Wisconsin ethanol plant fined $125,000 for air pollution permit violations

In Wisconsin, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has announced that his office has obtained a judgment against Marquis Energy-Wisconsin, LLC, requiring payment of $125,000 in forfeitures, court costs, and surcharges for violations of Wisconsin’s air pollution control laws at a Necedah facility.

Wisconsin facilities that have the potential to emit elevated levels of air contaminants may be required to obtain an air pollution control permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  Air pollution control regulations and permits minimize emissions by requiring pollution control equipment, preventative maintenance, and abatement plans to reduce accidental releases.  The Necedah facility is classified as a “major source” under Wisconsin’s air pollution control laws because the greenhouse gas potential to emit is greater than 100,000.00 tons per year of carbon dioxide equivalence.

According to the complaint, filed at the request of the DNR, Marquis, who purchased the facility from another owner on July 1, 2010, failed to obtain air pollutant source construction permits until November 22, 2010, 144 days after it took control of the facility.