Ethanol-producing facility in northeast Iowa has been discharging excessive pollutants into the air, posing significant risks to public health and the environment. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), these pollutants, which can cause cancers and other severe health effects, were emitted by the POET Bioprocessing plant near Shell Rock. The revelations have sparked concerns about the long-term impact on the local community and the environment.
Uncovering the Source of Pollution
The POET Bioprocessing facility, previously operated by Flint Hills Resources, produces approximately 140 million gallons of ethanol annually. In addition to ethanol, the plant manufactures other products from the residual materials of fuel production, including a protein ingredient for animal feed. This particular product was identified as the source of the excessive pollution.
In July 2020, Flint Hills Resources installed equipment to extract protein from the ethanol production leftovers. However, this system was found to be insufficient in controlling pollution. POET, which acquired the facility two years prior to the discovery, identified the issue in August 2023 but had not previously sampled the emissions from the plant. The discovery was prompted by a similar issue found in another state.
Alarming Levels of Emissions
The DNR’s investigation revealed that Flint Hills Resources had underestimated the pollutant levels in the ethanol production residues. Consequently, during the protein extraction process, these pollutants were released into the atmosphere. The pollutants included volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and acetaldehyde, a hazardous compound known to cause cancer.
After the production line was shut down and emissions were rerouted through an existing pollution-control system, subsequent tests showed the severity of the past pollution. The emissions of VOCs were found to be 27 times higher than the permitted limit, while acetaldehyde emissions were nearly nine times the limit.
Impact on the Local Community
The POET facility is located about two miles northwest of Shell Rock and approximately five miles west of Waverly. The prolonged exposure to these pollutants likely had significant adverse effects on the health of the local residents. The DNR’s administrative order stated that “actual harm to the environment and public health likely occurred.”
Regulatory Response and Penalties
In response to these violations, POET agreed to pay a $10,000 administrative fine and nearly $43,000 in fees for underreporting emissions in 2021 and 2022. This financial penalty is intended to hold the company accountable for its environmental impact and to cover the costs associated with the investigation and monitoring of the pollution levels.
Mark Fields, a unit leader for the DNR’s Air Quality Bureau, emphasized the importance of accurate emissions reporting and effective pollution control measures. He noted that the issue was only discovered because of similar findings in another state, highlighting the need for vigilance and stringent oversight in industrial operations.
Looking Ahead
The case of the POET Bioprocessing plant near Shell Rock underscores the critical need for rigorous environmental regulations and proactive monitoring to prevent such incidents. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of companies in ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities in which they operate. As the DNR continues to oversee the situation, the hope is that lessons learned from this case will lead to improved practices and better protection of public health and the environment in the future.
