ASHLAND, WI (WTAQ) – A utility and two railroads have settled a lawsuit over contamination near Chequamegon Bay in Ashland.
Xcel Energy said the Soo Line and Wisconsin Central railroads have agreed to pay the utility $10.5 million to help clean up pollution. It was partially caused by a former gas plant that operated along the bay from the late 1800’s through the 1940’s.
The Soo Line owned the property and ran a railroad corridor until 1987, when the Wisconsin Central took ownership.
Xcel said the settlement covers only a part of the total cleanup costs, which are estimated at $100 million.
The Ashland Daily Press said the city is also a defendant in the lawsuit. Ashland City Administrator Pete Mann said officials have been involved in settlement talks with Xcel Energy for about the past year.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
