289.95 Enforcement procedures for older facilities.

(1) Notwithstanding s. 289.97, for solid waste facilities licensed on or before January 1, 1977, that the department believes do not meet minimum standards promulgated under s. 289.05 (1) and (2), the department may do any of the following:

(a) Initiate action under s. 289.94.

(b) Refer the matter to the department of justice for enforcement under s. 299.95.

(c) Issue an order relating to the solid waste facility or refuse to relicense the solid waste facility using the procedure under sub. (2).

(2)

(a) Before issuing an order relating to a solid waste facility or a decision refusing to relicense a solid waste facility under sub. (1) (c), the department shall notify the licensee of its intended action. The licensee, within 30 days after receipt of the notice, may request a hearing under par. (b). If the licensee requests a hearing under par. (b), it may not withdraw that request and proceed under par. (c).

(b) If the licensee requests a hearing, the department may not issue the order or decision until a hearing, conducted as a class 2 proceeding under ch. 227, is held unless the licensee has withdrawn the hearing request. The hearing shall be held in the county where the facility is located. At the hearing the department must establish by a preponderance of all the available evidence that the facility does not adhere to the minimum standards promulgated under s. 289.05 (1) and (2). If the hearing examiner's decision is in favor of the department, or if the licensee has withdrawn the hearing request, the department may issue the order or decision. The order or decision is subject to judicial review under ch. 227.

(c) If the licensee does not request a hearing under par. (b), the department shall issue the order or decision. The licensee may challenge the order or decision by commencing an action in circuit court for the county in which the solid waste facility is located within 15 days after the issuance of the order or decision. The complaint shall allege that the facility adheres to the minimum standards promulgated under s. 289.05 (1) and (2). The licensee shall receive a new trial on all issues relating to the facility and relicensing of the facility. The trial shall be conducted by the court without a jury.

History: 1995 a. 227 s. 581.