Wisconsin AG settles with Apogee Wausau Group for $250,000 over air pollution

AG: Wisconsin Press Releases

Filed March 9th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced a $250,000 settlement with Apogee Wausau Group, Inc. (Linetec) for alleged air pollution control law violations. The settlement resolves a civil enforcement action concerning exceeding emission limits and failing to operate pollution control devices properly.

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What changed

The Wisconsin Department of Justice has secured a $250,000 settlement with Apogee Wausau Group, Inc., doing business as Linetec, to resolve alleged violations of air pollution control permits and state laws. The company, which coats architectural products at its Wausau facility, was accused of exceeding particulate matter emission limits, failing to properly operate air pollution control devices, not performing required emission testing, and inadequate record-keeping and reporting. The settlement includes forfeitures, surcharges, and court costs.

This enforcement action highlights the state's commitment to air quality enforcement. Regulated entities, particularly manufacturers with air emission permits, should review their compliance programs. This includes ensuring proper operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment, accurate record-keeping, timely reporting, and conducting all required emission testing. Failure to comply with environmental regulations can result in significant financial penalties, as demonstrated by this $250,000 settlement.

What to do next

Review air pollution control permit compliance procedures
Verify operation and maintenance of air pollution control devices
Ensure accurate record-keeping and timely reporting of emissions data

Penalties

$250,000 in forfeitures, surcharges, and court costs

Source document (simplified)

Page 1 of 2 DOJ Communications Office DOJCommunications@doj.state.wi.us (608) 266-1220 NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 9, 2026 AG Kaul Announces $250,000 Settlement with Apogee Wausau Group, Inc. for Alleged Air Pollution Control Law Violations MARATHON COUNTY, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul is announcing a $250,000 settlement with Apogee Wausau Group, Inc. (Apogee), which does business as Linetec. The settlement resolves a civil environmental enforcement action against the company for alleged violations of its air pollution control permits and State air pollution control laws. The company specializes in coating architectural products. It owns and operates manufacturing facilities in Wausau, Wisconsin. “Wisconsinites should be able to breathe clean air that’s free from unlawful pollution,” said AG Kaul. “Thank you to those at Wisconsin DOJ and DNR who worked on this matter.” The State alleged that Apogee violated numerous State environmental laws, including exceeding its emission limits for particulate matter and failing to properly operate an air pollution control device. The State additionally alleged that Apogee failed to perform required compliance emission testing, demonstrate continuous compliance with hazardous air pollutant emission limitations, maintain required records, record and timely report required data, and calibrate equipment associated with air pollution control devices. The stipulated judgment requires the company to pay a total of $250,000 in forfeitures, surcharges, and court costs. The Order for Judgment was signed by Marathon County Circuit Court Judge Scott M. Corbett on March 4, 2026.

Page 2 of 2 DOJ Communications Office DOJCommunications@doj.state.wi.us (608) 266-1220 The Wisconsin Department of Justice worked closely with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to obtain this result. A copy of the Complaint, Stipulation for Judgment, Order for Judgment, and Judgment are linked.