Van Hollen
MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced a $35,000 judgment against a Marathon County wood shaving manufacturer on Wednesday for alleged violations of its air pollution control permit.
Marth Wood Shaving Supply Inc. is required by its permit to feed only wood containing no more than 60 percent softwood fiber by weight into its dryers. The average softwood fiber percentage fed into the company's dryers between September 2009 and March 2010, however, allegedly exceeded 60 percent.
A stack test conducted from April 3-7, 2010, revealed that Marth exceeded the volatile organic compounds, particulate matter and formaldehyde limitations contained within its air pollution control permit, Van Hollen says.
Marth was also alleged to have failed to measure and record the pressure drop across its process control devices. The company also allegedly failed to maintain pressure drops within the ranges specified in tits malfunction prevention and abatement plan, monitor exhaust gas parameters, and timely submit annual monitoring reports and compliance certification reports.
Marth, which cooperated with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to ensure future compliance, has sought a new permit to fit its actual operations and curtailed production until the new permit is issued.
The $35,000 judgment covers Marth's forfeitures, mandatory court costs and surcharges.