Post Messenger Recorder -

The Monticello Village Board met on November 2, 2022. Aaron Bittner and Rene Nicholson were absent from the meeting. The board approved the annual Fisheree for February 5, 2023.

The board also discussed the issues with Wisconsin Cheese Group. In June the Wisconsin Cheese Group sent a load of permeate that killed the beneficial bacteria at the wastewater treatment plant. This permeate was described as whey, with a high concentration of sugar. These slug loads seemed to have overloaded/inhibited treatment at the wastewater treatment facility, resulting in effluent limit that exceeded regulations for Biological Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, Fecal Coliform, pH, and total phosphorous. Public Works Director Kevin Komprood said in a letter to the DNR that he noticed the spills upon entering the WWTF at approximately 5:30 a.m., first on June 6, 2022, and then again on June 20, 2022. Komprood said that the treatment process had a foul odor and appeared milky-green in color. After identifying the issues, Komprood contacted WI Cheese Group by 6:00 a.m. each morning. Komprood also called the DNR right away.

They almost had it cleaned up after the June 6, 2022, incident and on June 20, 2022 the WWTF was hit again by the cheese factory. Komprood told the cheese factory they were done. He called DNR again. The board held a special meeting and told PW to turn the cheese factory back on. DNR said Public Works did the correct thing by shutting down the problem. At an October Village Board meeting, Public Works Supervisor Brian Grossen said both he and Komprood could face prison time and/or fines from $10,000-$50,000 per day. The village could be fined $25,000 or more per day. Because the plant isn’t done yet, they couldn’t meet limits last month. They should be good right now, but are still in jeopardy. A citizen asked if DNR took into consideration the construction at the plant. Grossen said to some degree. The board reviewed a letter that Komprood prepared for the DNR. Garrison asked if going forward if it happens again, can they shut them down. Grossen said if the board approves that and if it happens again, they will tell the cheese factory they are done, after following procedures. It was mentioned that the DNR will not levy fines until the end of the year and that Wisconsin Cheese Group will be expected to pay any fines.

In September, Monticello resident Joe Elmer asked about Wisconsin Cheese Group dumping sludge in the ditch and into the storm drain that comes out on his property. He said it has red, rusty-colored film and smells bad, he added that it had killed wildlife around the ditch and even made his dog sick. He reported that he called the DNR, who said they are aware of it. LaBarre thanked him for keeping an eye on it and to document and take photos. He said anyone can report. Jordan Fure, of Delta 3, said Delta 3 can send a letter from the village, if the board wants them to. Fure said if it violates a village ordinance, legal action could be taken. No further information was provided whether any letters from Delta 3 or the Village have been sent.

The board approved Denise Pinnow for the vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals.