According to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) enforcement investigation, American Crystal Sugar Company violated several air quality conditions, including releasing more hydrogen sulfide and particulate matter than its permit allows. The violations occurred between 2020 and 2022 at its sugar beet processing facility in East Grand Forks, Minn.
MPCA staff inspections and review of company records confirmed violations including:
- Failing to properly operate multiple pieces of pollution control equipment and dust control systems in 2020 and failing to identify corrective actions in 2022.
- Failing to continuously operate air monitoring equipment for up to 40% of the required time during the second half of 2020.
- A performance stack test failure in February 2022 for emissions of particulate matter (PM) by 110% of the permitted limit, small particulate matter (PM10) by nearly 4%, and filterable particulate matter (FPM) by 99% of the limit.
- Exceeding hydrogen sulfide emission limits during the 2020 and 2022 monitoring seasons.
- Missing four quarterly equipment inspections since October 2021.
- Failing to update and maintain its operation and maintenance plan and provide adequate training for staff on plan implementation and record keeping.
In addition to paying the $350,000 civil penalty, American Crystal Sugar Company is completing a series of corrective actions to satisfy conditions of the enforcement action.
The Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Board will receive 40% of the $350,000 penalty according to a new Minnesota statute enacted in 2023. Minnesota Statute 16A.151 requires that 40% of enforcement penalties of $250,000 or more to be given to community health boards near the location where violations occurred. This is the first case the MPCA has completed that meets the criteria since this statute went into effect.
MPCA news release
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