The End of Hennepin Energy Recovery Center
The Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) is a facility that burns waste collected from the city and creates energy to provide electricity and steam to nearby buildings. The HERC is located in Minneapolis, MN, and is surrounded by communities who are predominantly low-income households of color. This facility emits many air pollutants which are harmful for the communities located nearby. Pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, dioxins, and lead are released into the environment which then have a negative impact on the health of the communities surrounding the HERC. This facility is also located next to areas with high asthma rates, becoming a health hazard for these individuals. In 2024, after months of creating and reviewing waste plans, the City Council approved the closure of this facility supporting the plan for zero waste. This presentation will utilize the Environmental Justice framework, including indicators such as distribution, demography, epidemiology, and procedures to explain the details and build awareness for this very recent decision.