The Minnesota Senate today took a significant step in the state’s effort to curb the use of trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxic and dangerous chemical some companies use during their manufacturing processes. By an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 66-1, the Senate approved legislation compelling companies to stop using TCE and switch to safer alternatives. The bipartisan agreement is the result of inclusive negotiations involving the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature, local business groups, and concerned residents of the community.
“Manufacturers use all sorts of chemicals in their manufacturing processes – some more dangerous than others. We understand these chemicals play an important role, but if there are less-toxic options that will accomplish the same goal, then we have a responsibility to public health to use those safer choices,” said Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes), the bill’s author. “We know there are safer alternatives to TCE. Companies should use those instead, if at all possible.”
The most notable use of the chemical was by Water Gremlin, a manufacturer of battery post terminals and fishing sinkers located in White Bear Lake. An investigation into that company found they failed to report accurate TCE emissions data for more than 15 years, and their actions exposed surrounding neighborhoods to dangerous levels of the chemical.
The MPCA is empowered to grant exemptions in limited circumstances, including:
- For facilities that use TCE in a closed system and thus there are no emissions
- For facilities that are holding products containing TCE for distribution to a 3rd party
- For hospitals or academic facilities
- For research and development or other laboratory or experimental purposes
- For facilities that use TCE in waste disposal
According to the MPCA, there are 113 facilities in Minnesota that have been found to use or generate TCE. Of those, 26 use TCE in their industrial processes. The remaining 87 generate TCE emissions as a byproduct of a manufacturing process or from a landfill. Of those facilities, there are eight that are top priorities for action. Four of those no longer use TCE and three are already reducing their use.
Since last May, facilities have removed more than 174,000 pounds of TCE emissions from their processes, more than 80% of which was a result of compliance actions taken against Water Gremlin.