East Side foundry with past violations has 30 days to reduce lead, air pollution St. Paul foundry has 30 days to reduce lead, air pollution

State Regulators Require Metal Foundry to Reduce Pollution

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an administrative order to Northern Iron and Machine, a metal foundry located in St. Paul’s East Side, to reduce lead and particulate matter emissions within the next 30 days. The order comes after new data revealed high levels of pollution. The foundry must demonstrate compliance with national air quality standards by May 16, 2023, according to the MPCA.

Background

In October 2023, Northern Iron was fined $41,500 by the MPCA for failing to properly report changes to pollution mitigation equipment. Although the foundry had come into compliance at the time of the fine, the MPCA stated that the violations did not likely result in elevated levels of pollution.

Pollution and Environmental Justice

Particulate matter and lead pollution are hazardous to human health. Particulate matter can cause heart and respiratory issues when inhaled, while any amount of lead pollution is considered dangerous by state and federal agencies. The Payne-Phalen neighborhood, where the foundry is located, is considered an environmental justice community due to its demographics and household incomes. Approximately 70% of residents are people of color, and nearly half speak a language other than English at home.

Compliance and Community Involvement

Northern Iron is currently in the process of obtaining a new state permit. The recent inspection that led to the violations and new emissions estimates was prompted by this permit application. Lawton Standard, the company that owns Northern Iron, is expected to meet with the Payne-Phalen Community Council on April 23, 2023. The council has requested that the fine issued against Northern Iron last year be used for community blood testing for lead levels and investments in neighborhood health clinics. They are also asking the MPCA to send notices to nearby homes by mail. The MPCA plans to host a community meeting in May to address the violations and has installed air monitors near the facility to measure particulate matter and lead emissions.

Similar Pollution Issues

Metal foundries in low-income neighborhoods in the Twin Cities have faced pollution issues in the past. Smith Foundry in Minneapolis’ East Phillips neighborhood and St. Paul Brass and Aluminum in Frogtown have both received violations from the EPA and are currently facing federal enforcement actions.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The reduction of lead and particulate matter emissions contributes to a healthier environment and reduces the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The Payne-Phalen neighborhood, considered an environmental justice community, highlights the need to address environmental inequalities and ensure equal access to clean air for all residents.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The enforcement of national air quality standards in industrial areas promotes sustainable urban development and protects the well-being of residents.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – By reducing pollution emissions, the foundry’s compliance with air quality standards contributes to efforts to mitigate climate change and improve air quality.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • SDG 13: Climate Action
   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Target 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.
   • Target 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 in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

   • Lead and particulate matter emissions
   • National air quality standards
   • Compliance with national standards
   • Elevated levels of pollution
   • Particulate matter and lead emissions

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: sahanjournal.com

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