Protesters from Texas are joining others in Minneapolis after a renewed push to close a shingle factory on the Mississippi River on the city's north side.
West Dallas residents who want the GAF Shingle Plant closed in their city traveled all the way to Minneapolis to support North East community members who say pollutants are being carried downwind to their homes.
Miriam Slayhi with The Bottineau Neighborhood Association says the 100-year old factory is also leeching chemicals into the nearby Mississippi River.
"The disparities here in north and North Minneapolis are occurring due to the melting of asphalt and making new shingles," she says. "And it's on the river. Why is it on the river? Why is a plant like this in the inner city of Minneapolis and creating shingles?"
Community leaders say they have reported the company to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Organizer Justice Jones says Minneapolis residents worry the air quality and water quality will eventually shorten their lives.
"GAF sits in the middle of something called a cancer cluster, meaning that multiple corporations in the area are releasing harmful substances into the river, into the air, and into our soil, thereby compounding the impact on the surrounding community," Says Jones.
GAF provided a statement to WCCO Radio saying that the claims made are false.
"In fact, this facility not only operates well within compliance with all relevant federal and state regulations and emissions levels, it has been recognized by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for “Going Above & Beyond” for our investments to voluntarily reduce air emissions. We are proud of our nearly 90-year long history as a Minneapolis employer and of our 140 local employees, many of whom live in this area and are being unfairly targeted by these false claims. Their safety and well-being and that of our surrounding community is always our priority. Each day this team produces enough roofing materials to protect the homes of 300 families. Through this facility we support hundreds of additional, high-paying jobs through our network of local independent contractors and distributors around the Twin Cities who rely on our products to meet their customers' needs and grow their businesses. We are active supporters of community organizations and look forward to continuing to invest in and serve the Minneapolis community."