Protestors decry Smith Foundry’s pollution of East Phillips
Protestors rally outside Smith Foundry to decry air pollution findings Sahan Journal
sdgtalks
Protestors Rally Against Violations of Clean Air Act at Smith Foundry
Protestors gathered outside Smith Foundry on Friday evening to express their concerns about the facility’s repeated violations of the federal Clean Air Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a surprise inspection earlier this year and found that the foundry had violated the Clean Air Act in nine different ways between 2018 and 2023. These violations included emitting nearly twice the amount of air pollution allowed by state permits, failing to properly maintain pollution-reducing equipment, and not reporting equipment failures to the state as required.
The foundry, located in the East Phillips neighborhood of south Minneapolis, is situated in an environmental justice neighborhood with a high percentage of residents who are people of color. Approximately 75 percent of the neighborhood’s residents belong to minority groups, according to demographer Minnesota Compass.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- The violations at Smith Foundry directly impact SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, as they contribute to air pollution and pose health risks to the surrounding community.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities is also relevant, as the East Phillips neighborhood is an environmental justice community with a high concentration of minority residents.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities is affected by the violations, as they undermine efforts to create clean and sustainable urban environments.
- Furthermore, SDG 13: Climate Action is relevant, as air pollution contributes to climate change and exacerbates its effects.
Images from the Protest
Support Independent Journalism
Sahan Journal is committed to providing free news and stories that highlight the lives and experiences of Minnesota’s immigrants and communities of color. Your tax-deductible donation is crucial in supporting our mission and keeping our news accessible to all.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
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 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of violations of the federal Clean Air Act by the foundry
- Air pollution levels emitted by the foundry
- Proper maintenance of equipment designed to reduce pollution
- Notification of equipment failures to the state
- Diversity and income metrics of the East Phillips neighborhood
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| 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 violations of the federal Clean Air Act by the foundry – Air pollution levels emitted by the foundry |
| 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. | – Air pollution levels emitted by the foundry – Proper maintenance of equipment designed to reduce pollution – Notification of equipment failures to the state |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Air pollution levels emitted by the foundry |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels. | – Protestors rallying and advocating for environmental justice |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: sahanjournal.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
