Van Hollen Announces Settlement in Dane County Well Drilling Case

MADISON – Attorney General J.B. VanHollen announces that his office has settled an action resulting in judgment against Michael Hartman and Michael Hartman Well Drilling & Pump, Inc. in Dane County Circuit Court. The civil complaint was filed by the Department of Justice against Michael Hartman personally and Michael Hartman Well Drilling & Pump, Inc. in April 2010. The complaint alleges that Hartman failed to obtain the required approvals from the Department of Natural Resources prior to drilling certain wells, several of which were installed improperly and inconsistent with Wisconsin law. On May 19, 2011, Judge Michael Markson ordered Mr. Hartman to pay $12,000 in total forfeitures and penalties and to notify the Department of Natural Resources prior to drilling or constructing any wells 48 hours in advance or pay a $500 penalty per incident.

This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Cynthia R. Hirsch. The settlement was approved by Dane County Circuit Court Judge John W. Markson.