United Ethanol Blog

Watch this page for periodic updates of United Ethanol happenings.

Aug. 10, 2010

A new report from the Development Prospects Group at the World Bank has noted that biofuels did not play as large of a part in the food price spikes a few years back as originally concluded. Click here for more information.

On Aug. 9, 2010, we received an odor complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong odor that hangs in the air. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). United Ethanol staff and Brian Barbieur from the WDNR investigated the complaint. The United Ethanol and WDNR odor investigation reports were consistent with each other. United Ethanol staff noted the dryer odor detected was light in intensity, and the WDNR report stated the odor was present, but non-objectionable.

On Aug. 8, 2010, we received an odor complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong, sour odor. Upon investigation, a mild green vegitation odor was noted. No United Ethanol odors were detected. The complaint was investigated and reported to the WDNR.

On Aug. 7, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong, pungent odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the WDNR. No odors consistant with ethanol production were detected on the complainant's property.

Aug. 5, 2010

"With many nations seeking to reduce petroleum imports, boost rural economies, and improve air quality, world fuel ethanol production reached nearly 20 billion gallons in 2009 from 40 countries on six continents. This represents nearly 400% growth since 2000."     -- Renewable Fuels Association

On Aug. 3, 2010, we received an odor complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong, sour odor. Upon investigation, United Ethanol staff were unable to detect any odors. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. All operations at United Ethanol were running according to standard.

On Aug. 2, 2010, we received an odor complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong, sour odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Upon investigation, no odors consistent with ethanol production were detected. All equipment at United Ethanol was operating within specifications.

July 15, 2010

In a recent study published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology, corn ethanol was found to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 59 percent over gasoline.

On July 14, 2010, we received an odor complaint from a nearby property owner of a yeasty, beer odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff detected a mild, intermittent fermentation odor. They verified proper operation of all United Ethanol processes and equipment.

July 14, 2010

In the first five months of 2010, the United States has exported 25 percent more ethanol product than in the entire 2009 calendar year. Follow this link for more information: http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-exports-update-exports-down-58-in-may/.

On July 5, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong, sour odor. Upon investigation, United Ethanol staff did detect an odor, but it was not consistent with ethanol production. The complaint was reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

On July 5, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a fermentation odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff detected a mild, intermittent dryer odor at the neighbor's property. The ethanol plant was inspected and found to be operating within specifications.

On July 4, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong, sour, pungent odor. Upon investigation, United Ethanol staff detected a faint, intermittent dryer odor. The complaint and investigation notes were reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

On July 4, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a sour, yeasty, fermented odor. United Ethanol staff was able to detect a faint, intermittent dryer odor. All operations at United Ethanol were running like normal. After investigation, the complaint was reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

On July 3, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong, sour, pungent odor. Upon investigation, no odor was detected by United Ethanol staff. The complaint was reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

On July 1, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong, sour, pungent odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff was unable to detect an odor.

On July 1, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a sour, yeasty, fermented odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff detected a faint and intermittent baking bread odor at the neighbor's property. All equipment at United Ethanol was verified to be operating within specifications.

June 29, 2010

Corn-ethanol industry report showing improving energy efficiency: USDA

WASHINGTON, June 21, 2010 -- USDA's Chief Economist Joseph Glauber announced on June 21, 2010, the publication of a report by the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses that surveyed corn growers for the year 2005 and ethanol plants in 2008, which indicates the net energy gain from converting corn to ethanol is improving in efficiency. The survey asked ethanol producers to respond to questions about ethanol yield (undenatured) per bushel of corn and energy used in the plants. The 2008 updates presented in the report recorded the effects of current practices used by corn producers and ethanol processors.

This report measures all conventional fossil fuel energy used in the production of 1 gallon of corn ethanol. For every British Thermal Unit (BTU) unit of energy requred to make ethanol, 2.3 BTUs of energy are produced. The ratio is somewhat higher for some firms that are partially substituting biomass energy in processing energy. Since the last study in 2004, the net energy balance of corn ethanol has increased from 1.76 BTUs to 2.3 BTUs of required energy.

