Mir Co. settles with state over burning, asbestos violations

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The 2009 razing and burning of a barn in the town of Linn, Walworth County, led to Chicago-based Mir Co. settling a lawsuit Wednesday, according to a news release from Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen.

In late spring 2009, the town of Linn ordered Mir Co., the owner of the barn, to demolish it. After the local fire department declined to burn the barn because of asbestos hazards, Voltz Trenching and Excavating Inc., Walworth, agreed to raze, burn and bury the barn.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources responded to the property in response to a citizen complaint and found the demolished barn in flames. The fire debris included asbestos-containing transite and other solid waste, according to the release.

Voltz employees had started the fire without any local or state permits.

The site was subsequently cleaned up to the DNR’s satisfaction, according to the release.

Mir Co. agreed to pay the $17,000 settlement Wednesday for failing to thoroughly inspect the facility for asbestos, failing to remove all asbestos from the facility prior to demolition, discharging visible emissions of asbestos-containing waste material into the air, and failing to have trained, certified personnel present at the site during demolition.

The settlement was approved by the Hon. Judge John R. Race, Walworth County Circuit Court judge. Voltz has stipulated to liability for the same violations and the parties will argue sentencing to the court at a later date, according to the release.