Rep. Fue Lee Statement on MPCA's Northern Metals Decision
St. Paul, Minn — Today, the MPCA announced it will not approve Northern Metals Recycling's request to extend the shut down date for its North Minneapolis location beyond August 1, 2019. Rep. Fue Lee (DFL - Minneapolis) released the following statement:
"I applaud Commissioner Bishop's decision. For too long, the health risks for North Minneapolis and the communities around Northern Metals have been exacerbated by the facility's pollution. Today's decision is a step in the direction toward correcting the wrongs for my neighbors. I will continue to advocate on behalf of Minnesotans against industries that adversely affect public health."
On February 28, 2017 Northern Metals agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle pollution allegations and move its metal shredder to a non-metro location. Additionally, $600,000 from the settlement is dedicated to community asthma and lead reduction work. This year, Rep. Lee successfully advocated for $200,000 to continue connecting North Minneapolis residents to resources for blood lead testing, lead poisoning prevention and asthma education.
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