MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced a $50,000 judgment against a Marinette County wood processing facility on Tuesday to resolve allegations it violated its state air pollution control permit.
During two emissions stack tests, Wood Fibers allegedly exceeded its hourly particulate matter emissions limitation rates. At one stack test, the company's measured particulate matter emissions were allegedly approximately five times the allowed rate.
Wood Fibers also allegedly violated its permit by failing to take precautions to prevent particulate matter from becoming airborne at the facility after the first test, impeding the upward flow of exhaust gases from an emissions stack, operating its facility without a cyclone and failing to measure and record the pressure drop across its cyclone after installation.
Under the terms of the judgment, Wood Fibers must pay $50,000 in forfeitures, court costs and surcharges. Wood Fibers must also hire a qualified consultant specializing in air pollution control to provide recommendations to ensure compliance with the company's permit. It must then implement the recommendations and conduct an emissions stack test to demonstrate compliance with its air pollution control permit.
Wisconsin facilities with the potential to emit elevated levels of particulate matter or other air contaminants are sometimes required to obtain an air pollution control permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Permits and regulations minimize emissions through the requirement of preventative maintenance, control equipment and abatement plans.
Uncontrolled air emissions can threaten human health and the environment.
Wis. AG announces $50K judgment against wood processor
