According to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) enforcement investigation, during 2021, Northern Metals exceeded air emissions limits for small and very small particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) by up to 60 percent above permitted limits at its metal shredding facility in Becker, Minn. The company also missed deadlines for testing pollution emissions and submitting those results to the MPCA.
As part of its air quality permit, Northern Metals is required to perform emissions tests on a regular schedule for pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polychlorinated (PCBs), mercury, and other hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Records indicate that at one point in 2021, tests were conducted up to 35 days late and reports were submitted to the MPCA up to 66 days late.
In addition to paying the $12,000 civil penalty, Northern Metals will complete a series of corrective actions including:
- Submitting a performance testing plan that outlines a schedule to ensure that future testing is performed on time.
- Installing equipment to control acid gas, mercury, and particulate matter emissions and perform tests to show proper operation.
- Submitting status reports to the MPCA every six months.
MPCA rules and regulations are designed to protect human health and the environment by limiting pollution emissions and discharges from facilities. When companies do not fully comply with regulatory requirements, the resulting pollution can be harmful to people and the environment.
When calculating penalties, the MPCA takes into account how seriously the violations affected or could have affected the environment, and whether they were first-time or repeat violations. The agency also attempts to recover the economic benefit the company gained by failing to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner.
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