Burned: The Ongoing Battle Over the Faribault-Kiester Incinerator’s Air Pollution

Burned: The Ongoing Battle Over the Faribault-Kiester Incinerator’s Air Pollution

For decades, the small town of Faribault, Minnesota, has been embroiled in a contentious battle over the Faribault-Kiester incinerator, a waste-to-energy facility that has been burning trash and emitting pollutants into the air. The incinerator, which is owned and operated by the Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric (SWCE), has been a source of controversy and concern for local residents, who claim that the facility’s emissions are harming their health and environment.

The Faribault-Kiester incinerator was built in the 1980s to provide a means of disposing of waste and generating electricity for the local community. However, from the start, the facility has been plagued by problems, including excessive emissions of toxic pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants have been linked to a range of health problems, including respiratory disease, cancer, and neurological damage.

Despite numerous complaints and lawsuits, the incinerator has continued to operate, with the SWCE maintaining that it is in compliance with state and federal regulations. However, local residents and environmental groups have long argued that the facility’s emissions are exceeding safe limits and posing a significant threat to public health.

In recent years, the battle over the Faribault-Kiester incinerator has intensified, with local residents and activists stepping up their efforts to shut down the facility or force it to reduce its emissions. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has also become involved, conducting regular inspections and monitoring of the incinerator’s emissions.

One of the key concerns is the incinerator’s impact on air quality in the region. The facility is located in a densely populated area, with several schools and residential neighborhoods nearby. Local residents have reported a range of health problems, including asthma, respiratory issues, and cancer, which they attribute to the incinerator’s emissions.

“I’ve lived in Faribault all my life, and I’ve seen the impact that the incinerator has had on our community,” said local resident and activist, Sarah Johnson. “The air pollution is terrible, and it’s affecting not just our health, but also our quality of life. We deserve clean air and a safe environment, and it’s time for the SWCE to take responsibility for its actions.”

The MPCA has also raised concerns about the incinerator’s emissions, citing excessive levels of particulate matter and VOCs. In 2020, the agency issued a notice of violation to the SWCE, citing the facility’s failure to comply with state and federal regulations.

Despite these concerns, the SWCE has maintained that the incinerator is operating safely and within regulatory limits. The company has also argued that the facility is an important source of electricity and jobs for the local community.

However, local residents and environmental groups are not convinced. They point out that the incinerator is a relic of the past, and that newer, cleaner technologies are available that can provide the same benefits without the environmental and health risks.

“The Faribault-Kiester incinerator is a dinosaur, and it’s time for it to go,” said John Thompson, a local activist. “We need to invest in clean energy and sustainable technologies that will create jobs and stimulate economic growth, without harming our health and environment.”

As the battle over the Faribault-Kiester incinerator continues, one thing is clear: the community will not back down. Local residents and activists will continue to fight for clean air, safe environment, and a healthier future. The question is, will the SWCE and regulatory agencies listen, or will the incinerator continue to pollute and harm the community for years to come?

What You Can Do

If you’re concerned about the Faribault-Kiester incinerator and its impact on air quality and public health, there are several things you can do:

• Contact your local representatives and express your concerns about the incinerator’s emissions and impact on the community.
• Support local activists and environmental groups who are working to shut down the facility or reduce its emissions.
• Stay informed about the latest developments and research on the incinerator’s emissions and health impacts.
• Consider participating in local events and rallies to raise awareness about the issue and build support for clean energy and sustainable technologies.

Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for our communities and our planet.