(St. Paul) – On Friday, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced an initial settlement between the State of Minnesota and Water Gremlin in the ongoing investigation into possible trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure by the company.

Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes), Sen. Jason Isaacson (DFL-Shoreview), Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood), Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL-Roseville), Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL-Maplewood), Rep. Ami Wazlawik (DFL-White Bear Lake), White Bear Township Board Chair Ed Prudhon, White Bear Township Clerk/Treasurer Patrick Christopherson, White Bear Lake Mayor Jo Emerson, White Bear Lake City Manager Ellen Hiniker, and Gem Lake City Councilmember Len Cacioppo released the following statement in response to the settlement announcement:

“While we understand the desire to reach a settlement between the state and Water Gremlin, we have significant concerns. While we appreciate the public hearings, local officials and state legislators were not consulted prior to the final settlement.

“We appreciate the work the MPCA and MDH have already done on this issue, as well as the work that will continue through the coming months. However, as representatives of impacted areas we have a responsibility to make sure all citizens are included in the process of solving this issue, and that their concerns are heard in an effort to increase transparency and communication. The settlement reached today does not change that commitment.”