MADISON, Wis. — G&K Services Inc., which owns and operates an industrial laundering facility in Green Bay, Wis., has agreed to pay $330,000 to settle state claims under Wisconsin’s air pollution laws. The judgment resolves charges that G&K Services failed to comply with certain requirements for handling air emissions at its Green Bay facility from 2004 to 2007.
Under Wisconsin law, G&K Services is required to obtain and follow permits that control the emissions of air pollutants from its Green Bay facility. The complaint charged that G&K Services operated in violation of state air pollution statutes and its permits by washing loads of printer towels simultaneously or in prohibited washers, failing to cover the towels, drying dust mops in prohibited dryers, failing to maintain and submit required records and reports, failing to raise stacks high enough, and installing a new washer without a permit.
According to the complaint, these violations resulted in increased emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter and hazardous air pollutants.
According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), G&K Services cooperated with DNR and promptly fixed all deficiencies after DNR identified them, and is now in compliance.
“Wisconsin law requires that industrial facilities comply with permits designed to protect the public from harmful air emissions,” says Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. “The DOJ (Department of Justice) will continue to work with the DNR to ensure that Wisconsin’s citizens and natural resources are protected through compliance with the law.”
Assistant Attorney General JoAnne F. Kloppenburg prosecuted the case. Brown County Circuit Court Judge Marc Hammer approved the settlement.
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