Wis. High Court Reinstates Asbestos Violations in Theater Renovation

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has reinstated penalties against a firm accused of violating asbestos management rules in the renovation of the Milwaukee Theatre.

The court ruled 4-3 that Harenda Enterprises Incorporated is liable for violating the state administrative code. It reinstated an order that the company pay penalties and surcharges for failing to remove asbestos during the renovations.

The state first filed a complaint against the company in 2003. The firm was hired to help renovate the former Milwaukee Auditorium into a 4,100-seat concert and theatrical venue.

In a dissent, three justices said state and federal regulators had failed to clearly articulate the rules the company was accused of violating.