Northern Metals, LLC, is proposing to build a new facility in Becke. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is accepting comments on a draft air emissions permit and environmental review of the project through May 18.
Northern Metals plans to construct a scrap-metal recycling center in Becker’s general industrial area. The project consists of an enclosed metal shredder, an enclosed ferrous processing building, an enclosed metal recovery plant, an end-of-life vehicle process, and a community recycling center.
In response to a consent decree signed in March 2017, Northern Metals agreed to move its shredding operation from its Minneapolis facility to a new location. In accordance with the agreement, the company submitted permit applications for this new facility at the proposed 75-acre Becker location.
State agencies use an Environmental Assessment Worksheet to gather information about potential environmental impacts and decide if a project requires a more extensive Environmental Impact Statement. Permits are then drafted using that and other information. The EAW and draft air emissions permit are both now open for comment.
The public is also invited to an informational meeting Thurs., May 10, at the Becker Community Center at 11500 Sherburne Ave, Becker, Minn. The event will begin with an informal open house from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation from the MPCA and a question and answer session.
A copy of the EAW is available at www.pca.state.mn.us/eaw. The draft permit and technical support documents are available on the MPCA’s website at www.pca.state.mn.us/publicnotices. Written comments regarding the proposed air emissions permit can be sent to Kelsey Suddard at kelsey.suddard@state.mn.us, and comments regarding the EAW can be sent to Kevin Kain at kevin.kain@state.mn.us. Comments can be sent by mail to either staff at their email addresses or by postal mail at MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194. All written comments must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on May 18.
