Dear neighbors,
Yesterday the MPCA ordered Water Gremlin to shut down their coating operations.
Last week, the MPCA asked Water Gremlin to voluntarily shut down some of their operations after discovering high levels of toxic chemicals on the site of the manufacturing plant. Water Gremlin initially refused but later agreed to comply with the request. The partial shutdown was scheduled to begin today.
According to the administrative order that the MPCA issued last night, Water Gremlin knew that the plant was contaminated for at least 40 days before the company shared this information with the MPCA. The company received test results that indicated the facility was releasing DCE on June 20, but waited until July 30 to submit that data to the MPCA. Water Gremlin also didn’t take corrective action during that time. Their lack of action led the MPCA to order Water Gremlin to halt their coating operations immediately.
The administrative order, which is available here, is a good summary of what we currently know – and don’t know – about this situation. It also lays out the steps that Water Gremlin will need to take before they’re allowed to resume their coating operations. The MPCA will verify that these steps have been completed and that they are effective.
Public Informational Meeting
Next week the MPCA is holding a public meeting to update residents on these developments and discuss what the agency is doing to address them. If you have questions or concerns that you’d like to share with MPCA staff, please join me on Tuesday, August 27 at Central Middle School in White Bear Lake. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the meeting will begin at 7:15 p.m. MPCA staff will be available until 9 p.m.
As always, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts on Water Gremlin and other issues that are important to you.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative