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News release

March 11, 2022

Contact

Stephen Mikkelson, 218-316-3887, stephen.mikkelson@state.mn.us

Liberty Tire Services allowed tire shreds to wash into Savage trout stream

According to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) enforcement investigation, Liberty Tire Services allowed tire shreds to enter the City of Savage storm sewer system and wash into nearby Eagle Creek, a designated trout stream. This was discovered in 2019. Tire shreds were stored too close to storm sewer covers with large holes that allowed the waste to fall into the storm sewer system.

Other violations discovered at the facility included:

  • Failing to provide documentation of required stormwater management training for employees.
  • Failing to submit required annual reports in 2017 and 2018.
  • Storing salt and sand too close to stormwater intakes.

In addition to paying a $22,000 civil penalty to the MPCA, the company is required to complete a series of corrective actions, including:

  • Recovering the tire shreds that entered Eagle Creek and repair storm sewer covers.
  • Implementing stormwater management training programs for employees.
  • Submitting plans for proper future storage of tire shreds, sand and salt.

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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