WI DOJ Files Suit Against Utica Energy Ethanol Plant.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced it has filed an environmental lawsuit in Winnebago County against Utica Energy, LLC for alleged air pollution violations at the company's ethanol production facility in Utica.
According to DOJ, the complaint, which was filed at the request of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), alleges that Utica Energy commenced construction in March 29, 2002 of portions of its facility before the necessary permits were issued, failed to equip its storage tanks with emissions control equipment and loaded trucks without the required emissions control equipment. DOJ said air pollutants emitted at Utica's plant include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and benzene.
DOJ said Utica faces forfeitures of not less than $10 or no more than $25,000 for each violation.
"While the necessary air pollution control equipment has since been installed, [DOJ] believes penalties are warranted for Utica's alleged past disregard of environmental laws," said attorney general Peg Lautenschlager.
Local Wisconsin newspaper the Green Bay Press-Gazette noted that earlier this month, Utica filed a civil suit in the Winnebago County Circuit Court against DNR's claims in an attempt to receive a ruling that the company has not violated state statutes and emissions regulations.
"Utica claims they're in compliance and has the data to prove it," said Paul Zandt, a spokesman for a Milwaukee public relations firm representing Utica.
Contact: Brian Rieselman, WI DOJ, phone 608-266-1220, website http://www.doj.state.wi.us.
(GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE/EIN STAFF: 4/16)