According to the report, overall, ethanol has made the transition from an energy sink, to a moderate net energy gain in the 1990s, to a substantial net energy gain in the present. And there are still prospects for improvement. Ethanol yields have increased by about 10 percent in the last 20 years, so proportionately less corn is required. In addition to refinements in ethanol technology, corn yields have increased by 39 percent over the last 20 years, requiring less land to produce ethanol. ...

Click here to view the USDA report.

June 28, 2010

On June 25, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a yeasty odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff was unable to detect odors consistent with ethanol production. All equipment was verified to be operating within specifications.

On June 25, 2010, we received a complaint, however the caller hung up before information could be gathered. The call was reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and United Ethanol staff also drove around the United Ethanol property. They were able to detect a strong manure odor north of the plant on Highway 59.

June 18, 2010

NEW YORK, June 14, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- GreenShift Corporation today announced its execution of a license agreement with United Ethanol, LLC ("United Ethanol") for use of GreenShift's patented corn oil extraction technologies at United Ethanol's 50 million-gallon ethanol plant in Milton, Wis. Click here for more information.

On June 11, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong chemical/sour odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff was unable to detect odors consistent with ethanol production.

May 24, 2010

On Thursday, May 20, United Ethanol attended the Milton High School awards night and announced the 2010 United Ethanol Agribusiness Scholarship winners from the Milton High School graduating senior class. Two scholarships were awarded and both recipients will receive $1,000 toward their college education. Both Katherine "Marie" McNall and Ellen Check will attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville this fall majoring in agricultural business. United Ethanol wishes them much success as they pursue their future endeavors.

Photos: left to right, Katherine "Marie" McNall and Ellen Check

    

On May 23, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong brewery odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Upon investigation, United Ethanol staff was unable to detect an odor.

May 7, 2010

United Ethanol is gearing up to host Wisconsin's agricultural ambassador, Alice in Dairyland, Cheryl O'Brien, and the 2010 Alice in Dairyland finalists for a special tour during their three-day finale hosted by Rock County, May 20-22. The new Alice in Dairyland will be announced during the evening of May 22.


Katie Reichling, Christine (Lepple) Lindner, Sheri Nelson, Andrea Bloom, 62nd Alice in Dairyland Cheryl O’Brien, Rochelle Ripp, and Christa Behnke

On April 29, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a sweet odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Upon investigation, United Ethanol staff detected a faint, sweet odor along with a mildew odor from the complainant's pond. All equipment was verified to be operating within specifications.

April 28, 2010

United Ethanol is donating $500 to the Milton location of the YMCA of Northern Rock County via the YMCA Tropical Fiesta 2010. Proceeds from this event will benefit the YMCA Youth Scholarship Campaign.

On April 28, 2010, we received three complaints from three different nearby property owners -- two with a fermentation odor and the third with a strong, sour odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. No odors were detected by United Ethanol staff, with the exception of a brief, light, sweet odor at the location of the second odor complaint. All United Ethanol equipment was verified to be operating within specifications.

April 15, 2010

Two, $1,000 United Ethanol Agribusiness Scholarship recipients have been chosen; their names will be announced at the Milton High School awards night May 20, 2010.

On April 14, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a brewery odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Upon investigation, United Ethanol staff detected odors from the Cargill feed mill near United Ethanol but no odors associated with ethanol production.

On April 14, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a pungent odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The neighbor told United Ethanol staff even though she had a cold and was in the middle of burning leaves, she was still able to smell an odor. United Ethanol staff easily detected an odor from the burning leaves. They also noticed a little bakery odor consistent with ethanol production upwind from the leaf-burning area. They verified proper operation of all United Ethanol equipment.

On April 14, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a fermentation odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Several United Ethanol staff members visited the property, two detected a light, sweet, bakery odor only briefly and another could not detect any odors at all. The staff members investigating the complaint did not see or speak with the neighbor. All equipment was verified to be operating within specifications.

