Residents of the Shingle Creek neighborhood in north Minneapolis have taken legal action against Owens Corning, the company that operates the city’s long‑standing asphalt shingle plant. Five local homeowners filed a class‑action suit this month, seeking damages for what they describe as persistent foul odors and harmful air pollutants that have made daily life difficult.
EPA findings spark community complaint
The lawsuit follows a June 2026 determination by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that the Owens Corning facility violated the Clean Air Act by emitting excessive sulfur‑dioxide. EPA inspectors were prompted to investigate after receiving numerous complaints from nearby residents about the strong, lingering smell.
Class‑action details
The filing invites anyone living within three‑quarters of a mile of the plant to join as plaintiffs. The complaint alleges that the odor and emissions have impaired residents’ ability to enjoy their homes, parks, and streets, and have even contributed to health concerns. Plaintiffs Jennifer Castello and Jessica Scott said, “Stepping outside hurts our lungs. It’s also embarrassing to have friends and family visit and have to work around the smell,” adding that their dog recently died of cancer.
History of violations
City and state officials have recorded multiple citations against the plant. City inspectors issued fines in August 2025 and again in April 2026 for odor violations. The EPA’s June findings cite the same pattern of excessive sulfur‑dioxide releases.
Legal claims
The complaint labels Owens Corning’s actions as a private nuisance—interfering with homeowners’ enjoyment of their property—and a public nuisance—hindering community recreation in nearby parks and streets. It also alleges negligence in operating the facility, arguing that the company has failed to invest in equipment or chemical additives that could reduce odors and emissions.
What the suit says the company should do
According to the filing, a “properly operated, maintained, and managed facility will mitigate, prevent, and otherwise contain fugitive odor emissions by utilizing proper equipment, handling procedures, and storage at its facility.” The plaintiffs contend that Owens Corning can and should take these steps but has not done so.
Background on the plant
The Shingle Creek factory has produced roofing shingles since 1945, originally under the locally owned Lloyd A. Fry Roofing Co. Owens Corning, based in Ohio, purchased the plant in 1977. Under current city zoning codes, the facility is classified as non‑conforming, meaning its industrial use does not align with the permitted uses for the surrounding residential area. The surrounding neighborhoods were historically redlined, a 20th‑century practice that limited homeownership opportunities for people of color.
Next steps
Owens Corning was officially served with the lawsuit on Oct. 7, according to court filings. The company declined to comment, citing pending litigation. No hearing dates have been set, and the suit seeks an undetermined amount in damages.
Community impact
Thousands of private homes fall within the proposed class area, underscoring the broad impact of the alleged pollution. Local leaders and neighborhood associations have expressed concern that the plant’s continued operation without adequate odor controls threatens the quality of life for families who have lived in the area for generations.
As the case moves forward, residents hope the legal action will compel Owens Corning to adopt modern emission‑control technologies and restore a healthier environment for north Minneapolis.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
