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In mid-June, MPCA announced its intention to hold Northern Metals accountable for an August 1 deadline to cease shredding operations in North Minneapolis. MPCA denied the company’s request to continue operating the shredder in North Minneapolis for an additional two months until its new Becker facility was operational. The day after MPCA notified Northern Metals of this decision, the company disputed the determination and invoked their right to pursue dispute resolution with MPCA, an option available to them under the 2017 consent decree. On July 25, while the dispute resolution was still underway, the company requested court intervention to allow them to continue operation after August 1.
Yesterday, the Ramsey County District Court issued an order that allows Northern Metals to continue operating after August 1, while Northern Metals and MPCA are engaged in the dispute resolution process. MPCA has already begun discussions with the company, and intends to continue with the dispute resolution process as it is laid out under the consent decree.
I understand that this turn of events will be extremely frustrating to people who live near Northern Metals and who have worked hard over many years to make their voices heard about this issue. I am frustrated, too. But I am also committed to maintaining an open and transparent line of communication with you as this process unfolds. As additional details become available, we will provide the community an update.
Sincerely,
Laura Bishop
Commissioner, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
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