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Bill Cosh 608/266-1221
GREEN BAY – G&K Services, Inc., which owns and operates an industrial laundering facility in Green Bay, has agreed to pay $96,253.50 to settle a state claim under Wisconsin’s air pollution laws governing the management of air emissions at its Green Bay facility between 2008 and 2010.
Under Wisconsin law, G&K Services is required to obtain construction and operation permits before constructing or replacing and operating sources of air contaminant emissions at its Green Bay facility. According to the complaint, G&K Services installed a new industrial washer in February 2008 and has operated it since then without having first obtained required construction and operation permits. The Department of Natural Resources issued an after-the-fact construction permit authorizing the February 2008 installation of the new washer in January 2010, and anticipates issuing an operation permit in March 2010.
In addition to paying the $96,253.50 judgment, G&K Services has implemented systems and procedures to prevent future violations of its air permits and state air pollution statutes and regulations.
“The effectiveness of Wisconsin’s air pollution laws depends on compliance with permitting requirements,” said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with the DNR to ensure that Wisconsin’s citizens are protected from harmful air emissions through compliance with the law.”
Assistant Attorney General JoAnne F. Kloppenburg prosecuted the case. Brown County Circuit Court Judge John D. McKay approved the settlement on March 9, 2010.
