Are Wis. univ.'s violating clean-air rules?

MADISON, Wis. -- An environmental group says the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources isn't moving fast enough to address charges of clean-air violations.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports that the complaints involve four coal-fired plants in the University of Wisconsin System.

The Sierra Club says heating plants have been upgraded at the Eau Claire, La Crosse, Stevens Point and Stout campuses. It says the modifications should trigger additional pollution controls.

But a consultant hired by the state Department of Administration disagreed, saying the modifications weren't "major."

The Sierra Club complained to the DNR, which issues operating permits for the four plants. A DNR spokesman says a task force is working on the issues but the process will take time.