SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is taking legal steps to stop operations at Northern Metal Recycling. The legal action is being taken because MPCA officials say Northern Metals provided misleading information in the process of getting its air quality permit in 2012, and as a result is polluting the air in North Minneapolis.
Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Minneapolis) released the following statement:
“Nearly twenty years ago I saw the danger in locating the Northern Metals shredder, then known as the Kondirator, in Minneapolis. I introduced legislation to stop it then, but I was blocked by special interests. While I wasn’t able stop it, I was able to pass legislation requiring the MPCA to monitor for pollution which is why they were able to take this action.
“We’ve known for decades that they’re polluting Minneapolis. They thought they could get away with it because it was located in a low income and minority area. While the special interests have been successful in stopping us before, today our voices have been heard. Today is a victory for our community, for our state and for the people of Minnesota. I applaud the MPCA for bringing suit to end the poisoning of our children and neighbors.”
Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Minneapolis) is the DFL-Lead on the Legacy Committee.
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