EPA Announces Settlement with Federal Cartridge Co. in Anoka, Minnesota, for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement with Federal Cartridge Co. at 900 Bob Ehlen Drive in Anoka, Minnesota, for alleged Clean Air Act violations. EPA estimates the settlement will reduce air emissions by more than 1,700 pounds of particulate matter per year and more than 400 pounds of lead per year. Under the settlement, Federal Cartridge will be required to reduce lead and particulate matter emissions and pay $349,471 in penalties. Federal Cartridge melts and processes lead to manufacture ammunition.
In 2022, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency installed an ambient air monitor at the facility after lead emissions were found to be above permitted levels. Results showed lead concentrations exceeding the Minnesota ambient air quality standards of 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter for lead in ambient air. Air quality was assessed based on a 3-month rolling average with concentrations exceeding air quality standards from December 2022-June 2023. EPA issued notices of violation to Federal Cartridge, alleging the facility failed to meet air pollution control equipment requirements and violated the ambient air quality standard for lead.
The settlement will require Federal Cartridge to reduce the facility’s lead and particulate matter emissions. To do so, Federal Cartridge has installed three new lead-controlling baghouses with secondary high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration. The company will also install scavenger hooding in lead-processing areas to route previously uncaptured emissions to baghouses with secondary HEPA filtration. Federal Cartridge will implement a fugitive dust plan and continue to monitor and investigate lead measured in the ambient air. Average lead concentrations monitored near the facility are currently below the Minnesota ambient air quality standards.
EPA’s mission is to protect human health and the environment. Research shows that air pollutants like particulate matter can increase heart disease as well as other health issues, while reductions in air pollution are associated with widespread public health benefits.
For more information about the Clean Air Act, visit EPA’s website.
For more information on lead and air quality, visit EPA’s website.