Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Anne Perry Moore, 218-723-2356 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Duluth, Minn. - The Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railroad Company recently paid a $13,000 penalty relating to the company's failure to comply with state air quality rules. DM&IR and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reached an agreement last November that resolved the company's previous violations and set terms for future compliance. Two violations in December triggered the penalty clause in that agreement. The November 2006 settlement included a provision requiring civil penalties for any ambient air quality (dust) violations occurring after the settlement date. DM&IR monitors near its Two Harbors facility detected two violations in December 2006. The company was also required to continue using dust suppression plans at its Duluth and Two Harbors facilities. The DM&IR transports taconite pellets from three Minnesota taconite plants to its facilities in Duluth and Two Harbors for loading and shipment on the Great Lakes. Dust can be generated during railcar unloading, stockpiling and ship loading of taconite pellets. In response to these and previous air quality violations, the DM&IR has committed to equipment and operating changes to provide better dust suppression, and to continue ambient air quality monitoring. 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, call Bob Beresford, MPCA air quality inspector, at 218-723-4664 or 1-800-657-3864.