Ethanol Guidancedoc

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Planning and Constructing an Ethanol Plant in Minnesota: A Guidance Document (Revised May 2008)

Planning and Constructing an EthanolPlant in Minnesota:

A Guidance Document

May 2008(revised)

A publication made in cooperation with: Minnesota Pollution Control AgencyMinnesota Department of Natural ResourcesMinnesota Department of AgricultureMinnesota Department of Employment and Economic DevelopmentMinnesota Department of TransportationMinnesota Department of CommerceMinnesota Department of Health


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Planning and Constructing an Ethanol Plant inMinnesota: A Guidance Document

Table of Contents

Introduction ......................... .......................... ........................... ........................... .......................... ............... 1

Site Considerations - Selecting a site............................................................................................................3

Water Supply and Natural Resource Features Wastewater DisposalAvailability of Feedstock Transportation Type of FuelFunding and EconomicsLocal Site IssuesCommunity Relations

Environmental Factors..................................................................................................................................5

Environmental ReviewWaterAir

Other Environmental Factors

Appendices ................................................................................................................................................A-I

Appendix A Siting Considerations and PermitsAppendix B Ethanol Plants MapAppendix C Ground Water Availability MapAppendix D JobZ MapAppendix E Corn Production MapAppendix F Minnesota Rail MapAppendix G Business Development ContactsAppendix H State Agency and Other Contacts (Phone numbers and Web Links)Appendix I Air Emission Risk Analysis Checklist

This publication can be made available in other formats,including Braille, large type, computer disk or audiotape, upon request.



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IntroductionBackground

Ethanol production in recent years hasexperienced a tremendous boom in the UnitedStates (U.S.) due to technology improvementsand the increased cost of competing fuels. Aneffort to reduce dependence on foreign oil will

promote ethanol production even further as willrecent state and federal legislation thatencourages the production of alternative fuels.

Currently, there are 17 ethanol plants inMinnesota with an annual production capacityof approximately 734 million gallons. That isapproximately 15 percent of the total U.S.output.


As of January 2008, there are six Minnesotafacilities under construction with an operationalcapacity of 586 million gallons per year. Onceconstruction of these facilities is complete,Minnesotas total ethanol production capacitywill be about 1.3 billion gallons of ethanol peryear. With at least seven more facilities

proposed or in the early planning stages, therecould be an additional 484 million gallons ofethanol capacity added within the next few

years, bringing Minnesotas total capacity tonearly two billion gallons per year.

The ethanol-blended gasoline that is commonlysold throughout Canada and the United Statescontains 6 to 10 percent ethanol. For a vehicleto use fuel that has an ethanol content ofmore than 10 percent (also called E10), itmust be a flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV). InMinnesota, many fuel service providerssell an E85 blend (85 percent ethanol and15 percent gasoline).

The abundance of corn in the Midwestcreates an ideal energy source for

producing ethanol. For every 100 Britishthermal units (BTUs) of energy used to

plant, harvest and transport corn, 167BTUs of energy is produced in ethanol.

Different types of biomass (feedstock)

have the potential to produce ethanol includingsugar cane, corn stover, wood products, andswitchgrass. Ethanol may also be producedfrom wood waste, waste sucrose, potato waste,

brewery waste, food and beverage wastes, andother sources yet to be considered. InMinnesota, ethanol is currently produced almostexclusively from corn. One facility is producinga small amount of ethanol from cheese whey.

Ethanol is produced from starch. All agriculturalcrops and residues contain starch, which is a

polymer of glucose. To produce ethanol fromgrain, the starch portion of the grain is exposedand mixed with water to form a mash. The mashis heated and enzymes are added to convert thestarch into glucose.

The next phase, fermentation, involves theaddition of yeast to convert the glucose toethanol and carbon dioxide. Fermentation

produces a mixture called beer, which containsabout 10 to 15 percent ethanol and 85 percentwater. The beer is boiled in a distillation columnto separate the water, resulting in ethanol.

