Lawyers for state, Water Gremlin back in court as plant remains shut down by judge’s order

Attorneys for the State of Minnesota and Water Gremlin are back in court this morning as that company’s factory in White Bear Township remains shut down by court decree. On Thursday a Ramsey County judge ordered Water Gremlin and the state to come back to court today (Fri) with a plan to clean up existing lead contamination, plus prevent lead dust from being carried back to workers’ homes from the factory and poisoning their children. The judge indicated if he approves the plan, the Water Gremlin plant — which makes battery terminals and fishing sinkers — could partially re-open this weekend. The judge also wants a third party to oversee cleanup and safety measures at the plant. An attorney for Water Gremlin says the company has implemented “a tremendous number of measures” to deal with lead dust.