Media Contact: Cathy Rofshus, 507-206-2608, 800-657-3864
Mankato, Minn. — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) prepared for a proposed increase in production by Valero Renewable Fuels, an ethanol plant near Welcome in Martin County. Comments must be in writing and accepted by 4:30 p.m. on June 1, 2011.
Valero proposes to increase its maximum annual ethanol production from 118 million to 136 million gallons; its distiller’s dried grains production from 320,000 to 450,000 tons; and its corn processing from 39 million to 50.4 million bushels.
This increase will occur without adding equipment, modifying the facility footprint, or changing its permit for appropriating water. The plant can accommodate this increase because it operates more efficiently than expected and because its water use is significantly below its current appropriation.
The EAW provides information about how the proposed project could affect the environment and helps determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement, a more comprehensive environmental review, is needed. Interested parties may comment on the EAW until June 1, 2011.
Copies of the Valero EAW are available at: MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Road N.; and on the MPCA website at www.pca.state.mn.us.
Send questions and comments on the Valero EAW to Nancy Drach, Planner Principal, Environmental Review and Feedlot Section, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul MN 55155. Drach can also be reached by e-mail at nancy.drach@state.mn.us.
In addition to the environmental worksheet, this project requires an Air Permissions Permit and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System Permit. These permits will be available shortly after the EAW public notice.
