MADISON - A Berlin construction company was fined Wednesday for storm water and erosion control violations at work sites in Belmont and Boscobel, according to a statement from the state attorney general's office.
Lafayette County Circuit Court Judge William D. Johnston issued a finding that Olsen Brothers Enterprises LLP and its principal partner, Paul E. Olsen, are liable for numerous construction site storm water and erosion control violations while constructing grain storage facilities in Belmont and Boscobel. The court ordered them to pay $194,271.50.
The court found that Olsen and Olsen Brothers began construction at their grain storage sites without permits, even though they knew permits were required. The two parties also failed to implement and maintain required measures to prevent environmental harm associated with construction site erosion, and failed to conduct necessary inspections.
In its decision, the court stated, "(Defendants') history in these operations appears to be that they would make the business decision, go forward with the project, and accept the costs for violation of the permitting procedure as a cost of doing business. Defendants uniquely argue that in so doing they should not be charged with forfeitures and costs assessments for potential damage from this practice, but for actual harm that has occurred," according to the statement.
The court further characterized the defendants' conduct as failing to document environmental harm at the construction sites, then claiming that they should not be penalized because no harm was documented. The court noted it was apparent from the defendants' evidence that they felt "great disdain" for state regulations that applied to their projects and further noted they continued their projects in violation of the law even after the an enforcement action was brought against them, and the state was compelled to obtain a restraining order to stop construction at the Belmont site until a permit was obtained.
Olsen is the brother of state Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon.
Luther Olsen says he has never had a role in the company.
- The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Lafayette County Circuit Court Judge William D. Johnston issued a finding that Olsen Brothers Enterprises LLP and its principal partner, Paul E. Olsen, are liable for numerous construction site storm water and erosion control violations while constructing grain storage facilities in Belmont and Boscobel. The court ordered them to pay $194,271.50.
The court found that Olsen and Olsen Brothers began construction at their grain storage sites without permits, even though they knew permits were required. The two parties also failed to implement and maintain required measures to prevent environmental harm associated with construction site erosion, and failed to conduct necessary inspections.
In its decision, the court stated, "(Defendants') history in these operations appears to be that they would make the business decision, go forward with the project, and accept the costs for violation of the permitting procedure as a cost of doing business. Defendants uniquely argue that in so doing they should not be charged with forfeitures and costs assessments for potential damage from this practice, but for actual harm that has occurred," according to the statement.
The court further characterized the defendants' conduct as failing to document environmental harm at the construction sites, then claiming that they should not be penalized because no harm was documented. The court noted it was apparent from the defendants' evidence that they felt "great disdain" for state regulations that applied to their projects and further noted they continued their projects in violation of the law even after the an enforcement action was brought against them, and the state was compelled to obtain a restraining order to stop construction at the Belmont site until a permit was obtained.
Olsen is the brother of state Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon.
Luther Olsen says he has never had a role in the company.
- The Associated Press contributed to this article.