Northshore Mining must continue air testing for asbestos-like fibers in Minnesota
A federal appeals court has declined to intervene in Minnesota’s mandate for Northshore Mining Co. to continue air testing at a Minnesota taconite mine. The judges ruled that the federal courts are not the right venue to review the decision, as the state regulation is a state issue.
Through state permits, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requires that the Northshore Mining taconite mine and plant operations conduct air testing for asbestos-like fibers using the best available technology to keep the fiber count below a medically significant level. The level chosen by the state was from an air quality comparison ordered by a federal court judge 35 years ago. That federal court order has been dismissed since then and Northshore Mining has been trying to get the fiber testing removed from the state permits. They have lost this battle at all levels of Minnesota state courts, federal district court and now the federal appeals court.
For the full story, go to Duluth News Tribune.
