Van Hollen
MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced on Wednesday that he has reached a $17,000 settlement with the owner of a barn who was allegedly party to burning that barn, violating environmental laws in the process.
Last year, a lawsuit was filed against Mir Co., arising from the razing and burning of a barn in the Town of Linn, Wis., in Walworth County.
In spring 2009, Mir Co. was ordered by the town to demolish a barn it owned. The local fire department wouldn't do it because of asbestos that was inside, so Mir. Co. hired Voltz Trenching and Excavating Inc. to do the job.
The contract called for Voltz to raze, burn and bury the barn where it stood, but it is alleged that the company did not get the proper permits to do so.
Fire debris from Mir Co.'s actions included asbestos-containing transite and other solid waste that should not have been burned, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The suit alleged that Mir Co. should have inspected the barn for asbestos, removed all asbestos found and had certified personnel on site for the demolition.
It was also alleged that Mir Co. discharged visible emissions of asbestos-containing waste material into the air.
Under terms of the settlement, Mir Co. will pay forfeitures and costs totaling $17,000 for its actions in hiring Voltz and going along with its plans.
Meanwhile, Voltz has stipulated to liability for the same violations.