Target Pays $27K Fine for Air Quality Violations

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - State pollution control officials say Target Corp. has paid a $27,500 fine for air quality violations at two facilities in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the Minneapolis-based retail giant also took corrective action after being alerted that diesel generators in Brooklyn Park and Elk River were producing excessive air emissions.

The agency determined that Target failed to obtain state air emissions permits for the generators, which were installed to help provide electricity at Target's Brooklyn Park office campus and Elk River data center.

Reports say technical miscalculations caused the company to underestimate nitrogen oxide emissions. Nitrogen oxide can cause respiratory problems and contribute to acid rain.

Target brought the compliance problems to the agency's attention. Under the agreement, the company did not acknowledge any wrongdoing.