Minnesota Power Settles With EPA

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal authorities say Minnesota Power has agreed to install technology to reduce air pollution from three coal-fired plants.

The company will install the technology to help settle allegations it violated the federal Clean Air Act by failing to get permits and installing less-than-best pollution control technology at its plants.

The deal announced Wednesday by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice also calls for Minnesota Power to pay $1.4 million for Clean Air Act violations and spend at least $4.2 million on environmental projects benefiting local communities.

The air pollution control technology will be installed at plants in Cohasset (koh-HAS'-et), Hoyt Lakes and Schroeder. The agencies say it is estimated to cost more than $500 million.