American Crystal Sugar fined $350,000 for environmental violations

EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. (KVRR) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says American Crystal Sugar Company violated several air quality conditions, including releasing more hydrogen sulfide and particulate matter than its permit allows.

The violations occurred between 2020 and 2022 at its sugar beet processing facility in East Grand Forks, Minn.

The MPCA says American Crystal failed to properly operate multiple pieces of pollution control equipment and dust control systems and failed to identify corrective actions.

State officials also say the company failed to continuously operate air monitoring equipment for up to 40% of the required time during the second half of 2020 and missed four quarterly equipment inspections since October 2021.

In addition to paying a $350,000 fine, American Crystal will complete a series of corrective actions to satisfy conditions of the enforcement action.

American Crystal says in a written statement the predominant penalty is associated with hydrogen sulfide emissions from the factory’s ponds, often associated with unpleasant odor. “ACSC remains committed to policy compliance and responsible environmental stewardship.”