Attorney General Josh Kaul has announced a $100,000 settlement with Paul Bugar Trucking, Inc. and its owner, Paul J. Bugar. The settlement comes as a resolution to a civil environmental enforcement action, which alleged violations of a Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit for the company's non-metallic mining operations in Clark County, Wisconsin.
"Companies entrusted with WPDES permits must uphold their obligations under those permits," stated Attorney General Kaul. "When those obligations aren't met, Wisconsin DOJ is prepared to act to ensure that clean water is protected."
The State's Complaint outlined five violations related to discharges from one of the company's mining pits. These violations include the failure to collect representative water samples for testing prior to discharging, the failure to treat wastewater before discharging, exceeding pollution discharge limitations, failing to submit annual inspection reports, and neglecting to conduct sampling of wastewater for oil, grease, and phosphorus pollutants.
In accordance with the proposed agreement, the company will pay a total of $100,000 in forfeitures, surcharges, court costs, and attorney fees. The Order for Judgment was signed by Clark County Circuit Court Judge Lyndsey Brunette on November 21, 2023. The resolution was also approved by the Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance on October 18, 2023.
Assistant Attorney General Zachary B. Corrigan represented the State and worked closely with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to reach this settlement. The collaboration between the Department and the Attorney General's office highlights the commitment of these agencies to protect Wisconsin's water resources.
This settlement serves as a reminder that strict adherence to environmental regulations is necessary to safeguard the state's natural resources.
Click this link to access more information: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/news-releases/ag-kaul-announces-100000-settlement-paul-bugar-trucking-inc-and-paul-j-bugar-alleged