Minnesota agency had data on iron foundry’s pollution violations but failed to act, report says
Minnesota agency had data on iron foundry's pollution violations but failed to act, report says ABC News
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Minnesota Iron Foundry Violates Air Emissions Laws for Years
MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota iron foundry has been found to be in violation of air emissions laws for a minimum of five years, with the state agency responsible for enforcing air permits failing to take action against the company, as reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Wednesday.
High Levels of Particulate Matter Detected
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) conducted air tests around Smith Foundry in Minneapolis in October 2022 and in April, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On both occasions, the state recorded elevated levels of particulate matter, which can lead to heart attacks, asthma, and other chronic health conditions.
However, it was not until a surprise EPA inspection in May that federal regulators demanded that the company comply with air pollution laws.
Community Outrage and Regulatory Neglect
Residents living near the foundry expressed their frustration, with Joe Vital stating, “It’s such a breach of trust. The community has been meeting with the MPCA for years, urging them to inspect this facility. It’s just regulatory neglect.”
MPCA officials have stated that they are currently reviewing the EPA’s findings.
A statement released by the MPCA on Tuesday read, “The MPCA is committed to scheduling a community meeting with the neighborhood as soon as possible. We are also working to increase air monitoring near Smith Foundry.”
Repeated Violations and Lack of Data Submission
During the EPA’s inspection on May 26, investigators obtained the company’s emissions reports from the past five years, which are submitted annually to the state agency. In each of those years, the company reported data indicating that it emitted particulate matter pollution at rates nearly twice or more than twice the allowed state limits.
When asked why the violations were not detected earlier, the MPCA stated that it does not require the company to submit the necessary data for determining such violations.
Actions Taken and Pledges Made
The foundry, which has been operating at the same site for 100 years and specializes in iron castings, has approximately 50 employees and was acquired by Zynik Capital in December. MPCA emissions reports indicate that it has long been one of the largest producers of lead pollution in Minnesota.
Foundry controller Ron Steffens stated, “We’re working with the EPA trying to get everything resolved. We’ve been doing some maintenance around the plant to address the issues.”
The company released a statement mentioning that it has replaced filters on its baghouses, repaired cracks, and replaced problematic vents identified by inspectors. It has pledged to meet “safe standards for our neighbors and union workers.”
Possible Penalties and Lack of State Investigation
In August, the EPA sent a letter to the company stating that it could issue an administrative penalty order or pursue civil or criminal complaints. An EPA official declined to comment on the matter.
Evan Mulholland, a lawyer with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, questioned why the state did not investigate the site earlier, stating, “This is not in the middle of nowhere – there’s a daycare center a quarter-mile away.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article mentions that high levels of particulate matter emitted by the foundry can cause heart attacks, asthma, and chronic health conditions.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the concerns of the community living near the foundry and their requests for inspections and compliance with air pollution laws.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article mentions that the foundry has been one of the biggest producers of lead pollution in Minnesota, indicating a need for responsible production practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The article discusses air emissions violations, which contribute to climate change and environmental degradation.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator for SDG 11.6: Ambient air pollution measured in cities.
- Indicator for SDG 12.4: Amount of hazardous waste generated and treated, and the percentage of hazardous waste treated to minimize its adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries that have integrated climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Ambient air pollution measured in cities. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Amount of hazardous waste generated and treated, and the percentage of hazardous waste treated to minimize its adverse impacts on human health and the environment. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Number of countries that have integrated climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. |
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Source: abcnews.go.com
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