Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Technical Contact: Bob Beresford, 218-723-4664 Media Contact: Anne Perry Moore, 218-723-2356 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Duluth, Minn. -- The Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railroad Company (DM & IR) recently paid a $58,000 civil penalty for alleged air quality violations, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced today. The company will also make required air pollution control upgrades to lessen dust emissions. The DM & IR transports taconite pellets from three Minnesota taconite plants to company facilities in Duluth and Two Harbors for loading and shipment on the Great Lakes. Pellets can generate air particulate emissions (dust) during the loading and unloading of railcars and ships. Air quality monitors at the Duluth and Two Harbors facilities recorded eight air quality violations due to high dust levels during 2005 and the first seven months of 2006. In correct these air quality problems, DM & IR agreed to make equipment and operational improvements to provide better dust control. DM & IR has been penalized for similar violations on five previous occasions, dating back to 2000. Stipulation agreements such as this are one of the tools used by the MPCA to achieve compliance with environmental laws. When calculating penalties, the MPCA takes into account how seriously the violation affected the environment, whether it is a first time or repeat violation and how promptly the violation was reported to appropriate authorities. It also attempts to recover the calculated economic benefit gained by failure to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner. For a comprehensive list of enforcement actions by the MPCA, go to the agency Web site at /newscenter/enforcement.html. Minnesota law requires owners and operators of facilities with the potential to release air pollutants to have MPCA permits. They must also carefully monitor and maintain equipment because emissions exceeding state standards can degrade air quality. The MPCA offers outreach and training to help facilities meet their permit requirements. For more information on air quality permits and emission standards, visit the agency's Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us or call Bob Beresford, MPCA air quality inspector, at 218-723-4664. All MPCA staff can also be reached toll-free at 1-800-657-3864.