AG’s office settles well drilling suit

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The state’s Attorney General’s office announced a settlement Wednesday against a drilling company for a failure to get permits on jobs dating back to 2007.

Michael Hartman and his company, Michael Hartman Well Drilling & Pump Inc., North Lake, settled the lawsuit in Dane County Circuit Court.

The civil complaint was filed by the Department of Justice against Hartman personally and Michael Hartman Well Drilling & Pump Inc. in April 2010.

The complaint alleges that Hartman failed to obtain the required approvals from the Department of Natural Resources prior to drilling certain wells, several of which were installed improperly and inconsistent with Wisconsin law, according to a news release from the Attorney General’s office.

On Thursday, Judge Michael Markson ordered Hartman to pay $12,000 in total forfeitures and penalties and to notify the Department of Natural Resources prior to drilling or constructing any wells 48 hours in advance or pay a $500 penalty per incident.

The case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Cynthia R. Hirsch. The settlement was approved by Dane County Circuit Court Judge John W. Markson, according to the release.