Sahan Journal: Smith Foundry failed to control air pollution in Minneapolis’ East Phillips neighborhood, investigation finds
The metal foundry failed to control dangerous pollutants in one of the most polluted neighborhoods in the state, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Steam rises from an exhaust vent during operating hours at the Smith Foundry in south Minneapolis on November 2, 2023. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal
by Andrew Hazzard via Sahan Journal
A metal foundry in Minneapolis’ East Phillips neighborhood repeatedly violated the federal Clean Air Act by failing to control dangerous pollutants, according to filings from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Smith Foundry, an iron metal processing plant on East 28th Street in south Minneapolis, violated the Clean Air Act nine ways between 2018 and 2023, the EPA found after conducting a surprise inspection of the facility earlier this year. The foundry regularly emitted nearly twice the amount of air pollution allowed by state permits, failed to properly maintain equipment designed to reduce pollution, and did not notify the state about equipment failures as required.
According to a city of Minneapolis report, the foundry is a major source of airborne lead and particulate matter, which are tiny particles of various pollutants that are easily inhaled. Copies of the EPA filings obtained by Sahan Journal show that the amounts of those substances that the foundry emitted were well over permitted levels, endangering people nearby and the environment.