ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A Twin Cities manufacturing plant that was shut down for months over pollution problems will be allowed to resume operations in phases, state officials said Friday.
The state had ordered Water Gremlin, a company that uses lead to make car battery terminals and fishing weights, to stop a coating process after tests found high levels of toxic metal in the children of some employees.
An administrative order by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency allows the White Bear Township company to start work again while both the agency and a third party monitor emissions, WCCO-TV reported.
Coating could start as early as next week. Water Gremlin spokesman Carl Dubois said in a statement that the company is pleased with the order and is reviewing updated requirements from the state.
“We are committed to being a good community member and providing a safe environment for everyone,” Dubois said.
Leigh Thiel, who lives near the plant, said neighbors in the area will be watching the progress.
“We trust that the regulatory agencies have done everything they can to mandate change that makes Water Gremlin production safer, but we’re still highly concerned and we’re scared,” Thiel said.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.