12/22/2009 4:46:00 PM
Fibrominn is fined $65,000 by MPCA
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Fibrominn says the emissions problems have been fixed. |
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Reed Anfinson
Publisher
Fibrominn has been fined $65,000 by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for failure to comply with its state air-quality rules and permit conditions.
The MPCA issued a news release Monday stating it had reached a stipulation agreement with Fibrominn resulting in the fine and corrective actions including the installation of a new sulfur dioxide monitor at a cost of about $80,000.
A 55-megawatt power plant fueled primarily by 500,000 tons of turkey litter, Fibrominn began generating electricity in May 2007 at its plant just west of Benson. Based on similar biomass plants in England, Fibrominn is the first of its kind in the U.S.
"Since the start of operations, the facility has experienced numerous violations of its permit," according to the MPCA. Those violations include the late submission of reports to the agency, failed performance tests, and the excessive discharge of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions.
The company also failed to self-report deviations that occurred during operation of the facility's poultry litter-fired boiler, the MPCA states.
The agency issued a notice of violation to Fibrominn in October 2008.
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Source: Swift County Monitor-News Benson, MN
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