Marathon County Company Agrees to Pay $10,000 to Settle State Environmental Enforcement Lawsuit

WAUSAU - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen today announces that his office has settled a Marathon County action with Edward J. Drews and Drews Well Drilling, Inc.  Drews, the owner and operator of his well drilling company, is engaged in the business of construction of potable wells in central Wisconsin.  Upon the request of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Justice filed an action against Drews on November 14, 2008, in Marathon County.  The civil complaint alleges that Drews violated state law by failing to submit 107 water sample analysis results from newly constructed wells.  State law requires well drillers to have a water sample analyzed for coliform bacteria and submit the results within 30 days of completion of the well.  The complaint further alleges that Drews constructed a high capacity well and installed a hung well casing pipe without the legally-required Department of Natural Resources approval. 

Prior to reaching a settlement, Drews submitted all outstanding samples and reports to the Department of Natural Resources and well owners.  In addition, Drews is ordered to pay $10,000 in forfeitures and penalties and provide the Department of Natural Resources with 24-hour notice for any well construction work in the future. 

Assistant Attorney General Cynthia R. Hirsch prosecuted the case.  The settlement was approved by Marathon County Circuit Court Judge Vincent K. Howard.