EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. — The American Crystal Sugar plant in East Grand Forks has been fined $350,000 for air quality violations, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced Tuesday.
Among the violations was a release of more hydrogen sulfide and particulate matter than the Red River Valley plant’s permit allows, according to the MPCA.
After staff inspections and reviewing company records, the MPCA determined the plant:
Failed to properly operate multiple pieces of pollution control equipment and dust control systems in 2020 and failed to identify corrective actions in 2022.
Failed to continuously operate air monitoring equipment for up to 40% of the required time during the second half of 2020.
Had a performance stack test failure in February 2022 for emissions of particulate matter by 110% of the permitted limit, small particulate matter by nearly 4% and filterable particulate matter by 99% of the limit.
Exceeded hydrogen sulfide emission limits during the 2020 and 2022 monitoring seasons.
Missed four quarterly equipment inspections since October 2021.
Failed to update and maintain its operation and maintenance plan and to provide adequate training for staff on plan implementation and record keeping.
American Crystal Sugar couldn’t be immediately reached for comment on the agency’s action.
A law enacted in Minnesota in 2023 requires that 40% of enforcement penalties of $250,000 or more go to local community health boards that are located near the violating entity.
The MPCA said that “this is the first case the MPCA has completed that meets the criteria since this statute went into effect.”
Based on the new law, part of the penalty funds will go to the Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Board.
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