Cases — 4339899

As of Oct 2, 2026.

Activity name

Pro Corn, LLC d/b/a POET Biorefining (Preston MN) CAFO

Case number

05-2015-7302

Case name

Pro Corn, LLC d/b/a POET Biorefining (Preston MN) CAFO

Region code

05

Fiscal year

2015

Activity type code

AFR

Activity type desc

Administrative - Formal

Activity status code

CLS

Activity status desc

Closed

Activity status date

2015-03-25

Lead agency

EPA

Case status date

2015-03-25

Enforcement outcome code

ECP

Enforcement outcome desc

Final Order With Penalty

Voluntary self disclosure

false

Multimedia flag

false

Summary text

The respondent, POET Biorefining, is one of the world's largest producers of un-denatured ethyl alcohol or ethanol. Beginning on February 13, 2011, and continuing until 12:30 p.m. on February 15, 2011, there was a release of 201 gallons (1,286 pounds) of ammonia. Ammonia ia a CERCLA hazardous substance and an EPCRA extremely hazardous substance with a 100 pound reportable quantity (RQ). This release was over 12 times the reportable quantity. POET, the respondent, failed to immediately notify the NRC of the release. A pre-filing notice was sent to POET on May 21, 2014. EPA originally proposed two violations for failing to notify the NRC of the ongoing release, one for each of the two days on which the release occurred. The total proposed penalties were $44,270.00. In the interest of settlement, EPA agreed to assess penalties for only one day of violation at $37,500.00. This penalty was reduced by 25% for cooperation and 10% for a quick settlement before the complaint was filed, reducing the proposed penalty to $24,375.00. POET agreed to pay a $22,000.00 civil penalty to resolve this matter. EPA chose not to pursue the additional $2,176.00 difference. The payment is due on or before April 24, 2015.

Created at

2026-10-02T02:02:59.061315+00:00

Updated at

2026-10-02T02:02:59.061315+00:00

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