Wisconsin Whey Protein settles for $350,000 over wastewater violations
MADISON, Wis. (UI) — Wisconsin Whey Protein Inc. has agreed to pay $350,000 and install a new cooling system to resolve violations of state wastewater and stormwater laws at its Darlington cheese and whey plant.
The settlement, approved by Lafayette County Circuit Court on July 11, 2024, addresses concerns raised by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about environmental impacts from the facility.
The state alleged that the company discharged treated wastewater into a nearby tributary with levels of biological oxygen demand, suspended solids, ammonia nitrogen, and other pollutants exceeding permitted limits. Additionally, improper operation of the wastewater treatment facility led to multiple spills of untreated wastewater, some of which reached local waterways. The company was also cited for failing to obtain the necessary stormwater permits for its construction and industrial activities.
As part of the settlement, Wisconsin Whey Protein is required to pay $350,000 in fines, surcharges, and court costs. The company must also install a chiller, valued at over $600,000, to reduce the temperature of its wastewater before discharge, with the system set to be operational by October 30, 2024.
Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized the importance of the case, saying, “We must protect our waterways from wastewater. This case serves as another reminder of our commitment to obtaining accountability for violations of our environmental laws.”
DNR Bureau of Water Quality Director Adrian Stocks added, “Planned upgrades to the treatment facility stemming from this settlement will aid in that effort.”
The Wisconsin Department of Justice, led by Assistant Attorney General Emily M. Ertel, worked closely with the DNR to reach this resolution.
Related News
From Archive
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Alaska LNG pipeline could require 7,000 workers at peak construction, developers say
- Ohio trench collapse kills one worker, injures two during pipe installation
- Elon Musk's Boring Co. fined for dumping drilling waste into Vegas sewer system
- $1.4 billion Midwest pipeline expansion to move more Canadian oil to U.S. Gulf
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Massive water line failure leaves majority of Waterbury without service
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines
Comments