Fairmont plant's water plan draws criticism

A Fairmont ethanol plant wants to build a pipeline that would discharge half a million gallons of treated water into the Blue Earth River.

But Buffalo Lake Energy's plan has drawn opposition from people who say it's a step backward in attempts to clean up the river.

Plant officials say the water would be used to cool equipment. They say it will be treated to levels that meet all state standards.

However, former Faribault County Commissioner Loren Lein says the company has a poor track record for environmental safety. He says the plant should build its own treatment facility on site.

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The Free Press of Mankato says the plant will submit a permit request next week for review by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

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Information from: The Mankato Free Press

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)