WASHINGTON, DC - The federal government said today that it will permit corn milling facilities that make ethanol for fuel to emit more than double the amount of air pollutants previously allowed. The new rule is expected to increase the amount of ethanol available for fuel.
The final rule issued today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, treats facilities producing ethanol for human consumption, industrial use or fuel equally under Clean Air Act permitting requirements.
Until today, corn milling plants that make ethanol for use as a fuel additive have only been allowed to emit 100 tons of polluting emissions per year, while plants that make ethanol for human consumption have been permitted to emit 250 tons per year.
The new EPA rule allows all ethanol producers using corn or other carbohydrate feedstocks to emit 250 tons of air pollutants per year.
That's 500,000 POUNDS of air pollutants released into the air we breathe each year. Or, almost 1,400 pounds of air pollutants released EVERY SINGLE DAY, 365 days a year. Combine this with the pollution that will be released into the air and watershed from the thousand of vehicles transporting grain in and ethanol out of the facility and one has a nightmare scenario for residents in Southwest Missouri.
Everyone in SW Missouri will be drinking the same polluted water and breathing the same toxic air.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Keep Fighting
The location for this plant is wrong and the wisdom behind it is questionable at best.
I think if we followed the money we might find it reveals much about why Webster County, why now and why the water concerns are being disregarded.
And what is left for the people when the water is gone and the land degraded? How will the crops grow when the soil is lost? How will the people live when the wells are dry?
I think if we followed the money we might find it reveals much about why Webster County, why now and why the water concerns are being disregarded.
And what is left for the people when the water is gone and the land degraded? How will the crops grow when the soil is lost? How will the people live when the wells are dry?
Farm land
As part of a 4 generation family living on the same land, I am appalled at the company's choice of location. Why did they choose a pasture in the middle of a nice rural community to install heavy industry? This place is several hundred miles from the closest corn growing region, the infastructure to support heavy industry (i.e. roads, utilities, fire services) simply doesn't exist in this location, and the location is surrounded by nice homes built by hardworking American citizens. I wonder if the fact that Webster county doesn't have any planning and zoning played a part in the company's choice??? The location is right over the Christian county line... It's the only thing that makes sense about this location.
Who's going to pay for all those necessary infastructure improvements to support this 252 acres of heavy industry? TheTAXPAYERS! Who will pay for the pollution cleanup and the new wells? The Citizens of Webster county. Who will deal with the 24 hour a day/50 week a year constant light, noise, stench, traffic, etc? The citizens. All to line someone's pocket.
Who's going to pay for all those necessary infastructure improvements to support this 252 acres of heavy industry? TheTAXPAYERS! Who will pay for the pollution cleanup and the new wells? The Citizens of Webster county. Who will deal with the 24 hour a day/50 week a year constant light, noise, stench, traffic, etc? The citizens. All to line someone's pocket.
GOODBYE, OZARKS AQUIFER
Ethanol plant cleared; foes consider appeal
Despite groundwater concerns, judge sides with Gulfstream Bioflex Energy.
Mike Penprase
News-Leader
A judge ruled Friday that the backers of a Rogersville ethanol plant can proceed with the project, prompting opponents to consider an appeal to a higher court.
A temporary restraining order had kept Gulfstream Bioflex Energy of Mount Vernon from working at the proposed location of a $165 million corn processing plant on U.S. 60.
The Citizens for Groundwater Protection group argued that the proposed plant would use so much groundwater that neighbors' water supply would be affected. The group also expressed concern that a lagoon expected to created during the manufacturing could become a pollution concern.
"We're just trying to gather our thoughts now. Our hearts are in our throats," said plaintiff Larry Alberty, adding that the group will discuss future actions as soon as they get together. "We did everything correctly and had the best attorney, but the judge has made his decision and we'll have to live with it."
"It's not about the ethanol plant. It's about our water."
Springfield attorney Bryan Wade said he expects that Judge Frank Conley's ruling in favor of his clients will be appealed, but GBE officials plan to proceed with the project. Gulfstream officials were not available for comment Friday.
Conley was specially assigned to the Webster County case.
Despite groundwater concerns, judge sides with Gulfstream Bioflex Energy.
Mike Penprase
News-Leader
A judge ruled Friday that the backers of a Rogersville ethanol plant can proceed with the project, prompting opponents to consider an appeal to a higher court.
A temporary restraining order had kept Gulfstream Bioflex Energy of Mount Vernon from working at the proposed location of a $165 million corn processing plant on U.S. 60.
The Citizens for Groundwater Protection group argued that the proposed plant would use so much groundwater that neighbors' water supply would be affected. The group also expressed concern that a lagoon expected to created during the manufacturing could become a pollution concern.
"We're just trying to gather our thoughts now. Our hearts are in our throats," said plaintiff Larry Alberty, adding that the group will discuss future actions as soon as they get together. "We did everything correctly and had the best attorney, but the judge has made his decision and we'll have to live with it."
"It's not about the ethanol plant. It's about our water."
Springfield attorney Bryan Wade said he expects that Judge Frank Conley's ruling in favor of his clients will be appealed, but GBE officials plan to proceed with the project. Gulfstream officials were not available for comment Friday.
Conley was specially assigned to the Webster County case.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)