Activists demand urgent shutdown of toxic waste facility

During a recent government meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding the impact of the HERC (Hennepin Energy Recovery Center) on public health, particularly in North Minneapolis. Jeanette Corsilius, a resident of the Twin Cities, expressed her outrage over the assertion that the facility is not linked to rising cancer rates among local women. Corsilius highlighted the alarming trend of cancer diagnoses among women in her community, including those in their thirties, and shared her personal struggle with asthma, which she attributes to living near the HERC.

Corsilius called for immediate action, urging officials to prioritize clean air and water for residents, especially children. \"We all deserve to breathe clean air,\" she stated, emphasizing the need to shut down the HERC by 2025. Her passionate plea underscored a growing sentiment among community members who feel their health is being compromised.

Karen Clark, an activist and executive director of the Women's Environmental Institute, echoed these sentiments, applauding the resolution brought forward by city officials but expressing concern over its wording. Clark urged for stronger commitments to address environmental justice principles and called for the HERC's closure by the end of 2025. She also emphasized the importance of community engagement in deciding the future of the site and restitution for the harm caused by the facility over the years.

The discussions reflect a broader concern about environmental health disparities in the area, with community leaders advocating for accountability and action from city officials. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the community's fight against the HERC is not just about a single facility but part of a larger struggle against systemic environmental injustices affecting vulnerable populations.