Anoka Ammunition Plant Will Reduce Emissions, Pay Fine Under Settlement With EPA

An Anoka ammunition plant will be required to reduce its emissions and pay almost $350,000 in penalties for Clean Air Act violations.

On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it had reached a settlement with Federal Cartridge Co. in Anoka.

In 2022, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency installed an ambient air monitor at the facility, which is located at 900 Bob Ehlen Drive. Results showed that the facility was producing lead and particulate matter emissions that exceeded government standards.

According to the EPA, particulate matter can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.

As part of the settlement, Federal will be required to install new filtration systems at its facilities. The EPA estimates that the settlement will reduce air emissions by more than 1,700 pounds of particulate matter per year and more than 400 pounds of lead per year.

Federal will also be required to pay $349,471 in penalties under the settlement.

Minnesota Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL- South St. Paul), chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, praised the settlement in a statement, calling it "good news for Minnesota and all those who wish to breathe clean air."

"I thank the EPA for their steadfast efforts in ensuring the Clean Air Act is upheld and Minnesota workers can do their job in an environment that isn’t harmful to their health," Hansen said.

"Actions like this, at the state and federal level, are needed to ensure polluters are held

accountable and the laws we pass are effective.”

SOURCE: Bring Me The News