Wisconsin property owner must decontaminate buildings, pay hefty fines

October 27, 2009

A Ripon, Wisconsin man has agreed to clean up his property and pay fines to the state related to asbestos violations and other waste. The man, Donald Wagner, owns a tract of property where he must now clean up mobile homes, tires, boats and other solid waste. The fines levied by the state are related to the state of the Wisconsin’s air pollution prevention and solid waste management laws.

According to the complaint, Wagner bought the 32-acre parcel in Green Lake County several years ago. The previous owner of the property had been operating an unlicensed junkyard and mobile home scrapping operation.

In January of 2007, four mobile homes were set on fire, which sparked a Department of Natural Resources investigation. Investigators then found asbestos, 40 to 60 other mobile homes in various stages of demolition, tires, appliances, furniture, batteries, boats and other solid and hazardous materials.

Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and other health problems. According to the US EPA, there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can also lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural plaques. Mesothelioma affects only about 3,000 people in the US each year, but it is an aggressive form of cancer that often goes undiagnosed until the disease is in its later stages. The disease can lie dormant for up to 50 years.

Long-term storage of the waste is prohibited in the state of Wisconsin without an operating license and approval from the DNR. State laws also prohibit the disposal of solid waste at unlicensed facilities. In addition, prior to demolition it is expected that all structures are tested for asbestos.