WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION AGREES TO PAY PENALTIES AND DEVELOP ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT TO SETTLE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWSUIT
 

State's Lawsuit Alleged Air Emissions at Rothschild Wisconsin Plant Exceeded Permit Limits

MADISON - The State and the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) have agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging multiple violations of state air pollution control laws at Wisconsin Public Service Corporation's Weston electric generating station in Marathon County, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today. Under the terms of the settlement, the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation will pay penalties, fees, and costs totaling $225,000 for the violations. It will also pay $250,000 to the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation "to be used for one or more energy conservation/energy efficiency project(s) to be implemented in the WPSC western service territory."

According to the complaint, filed at the request of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation violated a number of conditions in the air pollution control permit for its Weston plant between 2004 and 2007, including limits on emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and visible emissions.

"Air quality in Wisconsin is protected through a permitting process administered by the Department of Natural Resources," Van Hollen said. "The Department of Justice will continue to work with the DNR to ensure that permits are complied with."

Assistant Attorney General Shari Eggleson prosecuted the case. The settlement was approved by Marathon County Circuit Court Judge Dorothy L. Bain.