Northern Iron LLC operates an iron foundry that manufactures metal castings and machined parts at 867 Forest St. N. in Saint Paul’s Payne-Phalen neighborhood, an area of concern for environmental justice.
In February 2024, the MPCA received new information on estimated lead and particulate matter emissions at the facility. New air modeling, or computer estimates, indicate that the foundry’s lead and particulate matter emissions are highly likely exceeding national ambient air quality standards.
On April 16, 2024, the MPCA issued an administrative order to Northern Iron giving the company 30 days to meet air quality standards. The agency is requiring Northern Iron to reduce its emissions of lead and particulate matter and to demonstrate how it can operate without exceeding air quality standards within the next 30 days.
Air monitoring
To better understand the new estimates and protect the health and well-being of Payne-Phalen residents, the MPCA installed air quality monitors to measure lead and particulate matter in the air from the facility.
The MPCA also reviews air emission factors and preliminary air quality modeling data to estimate maximum potential pollution from Northern Iron.
Our role
Several state agencies, along with city and county governments, have regulatory roles over a facility like Northern Iron. The MPCA is responsible for issuing and enforcing Northern Iron's air permit, which is designed to limit emissions to federal and state health standards.
Community air sensors
Sensors currently gather data on air quality near Northern Iron.
Guidance for residents
No level of lead is safe for people, and elevated levels of lead can impact residents’ health. Children are most at risk for health impacts.
Minnesota Department of Health blood level screening guidelines recommend all children receive a blood lead test around 12 and 24 months of age. Older children and pregnant adults should be tested when additional risk factors are present.
Next steps
The MPCA will hold a community meeting on May 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the St. Paul Eastside YMCA, 875 Arcade Street, St. Paul, 55106 to discuss Northern Iron and address community questions.
Recent MPCA action
- 2020: The MPCA found unauthorized changes at Northern Iron that resulted in increased particulate matter emissions.
- 2022: The MPCA conducted an announced inspection at Northern Iron.
- 2023: The MPCA fined Northern Iron $41,500 for air permit violations. The company was required to conduct air quality modeling.
More information
Subscribe to the Northern Iron GovDelivery list to receive updates about Northern Iron, including air monitoring, permitting, and public comment opportunities.
Northern Iron’s What’s In My Neighborhood page includes more site history and a document archive that includes previous permits, violations, stipulation agreement, and August 2023 performance stack test results.