The owner of a downtown South Milwaukee property must pay $5,000 in fines and other charges after not cooperating in the cleanup of an underground gasoline storage tank, the state announced Wednesday.
The building in question is at 1012 Milwaukee Ave.
From the press release issued by Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen:
The State of Wisconsin brought this case against Fadil Becirovski for violations of state environmental laws requiring him to test and restore the environment after petroleum was discharged during the removal of an underground gasoline storage tank on Becirovski’s property. The laws are designed to protect the waters of the state from harm due to contamination from such liquids.
After soil testing revealed contamination, the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) investigated Becirovski, who refused to cooperate with DSPS and remedy the violations. The violations then were referred to the DOJ, and Becirovski again refused to cooperate. After litigation commenced, Becirovski agreed to hire an environmental consultant, test the site and remedy any residual contamination. Becirovski agreed to pay forfeitures, costs and surcharges totaling $5,000.00.
According to DSPS, because the degree and extent of contamination is unknown, it is important to have the site tested and any contamination removed. Soil contaminated with petroleum products contaminates groundwater flowing through it, and can emit petroleum vapors that seep into nearby basements.
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