Throughout informational meetings and the hearing process, the public and various state agencies were assured by utility representatives from Minnesota Power and Wisconsin Public Service that they would do their best to mitigate any potential environmental issues and follow the "Wisconsin Construction Site Best Management Practice Handbook" if they move forward on this project.

It has not taken long for the utilities to exhibit the quality of work that they consider "adequate" and "environmentally acceptable."  The documented results from recent soil borings in Douglas County are truly disturbing.

The biggest area of concern centers on the borings themselves.  Despite the fact that some of these test sights were bored more than two months ago, the forty foot deep, six inch diameter holes have been left open after completion with no precautions taken to prevent a small child, hikers, biker or horsemen from discovering these borings in an unfortunate way.  One hole in particular was found over a quarter mile away from the right-of-way and was left open in the center of a well used horse trail.

In addition, the construction managers hired to perform this work for Minnesota Power and Wisconsin Public Service have discarded used propane cylinders and left trash at their work sites.  And they have dragged their equipment through stream beds - creating the potential for sediment releases.  (The construction crews should have used the nearest road for mechanical equipment crossings, constructed a temporary bridge or sought approval from the WDNR.)

The larger problem is clear.  For the most part, the utilities are on an honor system with the state to do the job right.  The sheer size and magnitude of this 250 mile long construction project leaves the agencies entrusted with enforcement wondering where and with who enforcement activities reside.

Members of SOUL and affected land owners made numerous phone calls to state and local officials across Wisconsin trying to find answers to enforcement issues.  While SOUL and land owners may finally be receiving these answers, they are still hoping that local enforcement officials will be able to resolve these environmental atrocities.

Based on what they have seen, SOUL's members fear that this is only the beginning of damage to our fragile ecosystem. 

For details, please contact:

Mark Liebaert 715-398-5234 Tom Kreager 715-693-3143 Linda Ceylor 715-474-2271   Wisconsin DNR, Spooner: Nadine Cable 715-635-4054 Bill Clark 715-635-4226