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Residents say powdered milk is causing concern in Oconomowoc
Residents say powdered milk is causing concern in Oconomowoc
OCONOMOWOC (WITI) -- In an Oconomowoc neighborhood, it is snowing year-round. At least that's how neighbors describe a recurring problem. They say tiny particles fall from the sky, and blanket their homes and cars.
The neighborhood is located behind Lake Country Foods -- a company that produces powdered milk products like Slim-Fast and sports nutrition supplements.
Neighbors say the powder from the Lake Country Foods is blowing through the air, making them worried for their material belongings -- and also for their health.
Every few weeks, Neelye Brown says her neighborhood gets covered in powdered milk.
"Real fine dust but its all over. You can see it throughout the sky," Brown said.
Brown says the powder is coming from a smoke stack near the plant. When the powder settles, it heats up in the sun and causes even more problems.
"We have had our cars re-painted by this company. My car has been re-buffed because it's eaten through the top coat of my paint," Brown said.
Brown says officials at Lake Country Foods paid for the car damage, and periodically offers coupons for a car wash.
However, after living with this for eight years, Brown says she has had enough.
"We've contacted the mayor, the company, we've written letters to different agencies in Madison," Brown said.
No one has been able to help. Representatives with the Wisconsin DNR says they received a complaint about the emissions last summer. They say the local Health Department deemed it to be safe, and the company was never fined or cited.
Brown's biggest concern is the health of her family.
"My daughter's window is exactly where this powder comes in. They have had asthmatic reactions since they were six months old," Brown said.
Brown says some days the powder smells like chocolate, and other days it is vanilla, but the whole ordeal always leaves a bad taste in her mouth.
A spokesperson for the company issued a statement to FOX6 News. It says Lake Country Foods is in compliance with all federal and state emissions standards. The company says the complaints are without merit.
Local authorities, like the police department and the city planner, investigated and found no discharge.