MINNEAPOLIS — For the past five years, WCCO has exposed the ongoing pollution problems at Water Gremlin , from releasing a cancer-causing chemical to hazardous waste violations and lead migration. The plant in White Bear Township now has new owners and a new name , but its past will mean a better future for workers across Minnesota. In the end of session frenzy, a bill passed that addresses worker safety.
"Because I was in the middle of it," Steven Wurtz said when asked why it matters to him. "You know, I experienced this. I seen what happened at the company.
" Wurtz first brought his concerns to WCCO last year, questioning the level of allowed lead exposure for people who work with it. At the time, he worked for Water Gremlin, a manufacturing plant that makes lead battery terminals. He was so determined to make a difference, he testified before the Senate Labor Committee.
"You know, I was very excited when I talked to the Senate. They had an open ear," Wurtz said. DFL Senator Heather Gustafson was one of those open ears, taking on the issue after following WCCO's investigations into the pollution problems at Water Gremlin.
"We found that the level of lead that workers were exposed to was also a problem. We hadn't really tackled that yet," Gustafson said. She carried the bill that now requires state agencies that deal with worker safety and health to look at new rules.
"The idea is that the agencies will decide how much is an acceptable amount of blood lead level for workers.
