MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced a judgment Friday against the owner/operator of a Kewaunee County-based concentrated animal feeding operation for allegedly violating state environmental regulations.
Keith Duescher, the owner and operator of the Algoma-based Duescher's Legendairy Farms, allegedly engaged in multiple environmental violations. The allegations include placing an inlet in navigable water without a permit, storing and disposing of solid waste without a license, discharging pollutants directly from a feed storage area to a tributary of Lake Michigan, discharging fill material into wetlands without a permit, burning plastic outdoors and failing to inspect for asbestos prior to conducting demolition.
Van Hollen's office filed a civil complaint against Duescher in the Circuit Court of Kewaunee County.
"This is another example of the importance of the partnership between the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Justice in holding regulated operations accountable for environmental harm," Van Hollen said. "The state's permitting process is designed to protect Wisconsin's environment while allowing individuals and businesses to conduct lawful enterprises."
Van Hollen's office obtained an order for judgment that requires Duescher to pay the state $100,000 in combined statutory charges, forfeitures and costs, including $7,000 in attorney fees. Duescher's Legendairy Farms is currently in receivership.
Wisconsin AG announces judgment against owner of animal feeding operation
