According to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) enforcement investigation, Heartland Corn Products failed emission stack tests in November 2021 and February 2022 at its ethanol production facility in Winthrop, Minn. The tests show the company emitted both volatile organic compounds and particulate matter above what is allowed by its permit.
A carbon dioxide scrubber failed an emission stack test for emitting volatile organic compounds at a rate of 37% above the permitted limit. The investigation confirmed that due to a misinterpretation of pretest numbers, operating levels for the scrubber had been set too low. Another stack test on this scrubber, two months later, demonstrated compliance.
A filtering baghouse also failed a stack test for emitting particulate matter (PM), small particulate matter (PM10), and very small particulate matter (PM2.5) at a rate of 120% above permitted limits. Additional investigation showed that one of the bags in the baghouse was not properly installed, leading to a decrease in the control efficiency of the baghouse. The company corrected the problem and a stack test the following month demonstrated compliance.
In addition to paying the $11,200 civil penalty, Heartland Corn Products has completed all required corrective actions.
MPCA rules and regulations are designed to protect human health and the environment by limiting pollution emissions and discharges from facilities. When companies do not fully comply with regulatory requirements, the resulting pollution can be harmful to people and the environment.
When calculating penalties, the MPCA considers how seriously the violations affected or could have affected the environment, and whether they were first-time or repeat violations. The agency also attempts to recover the economic benefit the company gained by failing to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner.
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