Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Dan Olson, 218-846-7390 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Alexandria, Minn. - The Pope Douglas Joint Solid Waste Management Board has agreed to pay a $5,000 civil penalty for alleged hazardous waste and air quality violations at its household hazardous waste collection facility and solid waste combustor in Alexandria. The Board has also agreed to pay $45,000 toward environmental projects, including collecting electronic waste from area households. The alleged violations stem from an inspection of the collection facility by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff in August 2005, as well as a review of waste management practices at the collection facility and adjacent solid waste combustor. The violations included unpermitted incineration of some household hazardous wastes. The proper disposal of hazardous wastes is important to protect Minnesota's land, water and air quality. In addition to paying the civil penalty, the Board has agreed to ensure that waste collected at the household collection facility is managed properly. 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 the 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 www.pca.state.mn.us/newcenter/enforcement.html.