The controversial Smith Metal Foundry in south Minneapolis has been ordered to shut down some of its operations and pay an $80,000 fine to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Residents who live near the facility in the East Phillips neighborhood have been calling for its closure for over a year after word that it was releasing airborne lead emissions at twice the legal level, creating health concerns.
As a result of the latest settlement, the foundry, located in the 1800 block of East 28th Street, will immediately shut down its furnace and casting business and within a year convert to a metal finishing facility.
The EPA says that should help reduce emissions.
“Shutting down the furnace and casting operations is a win for this community, which has been historically disenfranchised and overburdened by pollution,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “East Phillips residents deserve to breathe clean air and to live in a healthy, thriving community.”
After an unannounced inspection in May 2023, EPA alleged Smith Foundry failed to properly operate its pollution control equipment and maintain required records. EPA also alleged the foundry exceeded particulate matter emission limits for its industrial process equipment and violated airborne particulate matter rules.
Under the terms of the settlement, Smith Foundry will:
- Immediately shut down two of the foundry’s pouring and cooling lines.
- Limit the total amount of liquid metal poured at the remaining lines to 2,884 tons before they are shut down.
-Permanently shut down the furnace, all remaining pouring/cooling lines, all mullers, and the shakeout system within the next 12 months.