3M Cottage Grove site likely not only source of harmful chemicals in Washington County groundwater Firm fined by State Pollution Control for improper hazardous chemicals handling

If you’re a factory owner or just a former student who was slightly bored by chemistry back in school, listen up! The improper handling of chemicals used in manufacturing by local manufacturer 3M—this being determined by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency OR MPCA after a two-year investigation— might just be enough to provoke interest. First though, a soundbite or two.

“3M has been a longtime, valued employer in our community, but the health and safety of our residents is always paramount, State Representatives Keith Franke and Tony Jurgens said in a joint statement upon learning of the investigation by MPCA. “We are disappointed to learn of these hazardous waste findings by the MPCA, but are glad 3M has accepted responsibility and reached an enforcement agreement with the agency. 3M has a duty to be a good environmental steward. In this instance, it failed, and the people of Cottage Grove and Washington County deserve and expect better from this company,” the two representatives said. Minnesota State Senator Karla Bigham had some thoughts of her own on the investigation announced, conveyed via Facebook. See 3M