Statement on Smith Foundry Demolition

Much to everyone’s surprise, people in East Phillips stepped outside last week to the alarming smells and sights of the Smith Foundry being demolished.

EPNI joined community members to shut down this hazardous metal foundry last year after uncovering severe violations of the Clean Air Act that have been endangering people here for decades. The foundry sits directly across the street from the Roof Depot site.

But we received no notice that the city approved permits for demolition. Neither did nearby neighbors or the daycare nextdoor.

Officials from the city claim everything has gone according to process, citing inspectors on-site, water hoses and erosion permits. They also admitted to several “oversights”. Notably, demolition continued while water trucks waited for more water to be delivered - resulting in unmitigated hazardous dust rising in a cloud above the foundry.

Residents went to the site, trying to halt the operation until more information was provided. The superintendent dismissed their concerns and was unaware of the contested history of the site.

Little Earth resident Nicole Mason spoke up during a meeting between city staff, officials at the Dept of Health and MPCA and neighbors, convened by Councilmember Chavez, “You signed off on a contract for demolition without sending out a notice or calling us into a meeting or telling us how to stay safe. We have a sacred medicine farm at Little Earth. We have grandchildren who play outside. We have 212 units here with thousands of Indigenous residents. Are we not worth your respect?”

If everything went according to process, we need to see changes to the process. “This isn’t knocking down a bungalow on 46th Street, this is an industrial factory that has been handling hazardous materials for over a century.” said Evan Mulholland, a lawyer with the MCEA, who was also at yesterday's meeting, where people demanded soil testing, more info, and better communication to those breathing the air and drinking the water impacted by this demolition.

Officials have promised daily communication with Councilmember Chavez’s office. EPNI will continue to share updates on the demolition of Smith Foundry and continue to fight for long overdue environmental justice in East Phillips.