Minnesota is first state to ban chemical TCE

With the stroke of the governor’s pen, Minnesota became the first state to ban trichloroethylene, better known as TCE, a carcinogenic chemical used as a degreaser and stain remover.

Sponsored by Rep. Ami Wazlawik (DFL-White Bear Township) and Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes), the law applies to facilities with air quality permits beginning June 1, 2022.

A few use exceptions are provided as long as the facility complies with Health Department limits for TCE emissions:

• TCE is used in a closed system allowing no emissions;

• facilities holding TCE or a product containing TCE for distribution to a third party;

• a licensed hospital or academic medical facility;

• a facility using TCE solely for research; and

• a facility that processes TCE for waste disposal.

Most of the law is effective May 17, 2020.

A provision that provides $250,000 in interest-free loans to help small businesses transition away from the chemical takes effect July 1, 2020.

A case in White Bear Township spurred the change.

Water Gremlin used the industrial solvent to clean and coat lead terminals for batteries until a state investigation found the company failed to report accurate emission data for more than 15 years and released unsafe amounts of TCE in the air for over 15 years. For example, the company emitted 100 tons of the chemical in 2018 when its permit allowed less than 10 tons.

In 2019, the Pollution Control Agency levied $7 million in civil penalties, one of its largest ever, and the company agreed to stop using the solvent.

HF3376/SF4073*/CH84

SF4073* / HF3376 / CH84