Granite Falls Energy ethanol plant fined $300,000 by Minnesota; largest-ever environmental violation fine for a biofuel plant

November 30, 2007

In Minnesota, the Granite Falls Energy ethanol plant has been fined $300,000 for environmental violations by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said Thursday. The violations have been corrected, according to the agency, which related to over-production and water discharge quality among other issues. It is the largest environmental fine ever given to an ethanol plant.

The news is the largest environmental action against a biofuels facility since Black Warrior Riverkeeper, an environmental group, filed a suit against Alabama Biodiesel for Clean Water Act violations. The September 2007 lawsuit stemmed from complaints by local residents about oily residue downstream from the plant. Alabama Biodiesel has a 35 Mgy capacity and commenced production in 2005.