St. Paul Brass manufactures brass, bronze, and aluminum castings in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, an environmental justice area.
In September 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in the course of its work enforcing the Clean Air Act, reached a settlement with the foundry that requires it to update its pollution control equipment and procedures. It also requires St. Paul Brass to seek an air permit amendment with the MPCA. The settlement stems from alleged violations found during an unannounced inspection by the EPA in July 2022.
Our role
The MPCA is responsible for issuing and enforcing permits that limit emissions from St. Paul Brass’s operations to protect the environment and health of Minnesotans. Those permits reflect current state law and regulations.
St. Paul Brass has a non-expiring air permit that the MPCA issued in 2007. The settlement between the EPA and St. Paul Brass requires the foundry to seek a permit amendment from the MPCA to reduce lead and particulate matter emissions. That work is already underway.
The MPCA will ask for public input when it leads the development of the permit amendment.
In June 2025, the MPCA installed a stationary air monitor near St. Paul Brass that monitors for particulate matter and lead. Data will be reported on this website quarterly.
Location
St. Paul Brass facility (954 Minnehaha Ave W) is in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, an environmental justice area.
Timeline
- July 2022 – EPA unannounced inspection of St. Paul Brass
- March 2023 – EPA issues first notice of violation
- June 2023 – EPA issues second notice of violation
- June 2025 – MPCA installs a stationary air monitor near St. Paul Brass
- September 2025 – EPA announces settlement with St. Paul Brass
The MPCA is waiting for a permit application from St. Paul Brass and expects to have a draft permit available for public review in mid-2026.
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