How Minnesota’s Pollution Agency Could Have Better Protected Residents from Lead Exposure Risks

WCCO Investigates has revealed issues with how the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) communicated a health risk related to lead exposure. In late May, the MPCA issued a violation notice to Gopher Resource, a battery recycling company, for exceeding lead air quality standards from January to March. However, the nearby residents didn’t find out about the pollution until July, raising concerns about timely communication.

According to federal law, the MPCA is obligated to promptly inform the public of health risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that the MPCA didn’t need to wait three months to share this critical information, despite what the agency had told residents.

At a recent community meeting, local residents expressed frustration about the delay. Gopher Resource admitted to the elevated lead emissions and stated they alerted the MPCA once they became aware of the problem in early 2025. The state health department emphasizes that there’s no safe level of lead exposure, making the delay even more alarming.

Courtney Ahlers-Nelson, an MPCA division director, explained that federal rules require three months of confirmed data before notifying the public. However, the EPA pointed out that while there is time needed to process pollution samples, the Clean Air Act allows for sharing data sooner.

The MPCA acknowledged the delicate balance they try to strike between sharing information and avoiding unnecessary panic or harm to a company’s reputation. They mentioned that spikes in monitoring data could sometimes result from equipment issues or environmental factors, necessitating careful verification before public announcements.

Despite these claims, community members insist they want quicker alerts about potential health risks. In response, a state lawmaker is pushing for an investigation into how MPCA handled this situation. The legislative auditor is currently considering this request.

There’s also an ongoing investigation into Gopher Resource’s hazardous waste and stormwater management practices. It’s crucial for agencies to prioritize clear and timely communication, especially when it involves community health.

This situation highlights a wider concern about environmental transparency and accountability. In recent years, the public has increasingly demanded faster disclosures about pollution. A 2022 survey revealed that over 70% of Americans want more immediate updates about environmental hazards in their communities. As our understanding of lead’s harmful effects deepens, agencies must adapt to keep the public informed and safe.

For more information about lead exposure and safety, visit the EPA’s website.

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Eagan News, Environmental Protection Agency, Pollution, Lead Levels