For the Tomahawk Leader
MADISON – A Rhinelander company that manufactures liquid smoke has been ordered to pay a $90,000.00 penalty for alleged violations of the state’s air pollution control laws.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul on Thursday, Dec. 9 announced that an agreement had been reached with Kerry, Inc., which operates Red Arrow Products in Rhinelander. Kerry is a multinational company with several locations in Wisconsin.
“Our air pollution laws protect clean air and people’s health,” Kaul stated. “Facilities must ensure that they’re complying with those laws and preventing unlawful pollution.”
The State’s complaint alleges eight violations against Kerry, including exceedances of a public health-based standard for particulate matter emissions, failure to construct an air pollution source in accordance with state approval and failure to maintain required records.
The agreement requires Kerry to pay $90,000.00 in forfeitures, surcharges and court costs. Since the alleged violations occurred, Kerry has also invested in and implemented facility upgrades to avoid ongoing violations.
Assistant Attorney General Tressie K. Kamp represented the State. The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to obtain the result. The Order for Judgment was signed by Oneida County Circuit Court Judge Michael H. Bloom on Dec. 1, 2021.