AG Van Hollen: Fiberdome, Inc. agrees to pay penalties for air pollution violations

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Bill Cosh 608/266-1221

LAKE MILLS – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen today announced that his office has resolved a civil case it has brought against Fiberdome, Incorporated, a Lake Mills, Wisconsin company which manufactures structural fiberglass components. Like all industries, Fiberdome’s manufacturing emission of air pollutants into the air is regulated under Wisconsin’s air pollution control laws.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asked the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to prosecute Fiberdome for emitting into the air excessive amounts of a hazardous air pollutant known as styrene, a chemical which can cause adverse effects to the central nervous system of those who breathe high levels of it. Fiberdome has long operated under the terms of a DNR-issued air pollution control operation permit which limited its styrene emissions. Fiberdome emitted styrene in excess of that limit from May 2006 to October 2007. The complaint also alleged that Fiberdome used a chemical catalyst that was not allowed under its permit. To its credit, Van Hollen noted, Fiberdome has taken steps to significantly reduce its emission of styrene and to come back into compliance with its air pollution control permit.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement approved by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Anderson, Fiberdome has agreed to pay penalties totaling $35,000. “The emission of excessive air pollutant poses a health risk to the community. In this case, Fiberdome recognized its violations and took steps to reduce its pollution and return to compliance with its permit,” Van Hollen said. “The Wisconsin Department of Justice will continue to work with the Department of Natural Resources to ensure that such laws are followed.”

Assistant Attorney General Steven Tinker represented the state.