2021 Vol 15, Issue 1 January Gem Lake News

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Gem Lake News Page 2 of 6 In January 2019, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MCPA) and the Minnesota Department of Health investigated community exposures to an industrial solvent called trichloroethylene (TCE) used by Water Gremlin, a m anufacturer in White Bear Township. MCPA’s investigation showed that the company failed to report accurate emission data for more than 15 years. Water Gremlin violated its permit and exposed the surrounding neighborhoods to TCE level above the MDH’s health benchmark of 2 micrograms per cubic meter of air. A settlement between Water Gremlin and the MPCA in March of 2019 resulted in large civil penalties, but allowed the company to switch to an alternative product from TCE. For the past year, various remediation strategies have been discussed or put in place. In the meantime, operations at the facility have been changed or curtailed to accommodate guidelines from various agencies. Water Gremlin has submitted an application for a major new permit, which is being reviewed by the state. It is anticipated that the permit will be issued in March or April. The State of Minnesota is looking into various options for emission controls, such as adding additional filters to the plant’s stack. The Minnesota Department of Health standards are being reviewed as guidance, in addition to health standards from Michigan and California. There is also a minor permit application in the review process. The State is reviewing citizen comments and expects the permit will be issued around February 28. Water Gremlin is proposing to convert one solvent based coater to a non-solvent curing process using ultraviolet light. The proposed change will reduce potential emissions of volatile organic compounds, and increase potential emissions of particulates within allowable limits. An extensive on-site inspection of the plant was completed last September. The State expects to conduct inspections every six months for a while, and then once a year. The State of Minnesota is still monitoring lead exposures, and thus far, the reports indicate an acceptable status. An independent firm, named Wenck Company is in the process of preparing a review concerning wells in the area. They have or will tested 65 residential properties south of the campus. More broadly, the State of Minnesota is working with the Legislature to update rules involving TCE usage. Work is on- going. Water Gremlin Update: New Permits in the Works New Council Members Take Office (continued from page one) For the Study of Politics and Governance at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Following the events of September 11, 2001, Benjamin withdrew from undergraduate studies and enlisted in the United states Nav y in early 2002. He was assigned to the Engineering Department aboard the USS O’Bannon. His first deployment involved participation in international naval exercises in the U.S. Southern Command: Central and South America. His second duty station was the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command—Mobile Security Squadron Six. In 2005 and 2007, his unit was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. He participated in anti-terrorism and force protection operations off the southern coast of Iraq and elsewhere. After completing his enlistment, Benjamin and his wife Sherri returned to Minnesota. He worked for a small law firm, then joined an employment and consumer rights law firm in Minneapolis. He currently works for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs as the agency’s Legislative Director. He and Sherri have two elementary school aged children. Gretchen served on the city council and as the city newsletter editor for 14 years and as back up mayor for nine years. She was appointed acting mayor in May of 2020, when Mayor Bob Uzpen died of ALS. She was elected as mayor in November. Prior to this, Gretchen spent many years as a reporter, 14 years as the executive vice president of an international trade association and then as the CEO of a technology company. All three individuals will serve four-year terms. Acting City Clerk Gloria Tessier administered the oath of office to each person.