ST. PAUL, Minn.-- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has identified one likely source of the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) found in fish in Minneapolis's Lake Calhoun between 2006-2009.
The source is an industrial facility, Douglas Corporation, that used PFOS in its manufacturing processes, located in St. Louis Park. Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) appear to have been conveyed from the facility to Lake Calhoun via runoff from the property entering stormwater sewers that drain to the lake.
The MPCA is actively taking steps to reduce continuing runoff into the lake. Since learning that the facility was a suspected source of PFOS, Douglas Corporation has been and continues to be cooperative in working with the MPCA.
This information presents no change relative to the condition of the lake nor does it change the risk to the public from Lake Calhoun as reflected in the Department of Health's fish consumption advisories.
The MPCA does not have enough information at this point to say this facility is the sole source of PFCs in fish in Lake Calhoun. There may be other sources as well.
Douglas Corporation has issued this statement:
Douglas Corporation has been notified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) that air emissions from its St. Louis Park facility may have contributed to the PFOS found in the sewer system leading to Lake Calhoun.
Douglas Corporation is cooperating fully with the MPCA in its investigation of the source. The investigation is on-going at this time.
Douglas is not in violation of any law or permit based on its past use of PFCs. PFCs is not a regulated substance under any state or federal law.
Douglas Corporation was using a lawful product in a lawful way at the time of discovery.
Douglas Corporation takes pride in being a law-observing and responsible corporate citizen.
The company is working with the MPCA to immediately adjust its operations to prevent future emissions.
At this time the company is not using any PFCs in any process.
Prior to being contacted by the MPCA Douglas had already eliminated one of two processes that included PFCs, and has since removed the other.
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