The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has secured settlements totaling $325,000 with WRR Environmental Services Co. Inc., a waste management firm based in Eau Claire. This agreement addresses alleged violations related to air and hazardous waste regulations, as outlined in a recent DOJ press release.
WRR Environmental Services Co. Inc., which operates a hazardous waste storage and processing facility, is accused of multiple violations of Wisconsin’s environmental laws. These include operating without the necessary air pollution control permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and exceeding state limits for emissions of perchloroethylene (PCE).
In addition to lacking a permit, WRR allegedly failed to maintain its hazardous waste containment systems and did not segregate incompatible waste materials. This improper storage reportedly led to a fire that released chlorine-containing gases, posing potential health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to chlorine gas can cause severe symptoms such as blurred vision, respiratory issues, and even respiratory failure.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized the importance of adhering to hazardous waste management laws, stating, “Hazardous waste must be handled appropriately, in compliance with applicable laws.” Kaul also expressed gratitude to those involved in reaching the settlements.
As part of the settlement terms, WRR is required to install a regenerative thermal oxidizer, a device designed to significantly reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds by approximately four tons annually. The company will also engage an independent environmental consulting firm to conduct audits of its air emissions over the next four years, with these measures projected to cost WRR $925,000.
