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At the August 4th meeting held to address information concerning the 3M incinerator, we received questions about the incinerator that were better answered by 3M.  Here is their response to some of those questions.

1. If it is a commercial incinerator, do they have to comply with the same rules (as today) / are there additional regulations?
The permit modification being sought will not allow for commercial incineration and there is no intent to move the 3M incinerator to commercial status. There are different regulations for commercial incinerators.

2. Where will solvents be coming from?
Because the permit process is not complete, it would be premature to identify external sources of solvent fuel. No arrangements to bring in non-3M fuel have yet been made.

3. How many employees and union members (work) at the plant?
720 employees work at 3M Cottage Grove. Approximately half are union.

4. How will 3M ensure that the hazardous waste being brought in does not contain heavy metals and dioxins?
The same comprehensive testing program used today for 3M waste solvents will be used for all materials processed in the future.

5. Why is 3M not here today?
3M has been open about the proposed change and the reasons for it and has participated in numerous public meetings and forums on the subject. 3M is committed to participating in the public process for this type of change. This process is managed by the MPCA and will include a public meeting held in the Cottage Grove community. 3M will fully participate in that meeting and other events which the MPCA deems a necessary part of this public process.

6. Will 3M buy our homes when the air quality is shown to be below acceptable?
Air quality data will be monitored throughout the entire monitoring timeframe. Results will be statistically analyzed and appropriate action will be taken based on how these results compare to air quality standards.

7. Will 3M commit to monitor the air for a full year as a benchmark before burning outside waste?
Air monitoring prior to processing outside waste will be carried out to establish a statistically significant baseline.

8. How much extra waste will be burned (in the future as opposed to current)?
Approximately 1-2 additional truckloads of solvent waste per day will be processed above today's quantities. This will be similar to levels in the 2006 timeframe.