SPOONER -- The state of Wisconsin has settled a civil lawsuit brought against an unlicensed salvage yard in Trego.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, James Mortensen and Melissa Crosby, doing business as Mortensen Enterprises of Trego, have agreed to pay $12,000 in penalties for violations of the state's solid waste, hazardous waste and spill laws.
The business also agreed to remove and properly dispose of the solid wastes and clean up the petroleum products spilled as a result of car demolition at the site on Schaub Road.
The case was brought by the Wisconsin Department of Justice on behalf of the DNR.
According to the Department of Justice complaint, Mortensen Enterprises violated several laws, including:
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* Causing the release of hazardous substances, primarily petroleum products and other fluids associated with auto demolition, into the environment and failing to take action to minimize the harmful effects.
* Operating an unlicensed solid waste disposal facility.
* Causing the release of ozone-depleting refrigerants.
* Failing to prepare and implement a storm water pollution prevention plan.
As a result of the settlement, the DNR said Mortenson Enterprises won't acquire or accept any additional motor vehicles for salvage at the site. Salvage vehicles and other solid wastes that have accumulated at the site, including tires, will be removed and disposed of at licensed facilities.
