. By reducing emissions and improving air quality, the health of Wisconsinites can be protected. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. | The article highlights the need to reduce emissions and improve air quality through federal standards and regulatory actions to protect Wisconsinites’ health and their checkbook. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | The article discusses violations of air pollution laws by businesses in different counties of Wisconsin, indicating the importance of addressing air quality issues in communities. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | The article emphasizes the need to reduce emissions and improve air quality through federal standards and regulatory actions, which aligns with climate change mitigation efforts. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: postcrescent.com
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