Neenah Foundry Company will pay a $200,000 fine to settle state claims it violated air pollution control permits and state and federal regulations.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice on May 6 filed a complaint against the foundry in Winnebago County Circuit Court that alleged 18 violations of its air control permits, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
The DOJ on May 11 announced that Circuit Court Judge Brian Keberlein approved the settlement order on May 7. The Wisconsin DOJ and DNR worked together to file the complaint against Neenah Foundry and to deliver the settlement.
“Our air pollution control permit system relies on compliance with permit terms in order to effectively protect clean air,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul in a news release. “When companies fail to fulfill their obligations under those permits, there must be accountability.”
The $200,000 payment includes the fine, surcharges and court costs.
The Post-Crescent has requested a comment from Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, Neenah Foundry’s parent company.
The state alleged 18 violations related to the foundry’s failure to maintain and operate air pollution control devices and monitors, inadequate recordkeeping, and failures to report incidents to the DNR.
Here’s a breakdown of the 18 complaints the DOJ alleged in its complaint, per the news release:
Founded in 1872, Neenah Foundry produces a variety of products, but its most notable one is likely the sewer and utility covers and frames found in streets across the United States. The foundry also produces inlet frames and grates, trench frames and grates, and specialty castings for the construction, wastewater, airport and utility industries.
Contact business reporter Jeff Bollier at (920) 431-8387 or jbollier@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X at @JeffBollier.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Neenah Foundry to pay $200,000 to settle DOJ air pollution claims
Reporting by Jeff Bollier, Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
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