Proposed 55 Mgy MinnErgy corn ethanol plant runs into headwinds over emissions, noise, water

In Minnesota, the proposed 55 Mgy MinnErgy corn ethanol plant has run into opposition from local residents over noise and emissions issues, and a local geologist said that the proposed site is full of sinkholes and risks leaching ethanol into the Jordan Aquifer and the Whitewater River. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which is yet to make a recommendation on the site, said that it was aware of the sinkhole issue.

It is the second ethanol project in Minnesota to run into trouble in as many months. Last month, Poet canceled the development of a 65 Mgy corn ethanol plant in Glenville over permitting delays. The company did not mention growing anti-corn ethanol sentiment as a factor in its decision.

“When we selected Glenville for a second ethanol production facility, we believed that we would be holding its grand opening sometime around today,” said Larry Ward, Vice President of Project Development for POET. “Early discussions with the appropriate authorities indicated there wouldn’t be any unusual permitting concerns due to the plant’s close proximity to another POET plant. However, permitting has delayed the project by more than a year and has caused a significant amount of additional costs making it less attractive than other potential projects in the Eastern Corn Belt.”

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