State orders Northern Metals to halt operations at Becker plant as massive fire continues burning

The state Pollution Control Agency citing “imminent danger” to the public has ordered Northern Metals to stop accepting scrap metal and cease operating its shredder at its facility in Becker, plus halt the stockpiling of cars at its north Minneapolis property after inspectors found violations there. A fire continues burning at the Becker plant, roughly midway between Saint Cloud and the Twin Cities. Governor Tim Walz says he’s considering a 30-day hold on Northern Metals’ recycling permit and does not trust the company to do the right thing. State Senator Andrew Mathews, whose district includes Becker, responds Northern Metals is fully cooperating with officials. The Milaca Republican adds “an arbitrary 30-day hold on permitting from the state is irresponsible and an overreaction.” The Becker Police Department says initial tests found no hazardous chemicals in the air.