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EPA reaches agreement with 3M on clean-air violations

Release Date: 06/06/2008
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA103


CHICAGO (June 6, 2008) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with 3M Co. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's Abrasive Systems Division at 10746 Innovation Road, Cottage Grove, Minn.

The agreement, which includes a $30,000 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that 3M violated monitoring and recordkeeping requirements for systems to control particulate matter emissions from its calciners and dryers.

The alleged violations were discovered during an EPA inspection in October 2006. EPA said 3M has since demonstrated compliance with these requirements.

Inhaling high concentrations of particulates can affect children, the elderly and people with heart and lung diseases the most.

Information about EPA Region 5's air enforcement program is at https://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at https://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.