Union and community group press district to back MPCA action over Northern Iron Foundry pollution near East Side schools

Members of the Saint Paul Federation of Educators’ Climate Action Team told the school board on Aug. 19 they want district support for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency enforcement at Northern Iron Foundry on the city’s East Side.

Linda Jones, speaking with two colleagues, said the foundry at 867 Fourth Street North “has been identified as a significant source of environmental pollution,” listing lead and other toxins as concerns for air, water and soil near multiple schools. She named several nearby schools including Farnsworth Upper and Lower, Johnson High School, Dayton's Bluff Elementary, Bruce Vento Elementary and others, and said 4,205 children attend those schools, 80% of whom qualify for free and reduced-price lunch and 94% are children of color (remarks began at 1592.11).

Jones urged the board to publicly demand that Northern Iron Foundry “follow the law and stop polluting the air,” to support MPCA enforcement, and to participate in a proposed district sustainability committee the union is forming. The group said the alleged pollution carries known health risks, including respiratory and neurological harm that can affect children’s learning.

The board did not take formal action at the meeting. The speakers said they would follow up with an emailed resolution and materials to the district.

The matter implicates public-health and environmental-enforcement agencies beyond the school district; the union asked the board to join public-pressure and enforcement efforts with the MPCA rather than asking the district to conduct independent monitoring or litigation.