Ethanol plant fined $100,000 for pollution violation
Owners of an ethanol plant in Winnebago have agreed to pay a $100,000 fine after pleading guilty to a federal charge of violating the Clean Water Act.
Corn Plus also agreed to make a $50,000 contribution to benefit Rice Lake.
Federal and state pollution officials charged the company Aug. 3 with discharging wastewater into the lake from 2005 to 2007. They say the water contained the pollutant biological oxygen.
The company processes corn into ethanol fuel. It pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of negligently discharging polluted wastewater, which carries a maximum fine of $200,000.
A message left with the company's attorney on Friday was not immediately returned.
---
Information from: [[link:http://www.mankatofreepress.com type:ext text:The Free Press]]
Political Coverage Powered by You
Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.