GRAFTON, IOWA – A man who burned upwards of four dumpsters worth of trash and debris that filled the town of Grafton full of black smoke has been ordered to pay the state $5,000.
According to state documents, on Friday, October 13, 2017, Worth County Deputy Bryon Olson responded to a complaint of open burning at 3952 warbler Avenue near Grafton, Iowa. Upon his arrival in the local area, Deputy Olson observed a large amount of black smoke entering and filling the town of Grafton. Deputy Olson drove to the Property and observed a fire containing an assortment of debris, including but not limited to tires, paint cans, and gallon sized containers.
After his arrival, Deputy Olson made contact with an individual later identified as Steven Kalvig. Deputy Olson interviewed Mr. Kalvig. During this interview, Mr. Kalvig told the deputy there was “some random stuff’ in the fire and that he was uncertain what chemicals were in the various containers. Mr. Kalvig did admit to placing spray paint cans in the fire.
During his time at the Property, Deputy Olson heard exploding and popping noises coming from the fire. Deputy Olson took photographs to document the fire.
Due to its hazardous nature, Deputy Olson requested the local fire department respond to extinguish the fire.
The following Monday, on October 16, 2017, Deputy Olson contacted the DNR to report the fire.
On October 24, 2017, a DNR Specialist made contact with Mr. Kalvig by telephone. Mr. Kalvig told him that John Davis hired him to dispose of the waste located at the Property. As part of this disposal process, Mr. Kalvig admitted to burning items on a regular basis.
On October 24, 2017, the DNR issued a Notice of Violation to Mr. Kalvig for violations of open burning and improper disposal of solid waste. DNR personnel estimated that Kalving burned approximately four large dumpster loads of solid waste.
This year, the DNR and Kalvig entered into an agreement called a consent order. A consent order is issued as an alternative to issuing an administrative order. A consent order indicates that the DNR has voluntarily entered into a legally enforceable agreement with the other party.
Steven Kalvig must comply with all laws related to burning and disposal of solid wastes and pay $5,000 penalty.
