MERCER - Dumping sewage is a dirty business by nature.

But shouldn't neighbors of a dump expect some level of cleanliness on their property? That's the question a longtime Mercer resident is asking.

Wayne Gray's property in Mercer has been in the family for more than five decades.

Next door, Jim Kichak's sewage dumping business has been operating for just as long.

"This is where he drives through with his truck and dumps out the waste," Gray said. "As he dumps it, it's a predominant west wind, so it blows everything over on my side of the fence."

For many years, it was only a small inconvenience, as the human waste broke down quickly. But recently, the type of waste Gray finds has changed.

"Some of the items were people's underwear and feminine hygiene products such as tampons," Gray said.

The DNR has accused Kichak and his business of at least seven septage servicing violations.

Such violations for a private citizen might be troubling enough.

But Kichak is the Mercer Town Chairman and a member of the Iron County Board.

"He's chairman of the Land and Zoning Committee," Gray said. "That is the committee that we elect to protect us from situations like this."

Several calls to Kichak were unreturned. Newswatch 12 went to his house and place of business, with no success.

At Thursday night's Mercer Town Board meeting, Gray asked for Kichak's resignation before a packed house. One no-show: Board Chairman Jim Kichak himself. That idea was tabled.

"We expect more from our elected officials," Gray said. "Things like this shouldn't happen this day in age."

Story By: Ben Meyer