St. Paul, MN - Today, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement with Federal Cartridge Co. for alleged Clean Air Act violations. EPA estimates the settlement will reduce air emissions by more than 1,700 pounds of particulate matter per year and more than 400 pounds of lead per year.
State Representative Rick Hansen (DFL - South St. Paul), Chair of the House’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee, applauded the settlement and release the following statement:
“Today’s settlement is good news for Minnesota and all those who wish to breathe clean air. I thank the EPA for their steadfast efforts in ensuring the Clean Air Act is upheld and Minnesota workers can do their job in an environment that isn’t harmful to their health. Actions like this, at the state and federal level, are needed to ensure polluters are held accountable and the laws we pass are effective.”
Under the settlement, Federal Cartridge will be required to reduce lead and particulate matter emissions and pay $349,471 in penalties. Federal Cartridge melts and processes lead to manufacture ammunition.
In 2022, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency installed an ambient air monitor at the facility after lead emissions were found to be above permitted levels. Results showed lead concentrations exceeding the Minnesota ambient air quality standards of 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter for lead in ambient air. The settlement will require Federal Cartridge to reduce the facility’s lead and particulate matter emissions.
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