KODA Energy violated its air permit in Scott County from June 2023 to February 2024, according to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) enforcement investigation. The investigation found KODA energy was burning waste-treated corn and should have submitted a major permit amendment before burning an industrial solid as a waste-to-energy incineration facility.
In addition to paying the $18,125 civil penalty, KODA Energy agreed to complete a corrective action. KODA Energy is submitting a statement that they will no longer burn waste-treated seed without first applying for and being issued a major permit amendment that allows the burning of an industrial solid waste at their facility.
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.