General Mills Fined By The State Of Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency carries the responsibility to set rules and regulations that puts limits on pollution emissions and discharges from functioning facilities to protect the residents of Minnesota and the environment.  

When these regulations are broken, the MPCA must then assess the magnitude of the infractions and then decide upon the punishment for the offender.   

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The Pollution Control Agency reported earlier this week that they issued a fine against General Mills for violating state rules at the company's Fridley facility. The occurrences took place between 2019 and 2023 according to the Pollution Control Agency’s website. 

What Was The Problem?

The $18,065 fine was issued against the company for three violations; 

• Failure to have the Pollution Control Agency review and approve emission levels of a biomass boiler for five years. 

• Failure to keep emissions below the permitted level. The Pollution Control Agency reports the biomass boiler readings were 262% higher than allowed levels for particulate matter. 

• Then in 2023, the boiler was retested and was found to be 53% higher than allowed levels. 

After the 2023 findings, the company is said to have shut down the boiler for maintenance and to remedy the issue that caused the readings being out of compliance. Once that work was completed, a retest of the boiler was conducted, and it was within the guidelines set forth by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.  

How seriously the violations affected or could have affected the residents of Minnesota and/or the environment weigh into the depth and magnitude of the fine and/or punishment that is issued.  

When these situations arise, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency also attempts to recover the economic benefit the company gained during the time they were out of code with the laws that govern that industry.