STATE SETTLES WATER PROTECTION SUIT

MADISON - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that the Department of Justice and Waukesha County developers Vespera LLC and Icon Development Corp. have settled the state's environmental enforcement action.

According to the complaint, filed at the request of the Department of Natural Resources, Vespera LLC and Icon Development Corp. failed to install and maintain erosion control measures in the proper sequence, to follow best management practices, to timely repair or replace erosion control measures, and to inspect erosion control measures. Parties agreed to a $207,500 settlement in this matter.

"The Department of Justice will continue to work with the DNR to ensure that Wisconsin's natural resources are protected through compliance with the law," Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said.

Assistant Attorney General JoAnne F. Kloppenburg prosecuted the case. Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael O. Bohren approved the settlement on September 3, 2008.