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Bill Cosh 608/266-1221
MANITOWOC – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that his office has settled a lawsuit against Knox Ventures, LLC and Gerald M. Knox for violations of state laws that protect wetlands.
According to the complaint filed at the request of the Department of Natural Resources, Gerald M. Knox hired various contractors to place fill into wetlands owned by Knox Ventures, LLC on South Alverno Road in the City of Manitowoc. The wetland fill was done without obtaining the necessary permit from the Department of Natural Resources.
The defendants have now removed the fill from the wetland area. Under the terms of the agreement, Knox Ventures, LLC and Gerald M. Knox have agreed to pay penalties and assessments totaling $12,000 for the violations. They must also restore the site and monitor it for the next five years to be certain that the wetland revegetation is healthy, and replant where necessary.
“The law is clear. Those wishing to place fill in wetlands must first seek and obtain a permit from the DNR,” Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said. “This process ensures the state’s waters are protected for the benefit of Wisconsin citizens and the environment. Unpermitted activities can seriously harm aquatic life and the quality of our waterways and wetlands. The Department of Justice will continue to work with the DNR to ensure compliance with the law.”
Assistant Attorney General Lorraine C. Stoltzfus represented the state. The settlement was approved by Manitowoc County Circuit Court Judge Patrick L. Willis.
