MPCA fight forces shutdown of St. Paul iron foundry
Northern Iron, a St. Paul iron foundry, will close in December after a fight with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency over air pollution.[1]
The agency moved to revoke the plant's air permit after finding it likely emitted unacceptable levels of lead and other particles.[1] Northern Iron announced the shutdown will take effect in December, ending more than 100 years of operation in St. Paul.[1]
The MPCA began investigating the plant about two years ago and concluded it likely exceeded pollution limits, triggering the permit action.[1] Neighbors reported years of soot on their properties, and one resident has filed a class-action suit.[1]
MPCA officials said the foundry's refusal to turn over emissions information was "extremely rare" and complicated regulators' enforcement options.[1] The closure ends the immediate permit fight.
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📌 Key Facts
- Northern Iron in St. Paul will close in December after more than 100 years in business.
- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency investigated the plant about two years ago and found it likely emitted unacceptable levels of lead and other particles, then moved to revoke its air permit.
- Residents report years of soot accumulation on their properties, one has filed a class‑action suit, and Northern Iron refused to turn over emissions information that regulators say is “extremely rare.”
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