Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: CoriAhna Rude-Young, 651-296-5965 Saint Paul, Minn. -- Eco Finishing Company, a full-service metal finisher in Fridley, has agreed to pay the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) $25,000 in civil penalties for alleged hazardous waste and air quality violations. In addition, the company has agreed to pay $100,000 toward Supplemental Environmental Projects that will reduce the potential impacts of hazardous waste and wastewater generated by the company. The alleged violations were discovered during a site inspection by MPCA staff in January 2004, and a follow-up review of Eco Finishing Company's waste management practices. The alleged violations include improper handling, labeling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, failure to provide required hazardous waste training and preparedness for emergencies, and failure to calculate potential to emit air pollutants that is needed to determine if an air quality permit is required. In addition to the payment of the civil penalty, the company has taken steps to ensure that all alleged violations have been corrected and waste is being managed as required. Proper handling and storage of hazardous materials is important for protecting the quality Minnesota's land, water and air. The MPCA offers training and other educational materials to businesses and local units of government so that they understand and can abide by environmental regulations. The settlement, known as a stipulation agreement, is one of the tools used to achieve compliance with environmental laws. When calculating penalties, the MPCA takes into account how seriously the violation affected the environment, whether it was a first time or repeat violation and how promptly the violation was reported to appropriate authorities. The agency 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, visit the agency Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/newscenter/enforcement.html.