MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that his office has obtained a judgment against Rakhra Wisconsin EZ Go Stations Three Inc., requiring it to pay $48,451 in forfeitures, court costs and surcharges for violations of state environmental laws that regulate the maintenance of underground storage tanks (USTs), handling or use of flammable or combustible liquids and proper abandonment of unused tanks.
The two tanks at issue in the case are located in Kenosha, Wis.
According to the complaint, Rakhra has not had a valid operation permit for either of the tanks located at the site since Feb. 18, 2009, and the tanks have been out of service since 2004. Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) issued orders to Rakhra on April 2, 2009, and May 11, 2009, requiring it either to obtain an operation permit for each tank or permanently close each tank at the site, which requires removing the tank from the ground and testing for soil contamination.
In addition to the monetary judgment, Rakhra is required either to obtain an operation permit for each tank or permanently close each tank at the site. If Rakhra fails to comply with that requirement, then DSPS or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is authorized to enter the site, contract to remove any tank not in compliance, and place a lien on the property for the cost of permanently closing the tank.
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