Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that 30th Circuit Court Judge James Giddings has ruled in favor of the DEQ's ongoing case against Vreba-Hoff Dairy LLC and ordered the company to pay $223,500.00 in penalties.

This most recent ruling finds that Vreba-Hoff has repeatedly violated a previous agreement entered by the court in June 2007, and has continued to put Michigan's water resources at risk. 

"The DEQ attempted to negotiate a solution with Vreba-Hoff that ensures the millions of gallons of waste produced by their business is properly treated, but they have repeatedly failed to live up to their end of the bargain," said Director Chester.  "I appreciate Judge Giddings' agreement that Vreba-Hoff must commit to finding a real solution to these ongoing problems."

Judge Giddings has given Vreba-Hoff until May 18, to pay the penalty to the state. 

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"