Anoka | Federal Ammunition

Federal Premium Ammunition, commonly known as Federal Ammunition, uses lead to manufacture ammunition for a variety of sporting firearms at its Anoka facility. The facility operates under an MPCA air permit that is current.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are working together on an enforcement investigation to address elevated lead emissions at Federal Ammunition in Anoka. Air monitoring data from the MPCA confirm lead levels along the facility’s property line have exceeded national ambient air quality standards several times during 2023. 

MPCA air monitoring data show that lead levels fell to below the national standard in January 2024. The monitoring continues.  

Our role

In 2021, MPCA emissions inventory staff identified lead emissions at Federal Ammunition over the EPA’s action level of 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter. The EPA, MPCA, and Federal Ammunition developed plans for ambient air monitoring, which is required by law when a facility exceeds emission standards.

MPCA ambient air lead monitoring began in December 2022 on the fence line of the facility. The MPCA notified EPA of elevated lead levels detected during monitoring in early 2023 and the two agencies agreed that EPA would lead the investigation with assistance from the MPCA. The ongoing investigation will determine the cause for the elevated emissions and ensure appropriate corrective action brings levels within the national standard.

MPCA data and air modeling suggest elevated lead air concentrations are likely restricted to a 0.2-mile radius — or about 1,000 feet — of the facility. Most of the impacted area is located within Federal Ammunition property. 

EPA officials are currently working with the facility as part of the enforcement investigation. The details of the investigation remain confidential until the investigation is completed. The resulting enforcement action will require the facility to make changes to maintain levels below federal standards.

Federal Ammunition has applied for a major amendment to its current permit. That application is on hold while the EPA conducts its investigation. The outcome of the investigation will likely impact future permitting decisions for the facility. MPCA staff have conducted numerous inspections and monitored for lead emissions from the facility at times over the last 14 years. 

MDH Lead Surveillance Program

Data from MDH’s statewide Lead Surveillance Program through 2021 do not show a disproportionate number of children with elevated lead levels in the census tracts surrounding Federal Ammunition. These data primarily come from children who received routine blood lead screening at ages 1 and 2 years.

Location

Federal Ammunition is located at 900 Bob Ehlen Drive, on the east side of Anoka and near the border of Coon Rapids, adjacent to residential and retail areas and within an environmental justice area.

Timeline

• 2010 - The facility’s lead emissions became a concern after the federal government lowered the national air quality standard. MPCA began ambient air monitoring near the facility.
• 2013 - MPCA air monitoring ended; lead concentrations remained below the standard from 2010 to 2013.
• 2021 - MPCA emissions inventory staff identified lead emissions from Federal Ammunition were above EPA’s action level. MPCA, EPA, and Federal Ammunition developed plans for air monitoring.
• Dec. 2022 - MPCA air monitoring began.
• Feb. 2023 - MPCA detected lead levels in ambient air above standards and notified EPA.
• July 2023 - MPCA and EPA agree that EPA will lead the investigation.