State Settles Oconto County Environmental Case

SURING - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen today announced that the Wisconsin Department of Justice has settled an environmental lawsuit filed in Oconto County Circuit Court.  The State of Wisconsin brought this case against Jay Tousey, Tousey Manufacturing Inc., and Gauthier Trucking, Inc., for violations of state laws that prohibit unlicensed transporting, storage, and open burning of solid waste.  

The Department of Natural Resources investigated a burn by Jay Tousey, at Tousey Manufacturing, Inc., 925 Main Street, in the Village of Suring.  It discovered wood, shingles, and other debris burning in a pit located on the Tousey Manufacturing property.  The burn pit also contained a mattress, tin cans, turbine vent, wiring, light bulbs, and beer bottles.  Gauthier Trucking, a licensed Solid Waste Transporter, removed demolition debris from razed buildings at 603 and 611 Main Street in the Village of Suring, and hauled it to Tousey Manufacturing.  Tousey Manufacturing did not have a license from DNR to treat, process or store solid waste.  

Jay Tousey and Tousey Manufacturing, Inc., agreed to pay penalties, costs and attorney fees totaling $6,000 for these violations, as did Gauthier Trucking, Inc.  

"The Department of Justice will continue to work with the Department of Natural Resources to ensure that Wisconsin's air pollution and solid waste laws are followed," said Van Hollen. 

Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General Mary Batt represented the state.  Oconto Circuit Court Judge Michael T. Judge approved the settlements.