Several local businesses were among 118 enforcement cases cited by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for water quality, air quality, waste, stormwater and wastewater violations during the second half of 2023.
According to an MPCA press release, enforcement investigations often take months to complete, and penalties are calculated based on such factors as harm done or potential harm to the environment, the economic benefit the company gained by failing to comply with environmental laws and how responsive and cooperative a company was in correcting problems.
The following penalties were issued in the Park Rapids area:
- Steve’s Woodworking, Inc., of Osage Township – penalized $5,100 for improperly disposing of solid waste, including stained wood, laminated wood, particle board, stained masking paper and plastic bags by burning them on bare ground.
- Gould’s Hearts Desire LLC – $2,350 for solid waste violations in Park Rapids.
- Founders Fiberglass LLC – $2,288 for air quality violations in Park Rapids.
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