Residents of St. Paul’s East Side gathered to express their concerns to Mayor Kaohly Her regarding pollution from the Northern Iron foundry. The foundry, located off Phalen Boulevard, has been a source of frustration for locals who report respiratory issues and dust accumulation. Anna-Marie Foster, a board member of the Payne-Phalen Community Council, highlighted the impact on children’s health, stating, “It is harming children, and speaking for the children of my neighborhood, it is horrible.”
Legal and Community Challenges
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has been in a legal battle with Northern Iron since 2022 over permit violations. The foundry is accused of modifying pollution control equipment without proper permits, leading to excessive pollution. The MPCA’s efforts to revoke Northern Iron’s operations permit are ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for October. Meanwhile, residents continue to experience pollution-related issues.
Mayor Her, elected last November, has engaged with community members, the MPCA, and Northern Iron to address these concerns. However, she noted that the city is not an official party in the legal proceedings and has been advised against taking formal actions that could lead to a defamation lawsuit from Northern Iron. Despite this, residents like Kyle Dekker feel the city should do more to inform them about the foundry’s impact.
Community Voices
Residents shared personal stories with Mayor Her, emphasizing the pollution’s impact on their lives. Marcy Morgan, who moved to the East Side four years ago, expressed concerns for her granddaughter’s health, while Brittney Bruce, a mother living across from the foundry, filed a class-action lawsuit against Northern Iron, citing health impacts on her family. Bruce urged the city to prioritize children’s health over industrial interests.
Mayor Her, who has personal ties to the East Side, assured residents of her commitment to being a neutral arbiter and listening to all parties involved. She emphasized the importance of community engagement and encouraged Northern Iron to work authentically with residents to address their concerns.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
