EPA v. MINNESOTA POWER

Case summary

The Minnesota Power Consent Decree addresses violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program at Minnesota Power?s coal-fired power plants and it?s biomass-and-coal-fired cogeneration plant co-located at a paper mill, all located in Minnesota. This settlement will be the 28th settlement reached under the National Coal Fired Power Plant Initiative (Power Plant Initiative). Upon full implementation of the proposed Consent Decree, sulfur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) emissions will be reduced by over 13,300 tons per year as measured from 2010 levels. These reductions will secure significant human health and environmental benefits. Based in part on Minnesota Power documents, we estimate that the total value of the injunctive relief package for the settlement is approximately $500,000,000 (this number will be updated once Minnesota Power replies about the costs). Minnesota Power will also pay a civil penalty of $1.4 million and spend a minimum of $4.2 million on environmental mitigation projects. The settlement is consistent with other EPA system-wide settlements; it complies with all applicable Agency policies and is in the public interest.

Defendants (1)

• MINNESOTA POWERNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (5)

• MINNESOTA POWER - BOSWELL ENERGY CENTER

  1210 3RD ST, COHASSET, MN, 557218706

  Registry ID: 110041028492

• MINNESOTA POWER - LASKIN ENERGY CENTER

  5699 COLBY LAKE RD, HOYT LAKES, MN, 55750

  Registry ID: 110071722236

• MINNESOTA POWER - TACONITE HARBOR ENERGY CENTER

  8124 W HIGHWAY 61, SCHROEDER, MN, 55613

  Registry ID: 110068447504

• UPM BLANDIN PAPER MILL

  115 SW 1ST ST, GRAND RAPIDS, MN, 557443662

  Registry ID: 110017397752

• MINNESOTA POWER - TACONITE HARBOR ENERGY CENTER

  8124 W HIGHWAY 61, SCHROEDER, MN, 55613

  Registry ID: 110068447504

Statutes cited

• CAA 111 — New Source Performance Standards
• CAA 110 — Implementation Plan for National Primary and Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards
• CAA 165 — Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• MINNESOTA POWERentered 2014-09-29

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $1,200,000 · State/local: $200,000

Timeline (6 milestones)

• 2008-12-30Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 2009-01-26Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2014-07-16Final Order Lodged
• 2014-07-16Complaint Filed With Court
• 2014-09-29Final Order Entered
• 2020-12-31Air Resolved