Dozens pack court room in support of stripping St. Paul foundry permit
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An iron foundry in St. Paul appeared in court Tuesday in an effort to avoid losing its air emission permit. It’s another episode in a yearslong saga between the foundry and state regulators.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said in court the Northern Iron foundry has a "substantial history of noncompliance" with the state's air pollution laws and the agency's orders, which prompted the agency decision last year to begin the process of revoking its license.
“That core requirement of trust between the regulator and the regulated party, when that no longer exists, the facility just simply cannot, under the law, continue operating,” said Assistant Attorney General Ryan Petty.
Northern Iron argued that the MPCA’s concerns do not justify revoking its current license because they only pertain to a pending permit application. Northern Iron's attorney, Brian Bell, said the state is overreaching.
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“If Northern Iron's permit is withdrawn, Northern Iron has to shut down,” he said. “That means that at least 80 individuals in east St. Paul will lose their jobs.”
Also in attendance were dozens of spectators, who eventually had to pull in additional chairs and sit on the floor to fit in the packed hearing room. Most were activists who wanted to see Northern Iron’s permit taken away.
Many live nearby and are concerned about the health impacts of the foundry’s emissions.
"For years, our community has been dealing with this soot, noise, lead exposure and the uncertainty of not knowing what years of exposure may mean for the health of our homes,” said Sarah Degner Riveros.
At a press conference after the hearing, community organizers said stripping Northern Iron’s permit will send a message.
“As MPCA is taking this incredible step, it means that other polluters around the Twin Cities will see that they can no longer get away with polluting our communities,” said Tracy Molm, a member of the Climate Justice Committee, a Minneapolis-based organization.
Judge Megan McKenzie will issue a ruling at a later date. The foundry is operating in the meantime.
