3M fine $2.8 million for hazardous waste violations

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) — 3M Co. will pay a penalty of $2.8 million after Minnesota regulators found a series of hazardous waste violations at its Cottage Grove incinerator which has since been shut down.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said Thursday its two-year investigation found that since 1996, 3M repeatedly misidentified hazardous waste shipped to the incinerator as nonhazardous. Other violations occurred elsewhere, including failing to verify levels of mercury, lead, nickel, cadmium, arsenic and other hazardous materials in some waste streams from 2014 to 2020.

3M said in a statement that it was pleased to reach an agreement with the MPCA and that the company takes its commitment to environmental and regulatory compliance seriously.