Climate Action Resources
Environmental Engagement in the Greater EastSide
Welcome to the GESCC/District 2 Environmental page. Our goal is to bring awareness to the environmental issues and challenges happening in the Greater East Side.
Please consider joining us in this work- you can email d2jessica@outlook.com to receive the latest information and stay engaged.
Northern Iron Foundry/ Lawton Standard
The Northern Iron foundry is an industrial facility on the Eastside. It’s a large blue building that you might see when you’re driving or biking down Phalen Boulevard.
For over a decade, Northern Iron operated equipment that was not covered by its air permit. When that equipment was finally accounted for, state regulators found that Northern Iron’s activities were creating illegal amounts of lead and fine particulate pollution.
These pollutants are of serious health concern. Lead is a neurotoxin, and the fine particulates are microscopic particles that can affect the lungs and heart.
Northern Iron is currently fighting the enforcement action in court. At the same time, it is also applying for an amendment to its air permit so it can continue operating with its additional equipment.
Public comment
There will be a public comment period to weigh in on the amended permit. Your voice matters!
Sign up for updates from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to be notified when the comment period opens. You can enter your email at the bottom of their Northern Iron webpage.
Eastside Environmental Justice
To get involved with environmental justice education and community organizing, reach out to Eastside Environmental Justice through their contact form or call 651-252-4750.
*Note: Northern Iron recently renamed itself “Lawton Standard”
Northern Iron
867 Forest St, Saint Paul, MN 55106 · 1.9 mi
Get Involved!
Join the Greater EastSide Community Council, community members, and partners involved in the environment, trash pickup, air quality issues, and native planting
Contact Jess at d2jessica@outlook.com to learn more about this area and receive all the latest news and updates
