MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced a $125,000 judgment on Tuesday against a Juneau County-based grade ethanol plant to resolve allegations of air pollution control law violations.
Marquis Energy-Wisconsin LLC allegedly failed to obtain air pollutant source construction permits until 144 days after it took control of a Necedah facility. Marquis allegedly violated emission limits and other air pollution control requirements at the plant. The company allegedly failed to operate within the approved temperature range and failed to stay within the maximum production limit in its permit.
Facilities in Wisconsin that have the potential to emit elevated levels of air contaminants may be required to obtain an air pollution control permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Such permits minimize emissions by requiring preventative maintenance, pollution control equipment and abatement plans to reduce accidental releases.
Marquis' Necedah facility is classified as a "major source," as its greenhouse gas potential to emit is higher than 100,000.00 tons per year of carbon dioxide equivalents.
"The Department of Justice will continue to work with the Department of Natural Resources to ensure that Wisconsin's air pollution control laws are enforced fairly and consistently," Van Hollen said.
Under the terms of a settlement, Marquis will pay costs, fees and penalties totaling $125,000 for the alleged violations. Marquis cooperated with Van Hollen's office and the DNR to bring the facility into compliance.
Wis. ethanol plant settles air pollution allegations
