Earlier this summer, Dane County, Wisconsin approved tougher fines for violators of their coal tar sealant ban. The ban in Dane County is the nation’s second oldest.
The bans change the fines are as follows:
- the first violation by a homeowner changes from $25 to $100
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the first violation by a commercial applicator goes from $50 to $500
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the second violation by a commercial applicator increases from $150 to $1000
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the third and subsequent violations by a commerical applicator goes from $300 to $2000
The revisions also add something referred to as “injunctive relief,” which, by my understanding, is like a cease-and-desist order that if violated is essentially contempt of court. In other words if a violator continues to rack up violations, not only would the fines be due, but also penalties for ignoring a court order. A copy of the newly adopted ban language is included at this link. Congratulations to the people around Madison for toughening the laws to protect our communities!