The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) fined Bushmills Ethanol $13,215 for exceeding air pollution limits at its Atwater facility on Aug. 5 and 6, 2025.
After reviewing air pollution tests that the company conducted on those dates, MPCA staff determined the facility emitted levels of particulate matter less than ten microns (PM10), particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that exceeded the facility’s air permit. High levels of these pollutants can cause serious health impacts or adverse environmental effects.
In addition to paying the fine, Bushmills Ethanol agreed to test again for excess PM10, PM2.5, and VOC emissions.
The MPCA is committed to protecting human health and the environment by enforcing rules and regulations and limiting pollution and discharges from facilities. When facilities do not fully comply with regulatory requirements, the resulting pollution can be harmful to people and the environment. Since 2019, the MPCA has issued 8,419 enforcement actions amounting to more than $24 million in penalties. Penalty payments go into the MPCA's general fund, which enables the MPCA to protect communities and the environment from harmful pollution.
When calculating penalties, the MPCA considers a number of factors, including the seriousness of the violation, the potential for harm to human health or the environment, history of noncompliance, and the economic benefit the company gained by failing to comply with environmental laws.