MINNEAPOLIS – A controversial metal foundry in central Minneapolis has been ordered to halt some of its operations and pay an $80,000 fine, the EPA announced Tuesday.
Community members in the East Phillips neighborhood have called out The closure of Smith Foundry for nearly a year after the EPA said the foundry was emitting twice the allowable amount of air emissions.
During a unannounced inspection in May 2023, the EPA says it found several violations of the Clean Air Act. Officials said the foundry’s lead emissions “could endanger human health or the environment.”
As a result of a settlement between the EPA and Smith Foundry, the company will shut down its kiln and casting process within a year. The foundry will be converted into a metal finishing facility, which is expected to reduce emissions, the EPA says.
“East Phillips residents deserve to breathe clean air and live in a healthy, thriving community,” said Debra Shore, EPA Regional Administrator.
The EPA and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will continue to work together to monitor Smith Foundry’s compliance with the Clean Air Act, officials say.
A spokesperson for Smith Foundry says the company will “continue to dedicate its operations to serving its customers” and “provide high-quality engineering and finishing services for castings produced at other foundries.”
“This strategic initiative is aligned with our values as a company and we believe it will position Smith Foundry for sustainable success and growth,” said Adolfo Quiroga, president of Smith Foundry.
Quiroga spoke to WCCO about the allegations last November, saying that when the current owners took over in 2022, there were record keeping issues and equipment not working properly.
“We are not polluting the environment,” Quiroga said at the time.
Last December, new tests showed that Smith Foundry was in accordance with his air permit.
Community members, however, kept going calls for its closure. Neighbors say they have no confidence that the foundry is following the rules, or that regulators are protecting them from harmful pollutants.
Note: The above video originally aired on February 7, 2024.