Ethanol production from grain utilizes only thestarch. A variety of highly valued feed co-

products including gluten meal, gluten feed anddried distiller grains, are produced from theremaining protein, minerals, vitamins and fiberand are sold as high-value feed for livestock.

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Many ethanol producers also capture carbondioxide emissions for use in beverage

processing.

U.S. Production of Ethanol

The U.S consumed an estimated 140 billiongallons of gasoline in 2006. Production ofethanol in 2006 was nearly 5 billion gallonsannually from approximately 1.8 billion bushelsof grain. Nationally, there are an estimated 139ethanol refineries in operation, with 61 underconstruction and seven expanding. With thisnew construction and expansion at existingfacilities, billions of gallons in ethanol

production capacity will be added nationwide bythe end of 2008.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of2007 requires that 36 billion gallons of

renewable fuel be used annually by 2022. TheAct further requires that 21 billion gallons ofthat goal must come from advanced biofuelsincluding cellulosic ethanol.

This graph is based on Minnesota ethanol production capacity numbers from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.The 2013-estimated consumption is based on Governor Pawlentys proposed 20 percent-blend ethanol.

Planning and Constructing an Ethanol Plant in Minnesota: A Guidance Document (Revised May 2008) 2


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Site ConsiderationsSelecting a site

Location

There are many factors that need to beconsidered when selecting a suitable site for anethanol project. Within this section, you willfind some of the major factors to consider.There are local conditions that must beconsidered in planning a project as well.Contact the Minnesota Pollution ControlAgency (MPCA) early in the planning processto review critical siting considerations before aspecific site preference is determined. Alsocheck with local governing authorities before

moving ahead in the siting process. Here is alink to the Association of Minnesota CountiesWeb page and a link to individual Minnesotacounty Web pages:

www.mncounties.orgwww.mncounties.org/About_Counties/county

_websites.htm

Key Site Location FactorsWater Supply and Natural ResourceFeatures. Under current ethanol plantconfigurations, water use for ethanol productionin Minnesota averages four gallons of water pergallon of ethanol produced. For example, amillion-gallon-per-year production facilitywould require four million gallons of waterannually. In some parts of Minnesota, adequatewater supply of suitable quality can be limited,and may inhibit or prevent the success of anethanol project. In most cases, ethanol facilities

pump from underground aquifers. Recently,other water sources have been considered,including treated wastewater. In addition, the

presence of natural resource features and theirregulation may affect site location. Informationon calcareous fens and threatened andendangered species may be found by submittinga Natural Heritage Information Request foundat:

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nhnrp/nhis_data_request.pdf

Additional contact information and links related

to the Minnesota Department of NaturalResources (DNR) can be found in theEnvironmental Factors Water section (pages6-8) of this document and in Appendix H.

Wastewater Disposal. Due to the potentialvolume of wastewater generated from anethanol facility, wastewater disposal issues areimportant. In Minnesota, many surface watersdo not meet current water-quality standards. Itis critical to become familiar with and

proactively address the potential barriers andconcerns associated with wastewater disposal.More new or proposed facilities in Minnesotaare going to zero discharge designs, recyclingtheir wastewater for process use rather thandischarging it. Zero discharge may reduce theneed for groundwater appropriation and canhelp where water-quality concerns limitdischarge; however it can require additionalanalysis for pollutant concentrations. Forwastewater disposal information, refer to theMinnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)information in the Environmental Factors Water section of this document and AppendixH.

Availability of Feedstock. In Minnesota, cornis the most common feedstock used in ethanol

production because of its availability. Otherfeedstocks, such as corn stover, switch grass,

Preplanning Process. This document isdesigned to help in the preplanning process andwill be updated as needed. We encouragethose seriously evaluating the construction anddevelopment of a new ethanol facility to doadditional research. Research sources includetrade organizations, the Internet, and your locallibrary.


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and wood products should be considered.Additional information from the MinnesotaDepartment of Agriculture, including contactsand Web links, can be found in Appendix H.

Transportation. Transportation of productand raw materials to and from the facility is akey consideration. Minnesota options includetruck, rail, and to a lesser extent, river barges.Ethanol facilities substantially increase heavyvehicle traffic on state and local roadways. Railservice options should be strongly considered.Since ethanol facilities have the potential tosubstantially increase rail traffic, grade crossingsafety devices along the rail line may need to beupgraded. The Minnesota Department ofTransportation (Mn/DOT) district office should

be contacted early to establish appropriatetransportation improvements that will be neededto safely accommodate increased traffic. TheMn/DOT district office closest to the proposedfacility can provide information related tohighway access, traffic impacts and the

permitting process (see Appendix H forMn/DOT contact information). Localgovernmental units should also be contactedregarding county and municipal roadways usedfor heavy vehicle traffic. A Mn/DOT utility

permit (for a trunk highway right of way) may be required for the construction of structuressuch as pipelines.

Although Mn/DOT does not participate in costsof roadway improvements, early contact willallow the ethanol plant proposer sufficient timeto secure funding from other sources. Fundingopportunities may be available for improvingrail grade crossings. The Minnesota RailService Improvement Program seeks to preserveand enhance rail service in Minnesota. The

program provides loans to shippers, railroads,and rail authorities to improve access andrehabilitate rail lines. You can find contacts for

the rail programs in the Department ofTransportation section in Appendix H.

Type of Fuel. In Minnesota natural gas is themost common fuel used in ethanol production.Other fuels could also be considered. Foradditional fuel information refer to theMinnesota Department of Commerce contactinformation listed in Appendix H.

Funding and Economics. Local and stateresources exist to assist in the economicdevelopment of businesses in Minnesota. Oncea possible location has been selected, local andstate economic development agencies should becontacted. For additional funding informationrefer to the economic development resourcesinformation and contacts listed in Appendix G.

Local Site Issues. Most ethanol facilities arelocated in very rural areas (potentially withoutother nearby industrial sources). This cansignificantly impact nearby residents. Localimpacts to consider include dust from traffic andfacility operations, air emissions, noise, odor,light from nighttime operations, and publicdrainage ditch authorization.

Community Relations. While ethanol projectsoften receive local support from investors andcommunities seeking industrial development,early and effective communication withneighbors in the immediate vicinity of a

proposed site will help ensure positive relations,or at least reduce the chance for strongopposition, as the project moves forward. Lackof timely and accurate information amongneighbors can fuel misunderstanding andopposition. Personal contact and simplylistening to concerns in the early stages can be

beneficial in the long run. Other helpfulcommunication tools include periodic mailingswith project updates, information meetings,local news media contacts, and providing Websites with additional information.



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Environmental FactorsEnvironmental Review, Water, and Air

The potential effects that a project may have on

natural resource features are evaluated through theenvironmental review process.

For ethanol plants, the MPCA is considered theresponsible governing unit and the DNR providesthe necessary review and oversight for appropriationof surface or ground water. If the proposed projectincludes ground-water appropriation, an aquifer testshould be conducted prior to the preparation of theenvironmental review documents in order to addressnatural resource issues. Web information regardingthe DNRs environmental review program may befound on the DNR Web site at:

www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/ereview/index.html

The threshold that triggers a mandatoryenvironmental review for fuel conversion (includingethanol) facilities is construction or expansion ofethanol production by five million gallons or more

per year. A mandatory review is required for newethanol facilities requiring a new surface- or ground-water appropriation of 30 million gallons or more

per month. In addition, environmental review ismandatory for large, new, or expanded discharges ofindustrial wastewater including those generated by

ethanol facilities.The MPCA provides more detailed informationabout environmental review on its Web page at:

www.pca.state.mn.us/programs/envr_p.html

There is also information on the EnvironmentalQuality Board (EQB) Web site regardingenvironmental review at:

www.eqb.state.mn.us/program.html?Id=18107

The EQB writes the rules for conductingenvironmental reviews.

Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)

An EAW must be performed for new ethanol plants producing up to 125 million gallons per year or for production increases of five million gallons per yearor more at existing facilities. An EAW is adocument designed to gather and discloseinformation about potential environmental effects

from a proposed project. The EAW also examines

ways to avoid or minimize any environmentaleffects.

An EAW contains a list of standardized questions.These questions cover things such as:

land use and habitatwater issues including water consumption,stormwater, and wastewaterair emissionstraffic impactshistoric or archeological resources.

Once the MPCA publishes the EAW, the public can participate during a 30-day public comment period.The MPCA posts the EAW on its Web site, mailscopies to a standard mailing list, and sends a pressrelease to media outlets that cover news in the areaof the proposed project. After people review theEAW, they may ask questions or identify othersignificant issues they think may have beenoverlooked.

After the EAW comment period ends, the MPCAresponds to comments and prepares a documentcalled the Findings of Fact. The MPCA must decidewhether the project has the potential for significantenvironmental impacts. If it is determined therewould be no significant environmental effects fromthe proposed project, the EAW process is concluded.The time it takes to complete the EAW processvaries from project to project.

If it is determined during the review process thatthere is the potential for significant environmentaleffects, the proposed project progresses to a more in-depth document called an Environmental ImpactStatement. An EIS is also required for new facilitiesor expansions of 125 million gallons or more per

year. An EIS may take a year more to complete.Whenever environmental review is required duringthe permitting of new or expanding ethanol facilities,it must be completed before permits or finalapprovals are issued. Facilities with currentoperations should strive to be in compliance withtheir existing requirements as they plan a new orexpanded project.

Environmental Review

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Water Supply and Natural ResourceFeatures

Before site selection and commitment to a proposed site, water supply and natural resourcefeatures must be carefully considered. TheDNR has responsibility for water appropriation

permitting and natural resource protectionduring the permit process for an ethanol facility.

Two key issues that need to be considered:

Is there sufficient water supply?Will natural resource features be adverselyaffected by the project?

Addressing these issues is vital to successfulcompletion of the project.

It is important to think creatively about the re-use and recycling of water. Some parts ofMinnesota may not have adequate watersupplies of sufficient quality to meet the needsof proposed projects or expansions. Waterneeds and availability should be determinedearly in project development. Appendix Cincludes a map of relative water availability inMinnesota. Contact information for regionaland area hydrologists familiar with local waterresources and availability is available from theDNR Waters Division at:

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/area_hydros.pdf

Water supplies with significant amounts ofdissolved materials (including hardness,chloride, sulfur, and iron) can substantiallyincrease the costs of water treatment andenvironmental management for an ethanolfacility. It is essential, early in the siteevaluation process, to obtain detailedinformation about the volume and quality of

potential alternative water supplies. Contact theMPCA for information about water-supplyconsiderations related to quality and a list ofconstituents to test for when considering afacility. These water-quality test results are

essential for the project proposer and the MPCAto determine the appropriate waste treatmentand permit requirements for the proposedfacility.

Site viability can also be affected by unique andsignificant natural resources features thatinclude state and federal endangered species,calcareous fens, and protected trout streams, allof which are protected by law. Trout streaminformation may be found at:

www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/trout_streams/index.html

Designated trout stream information is found at:www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/6264/0050.html

If any part of a proposed project is located nearwaters that have been identified as publicwaters, a wetland, or navigable waters,additional state, federal and local restrictionsand requirements may apply.

Public Water Supply Wells

If a water supply well for an ethanol plant isintended to provide drinking water for other

businesses, residences, municipalities, or ruralwater systems, contact the MinnesotaDepartment of Health early in the well planning

process. This should be done before beginningwell construction to ensure that the necessaryMDH regulations are followed.

www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells

Water Appropriation Permits

DNR regulates the use of water from surfaceand ground water to ensure a consistent watersupply. One tool used for water supplymanagement includes a permit system toallocate waters of the state.

The presence of an adequate and sustainablewater supply needs to be demonstrated for theissuance of an appropriation permit. Water

Water


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appropriation permits are required for use ofsurface or ground water that exceeds 10,000gallons per day or one million gallons per year.Aquifer (pump) testing is necessary for anappropriation permit if the water source is

ground water. The purpose of the aquifer test isto determine the adequacy of the water supplyand potential impacts to other users and naturalresources. Conduct the aquifer test beforeenvironmental review documents are preparedso that the EAW can describe the ground-waterappropriation as completely as possible. Theaquifer test must be a minimum of seven days induration and performed at the rate at which thefacility will operate. This process will requiremonitoring of nearby private wells. Before

conducting the aquifer test, it is important thatthe DNR area hydrologist be consulted.

The DNR requires a complete application. Final permit actions cannot be taken until the allnecessary data have been received. Theapplication and instructions can be found at:

www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/appropriations/permits.html

An applicant must control (own or rent) landadjacent to surface-water sources or land that is

above ground-water sources. Environmentalconsiderations used to evaluate a permitapplication include:

protection of aquifers from excessivewithdrawalsmaintenance of protected stream flows forhabitat (fish, wildlife, and native plants) toaccommodate water quality, navigation,recreation, and higher-priority downstreamusersmaintenance of protected levels in basinsfor habitat and protection of existing usesof the basin surface.

Water-use priorities have been established bythe Minnesota Legislature. These priorities areused for permit decisions and conflictresolution. The priorities in descending orderare:

1. domestic water use2. consumptive use of less than 10,000 gallons

per day3. agricultural irrigation and processing4. power production

5. commercial and industrial uses6. non-essential uses.

Monitoring of long-term ground-water levelsutilizing monitoring wells may also be required.If the proposed water use may affect surfacewater or other natural resource features,additional monitoring will be needed.

Water use for ethanol production must considerall practical and feasible water-conservationmethods and practices, including recycling andre-use. The use of water for once-throughcooling and to meet water-quality dischargestandards is not allowed.

Public Water Permits

Proposed facilities located near watersdesignated by state law as public waters may besubject to additional requirements. An exampleof an activity that may require a public water

permit includes construction of an outfallstructure to a river or a pipeline crossing astream. Those proposing an ethanol facilityshould contact the DNR Waters office for moreinformation about public water permits. Youcan also get information about these restrictionson the DNR Web site at:

www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/pwpermits/index.html

Other helpful Web links on water regulationsinclude the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at

www.mvp.usace.army.mil/regulatory

Local units of government that administer theWetland Conservation Act can be found on theBoard of Water and Soil Resources Web pageat:

www.bwsr.state.mn.us/directories/index.html



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Since the 1990s, all facilities producing ethanolhave required an air emission permit. The air

permit is based on Minnesota rules and federalregulations, which set emission limits for grainreceiving and handling, fermentation, dryingdistillers grain, load-out to trucks or railcars,storage tanks, operation of air pollution controlequipment, and fuel combustion. Emissionlimits are determined on a case-by-case basisthrough the permit process. Permits arerequired prior to the start of construction.Minnesota issues one permit for constructionand operation.

The quantity of emissions that will be potentially emitted can effect the classificationof the facility as a major or minor source.Currently, the emission of more than 250 tons 1 of certain pollutants per year will require afederal permit called a Prevention of SignificantDeterioration (PSD) permit. Facilities may also

be subject to limits for Hazardous Air Pollutants(HAPs).

Application forms for air emission permits are

available at:www.pca.state.mn.us/air/permits/forms.html

These forms include instructions to guide theapplicant in determining what type of air-quality

permit to apply for and how to complete theforms. The MPCA Air Quality Permit Guide isavailable at:

www.pca.state.mn.us/air/pubs/index.html#per mit%20guide

The guide explains state and federal air-qualityrules and permits in detail.

The MPCA uses a process called Air EmissionsRisk Analysis (AERA) to identify andunderstand potential human-health impacts from

1 The U.S. EPA changed the threshold for ethanolfacilities from 100 tons to 250 in May, 2007.

chemical emissions to the air. The analysissummarizes general characteristics of a facilityand its surroundings, such as information aboutthe land that surrounds the facility, whetherthere are schools or hospitals nearby, and resultsfrom air monitoring stations, etc. Results of theAERA process help inform MPCA staff inmaking recommendations for permitting andenvironmental review. The AERA alsogenerates a risk estimate or number based onemission rates and stack parameters comparedwith toxicity characteristics of each chemical.This number is then compared with a thresholdvalue designed to characterize the potentialamount of excess risk.

However, not all ethanol facilities may need anAERA. Factors that may determine if an AERAis necessary include air pollution controls andfacility location (siting). The MPCA hasdeveloped a checklist to help ethanol facility

proposers determine if an AERA will be needed.Those planning an ethanol facility should referto the AERA Web site for more specifics andguidance about how to complete an AERA.

www.pca.state.mn.us/air/aera.html

Air

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Appendix A Siting Considerations and Permits

Site Selection Considerations ____ Identify high-quality makeup water supply sources

____ Identify water availability locations

____ Identify feedstock availability (corn, sugar beets, etc.)

____ Identify fuel source availability (natural gas, wind power, etc.)

____ Identify transportation availability (rail, road etc.)

____ Identify economic and business assistance opportunities (grants, etc.)

____ Identify local issues such as noise, odor, dust, and traffic

____ Consider alternative site locations (previous brownfields, etc.)____ Identify natural resource features

____ Identify less-sensitive downstream waters or alternative wastewater

treatment discharge/disposal options

Environmental Planning Permits ____ Environmental Review: EAW or EIS

____ Water Appropriations (DNR)

____ Public Water Supply Wells (MDH)

____ Air Permit

____ Air Dispersion Modeling

____ Air Emission Risk Assessment (AERA)

____ Wastewater Permits (NPDES/SDS): Stormwater (construction and industrial),

Process Wastewater/ Non-Process Water/ Sanitary Sewer Extension

____ Storage Tanks: Aboveground or Underground

____ Hazardous Waste

____ Natural Heritage Information Request

____ Wetlands Combined Joint Notification


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Appendix B Ethanol Facilities Map (Present and Future)



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Appendix C Ground Water Availability Map



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Appendix D JobZ Map


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Appendix E Corn Production Map


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Appendix F Minnesota Rail Map



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Appendix G Business Development Contacts

Name Description Contact Information

Minnesota InvestmentFund

This program provides grants that create andretain high-quality jobs on a statewide basis, witha focus on industrial, manufacturing, andtechnology-related industries, to increase the localand state tax base and improve the economicvitality for all Minnesota citizens.

Paul A. Moe, DirectorDepartment of Employment and Economic DevelopmentPhone: 651-297-1391 or toll-free: 1-800-657-3858E-mail: [email protected] site: www.deed.state.mn.us/bizdev/InvFd/

Small BusinessDevelopment LoanProgram

The purpose of this program is to create jobs andprovide loans for business expansions. Smallbusiness loans are made by the Minnesota

Agricultural and Economic Development Board(MAEDB) through the issuance of industrialdevelopment bonds backed by a state-fundedreserve of 25 percent.

Paul A. Moe, DirectorDepartment of Employment and Economic DevelopmentPhone: 651-297-1391 or toll-free: 1-800-657-3858E-mail: [email protected] site: www.deed.state.mn.us/bizdev/InvFd/

Minnesota Job SkillsPartnership Program

This program acts as a catalyst between businessand education in developing cooperative trainingprojects that provide new-job training or retrainingfor existing employees. Grants are awarded toeducational institutions with businesses aspartners; all projects must have at least oneeducational institution and one business workingtogether. The Minnesota Job Skills PartnershipBoard approves these grants.

