Dear neighbors,
MPCA Public Meetings
The MPCA has scheduled two public meetings related to the Water Gremlin investigation. There will be two meetings to allow more people to attend, but the content will be identical.
When: Thursday, February 21 from 6:30 to 9pm and Thursday, March 7 from 6:30 to 9pm
Where: North Campus High School, 5045 Division Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
I recognize that some people will be unable to attend either meeting. Since the event won’t be streamed, my colleague Rep. Ami Wazlawik will be sharing the event on Facebook Live. If you have questions you’d like asked, please submit them on Rep. Wazlawik’s Facebook page. You can watch the proceedings live this Thursday and submit additional questions if you’d like.
Other Emissions Updates
Many constituents have reached out to me with questions about the chemical emissions in our community. The MPCA can’t disclose certain information as their investigation is ongoing, but here are answers to some frequently asked questions based on what I know at the moment.
How long has the Water Gremlin plant been emitting high levels of TCE?
The MPCA hasn’t yet determined exactly when the plant began emitting too much TCE, but they have confirmed it’s been since at least 2009. Water Gremlin has an air emissions permit and equipment designed to limited TCE emissions. However, it appears that equipment began malfunctioning years ago.
How and when was this issue discovered?
MPCA requested information from Water Gremlin which they received on January 11. On January 14, the agency asked Water Gremlin to voluntarily shut down part of their plant based on that information. The public was notified on January 31 after a preliminary investigation.
When was the last inspection of the Water Gremlin facility?
The MPCA conducted an investigation of the plant in 2017. They didn’t identify any violations at that time.
Century College Orthotic and Prosthetic Technology Center
My bill HF 537 would provide Century College with a grant to develop an advanced digital technology center for orthotics and prosthetics. The center would provide education and workforce training on high-end digital technologies, boosting job creation in the area. Students at Century College would be able to collaborate with others in the industry and do innovative work to make these devices more accurate and comfortable.
Public Hearing for Water Quality Bill
Another one of my bills, HF 875, received its first public hearing last week. This proposal would improve water quality standards by streamlining the planning process, allowing more money to be spent on implementation and monitoring outcomes. Last year, it was included in the unsuccessful omnibus bill. Thanks to broad bipartisan support, I hope to see it pass this session.
Legislator Lingo Column
Did you see my recent guest column in the White Bear Press? If not, check it out here to learn more about my priorities for this session and the work that I’m doing with some talented young people from our district.
Ryan Hall-Hunt, a constituent from White Bear Lake, is interning in my office this session. Ryan is an Eagle Scout and a freshman at the University of Minnesota. He plans to double major in Political Science and Economics and participates in College Democrats and Speech in his spare time.
Lunch at Donatelli’s
On Tuesday, I met with other local officials and educators for a delicious meal hosted, prepared, and served by fifth graders from Willow Lane. White Bear Lake Area Schools and Donatelli’s have once again partnered up to offer these special lunches. It’s great to see a small business working to make sure our kids are successful. We must support our mom and pop businesses because they make our community stronger.
The Willow Lane fifth graders will be serving lunch from 11am to 1pm on Tuesdays for two more weeks. I encourage you to stop by and support our public schools and local businesses.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn or 651-296-5363.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative