1200 Payne Avenue
Dear Community Member,
I’m writing to share important information related to the Northern Iron and Machine foundry located in St. Paul’s Payne-Phalen neighborhood. Northern Iron and Machine is a foundry located in our midst at 867 Forest St North at Wells Street. Northern Iron emits various air pollutants, including lead and fine particulates. The area around the Northern Iron foundry is known to have high levels of childhood lead exposure. For over a decade, Northern Iron operated with equipment that was not included in its air permit issued by the State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Last Fall, MPCA announced that they fined Northern Iron LLC $41,500 for air quality violations and they are now requiring Northern Iron to produce updated emissions modeling and apply for a permit amendment.
Upcoming community meeting, please join us: The Payne-Phalen Community Council (PPCC) feels strongly that residents and businesses need to be aware of the implications of this matter on air quality in our neighborhoods. We have extended an invitation to Alex Lawton, CEO of Lawton Standard and our invitation has been accepted. (Lawton Standard is the owner of Northern Iron and Machine). Please join us to hear from Northern Iron and to share your thoughts and concerns about this vitally important matter!
