MPCA intends to yank permit for St. Paul foundry accused of polluting the neighborhood

Minnesota regulators initiated the process to revoke a vital air permit for the Northern Iron foundry, citing its failure to provide necessary environmental data. According to MPCA spokeswoman Becky Lentz, the agency lacks reasonable assurance of the foundry's compliance with permit requirements. The foundry, located in St. Paul’s Payne-Phalen neighborhood and owned by Lawton Standard Co. , has been under scrutiny for its pollution impact on neighbors.

Northern Iron plans to contest the state’s action, with a 30-day window to request an administrative hearing while continuing operations. Revocation of the permit could lead to the foundry's closure and affect local employment and economic stability. The ongoing conflict highlights tensions between industrial operations and community health concerns. The MPCA's decision underscores the agency's commitment to enforcing environmental regulations. This situation reflects broader environmental policy challenges in balancing business interests with public health.