Paul D. Moe, DirectorDepartment of Employment and Economic DevelopmentPhone: 651-282-9814 or toll-free: 1-800-657-3858;

TTY: 651-296.3900E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.deed.state.mn.us/mjsp/

Contamination Cleanupand Investigation GrantProgram

This program assists development authorities withcontamination investigations and development ofResponse Action Plans (RAPs) or withcontamination cleanup prescribed in a MinnesotaPollution Control Agency (MPCA)-approved RAPon a site that will be redeveloped.

Meredith Udoibok, DirectorMinnesota Department of Employment and Economic DevelopmentPhone: 651-296-5005 or toll-free: 1-800-657-3858Email: [email protected] site: www.deed.state.mn.us/Community/contam/index.htm

Job Opportunity BuildingZone (JOBZ) Program

The goal of this program is to stimulate economicdevelopment activity in rural areas of Minnesotaby providing local and state tax exemptions tobusiness expansions, start-ups, or relocationsfrom other states. Ten Job Opportunity BuildingZones (JOBZ) have been created throughoutGreater Minnesota.


Redevelopment GrantProgram

This program offers grants to assist developmentauthorities with costs for redeveloping blightedindustrial, residential, or commercial sites where apast use and the need to recycle the land for amore-productive use exist.


Positively MinnesotaBizNice HelpDesk

The goal of this interagency project is to makeregulatory compliance a smoother, friendlier, moreefficient and hassle-free experience for Minnesotabusinesses. With knowledgeable staffing fromtwo state agencies, DEED and the MPCA,BizNice offers prompt answers and quick follow-up calls that can help cut through the bureaucratictangle that businesses too often face whendealing with state agencies.

Steve Sussman, Co-Manager

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic DevelopmentPhone: 651-297-1164 or toll-free: 1-888-234-5520E-mail: [email protected] site: www.PositivelyMinnesota.com

Rocky SiskMinnesota Pollution Control AgencyPhone: 651-296-9439 or toll-free: 1-888-234-5520E-mail: [email protected] site: www.pca.state.mn.us



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Appendix H State Agency and Other Contacts

State Agency Contacts

Minnesota Department of AgricultureThe MDA has a long history of involvement with various issues related to the ethanol production industry, fuel

performance issues, legislation and policy on a state and national level. The MDA Web site has a variety ofinformation about renewable fuels at www.mda.state.mn.us/renewable/renewablefuels/fuels.htm

For ethanol issues at the MDA, call Ralph Groschen at 651-201-6223 or e-mail him [email protected]

If you are looking for information about buying stock for cooperative ethanol facilities, there is information aboutthe MDA Rural Finance Authority Stock Loan Program at www.mda.state.mn.us/agfinance/stockloan.html, orcall Gary Blahosky at 651-201-6666.

Other helpful MDA Web links include: www.mda.state.mn.us/renewable/ethanol/default.htm www.mda.state.mn.us/renewable/renewablefuels/balance.htm

Information on the federal renewable energy program is available from Robin Holdorf of the U.S. Department ofAgriculture office in St. Paul. She can be reached at 651-602-7812.

Corn production statistics can be found on the Minnesota Agricultural Statistical Service Web site at: www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Minnesota/indexor call 1-800-727-9540.

Department of Commerce

For questions regarding ethanol, contact Stacy Miller at [email protected] or 651-282-5091.

Department of Employment and Economic DevelopmentFor questions regarding employment and economic development issues, contact Steve Sussman [email protected] or 651-297-1164.

Department of HealthFor questions about well construction, contact Ed Schneider of the MDH Well Management Section at 651-201-4595 or [email protected]. For plan review and public water-supply system issues, contact Brian

Noma of the MDH Drinking Water Protection Section at 651-201-4683 or [email protected].

Well management information is available on the MDH Web site at: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells .

Department of Natural ResourcesContact information for regional and area hydrologists familiar with local water resource and availability can befound on the DNR Waters office locations and contacts Web page at:

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/area_hydros.pdf



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Appendix I Air Emission Risk Analysis Checklist

Documents

Ethanol Guidancedoc