Excess ethanol in mixture prompts gasoline recall

A fuel distribution company is recalling gasoline from 21 communities in southern Minnesota because too much ethanol was mixed in with the gas.

The fuel sent out over the weekend came from the Magellan Midstream Partners plant in Mankato. It contained more than the 10 percent concentration allowed by law. State regulators said one batch tested at 63 percent ethanol.

Magellan spokesman Bruce Heine said the problem began Friday, but plant managers didn't notice it immediately.

"We noticed the incident toward the end of the weekend and took action as quickly as we possibly could. We acted as expeditiously as we possibly could to notify the affected parties and replace the gasoline with on-spec product," Heine said.

The company is cooperating with state regulators, said Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. Tanker trucks began hauling the recalled gasoline away from gas stations early Monday.

"Hopefully working together we can identify the extent of the problem, get the scope, and work out a plan that replaces the bad gasoline and work out any issues as we go forward," Rothman said.

Rothman says anyone who suspects they may have a tank of bad gas should contact the station where they filled up as well as the state Commerce Department.

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