April 2, 2010

On April 2, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a scrubber/brewery odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Two United Ethanol staff members visited the site and were unable to detect any odors. Operations at United Ethanol were running within permit specifications.

On April 1, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a strong, sour, corn, chemical odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff visited the site and was able to detect an intermittent, faint brewery odor. Appropriate adjustments were made to equipment at United Ethanol.

On March 31, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a fermentation odor at Storrs Lake. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff did not detect an odor at Storrs Lake or on approaching roads; however, a slight, sweet smell was observed at Freedom Graphic Systems. The fermenters were inspected for leaks and none were found; other equipment was also adjusted accordingly.

On March 31, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner of a sour, fermenting corn odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff was unable to detect an odor except for a very faint and brief bakery smell. They verified proper operation of control devices.

On March 31, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner. The property owner was not home all day but called anyway because a neighbor told her there was an odor. The complaint was reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. There was a mild, but not objectionable dryer odor detected by United Ethanol staff. Operations at United Ethanol were running within permit specifications.

March 23, 2010

On March 23, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a pungent sour odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff noticed a mild manure odor at the complainant's property and also on United Ethanol's property from manure-spreading activity near a close-by farm.

March 12, 2010

United Ethanol held their third annual meeting on Monday, March 8, 2010. Click here for more information.


2010 United Ethanol LLC annual meeting

On March 11, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a quick brewery odor at the Southridge Pet Exercise Park. According to the complainant, the odor was brief. Upon investigation by three United Ethanol employees, no odor from the ethanol production facility was detected. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

March 4, 2010

As the third annual meeting of United Ethanl LLC approaches, United Ethanol officials released $1,500,000 in member distributions to investors on Monday, March 1, 2010.

Feb. 12, 2010

Remember, United Ethanol scholarship applications from Milton High School graduating seniors pursuing agricultural majors are due March 1. Click here for the application and more information.

On Feb. 11, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a rotten compost odor in the Storrs Lake Road area. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The report noted that given the wind direction during the entire course of the day and during the complaint, United Ethanol could not have been the source of any odor in that area.

Jan. 26, 2010

On Jan. 23, 2010, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a production odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The report noted the odor was not consistent with United Ethanol production, and there were visible emissions from the business directly across from the complainant's location. The report also noted that operations at United Ethanol were running within permit specifications.

Dec. 31, 2009

On Dec. 30, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a sour odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Upon investigation, plant officials did detect an odor similar to that of drying field corn.

On Dec. 29, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* only defined as a "strong foul smell." The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The report stated all operations at United Ethanol were running as normal.

Dec. 21, 2009

On Dec. 20, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a sour brewery odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. As noted in the report, no odor was detected by United Ethanol staff. Wind activity was minimal at the time of complaint, and operations at United Ethanol were running according to permit specifications.

Dec. 18, 2009

United Ethanol donates $1,000 to Milton Community Action Food Pantry. Click here for more information.

Dec. 14, 2009

On Dec. 13, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a strong sour odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resouces. According to the report, no odor was detected by United Ethanol staff, and all equipment was operating within permit specifications.

On Dec. 12, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of an unspecified odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The report noted that United Ethanol staff was unable to detect an odor. All equipment was operating within permit specifications. 

Dec. 1, 2009

United Ethanol is pleased to offer two, $1,000 scholarships to Milton High School graduating seniors pursuing agricultural majors. Click here for the application and more information. The deadline is March 1, 2010.

On Dec. 1, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a strong chemical odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. United Ethanol staff was unable to detect odors from the complainant's property at the time of investigation. They were also unable to detect odors around the perimeter of the United Ethanol facility. A second investigation was completed, and an odor as described by the complainant, in addition to others not associated with United Ethanol, were detected on Old Highway 59. All equipment at United Ethanol was operating within permit specifications.

On Dec. 1, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a sweet and sour beer odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Rescources. Upon investigation, United Ethanol staff was able to detect a slight, intermittent dryer odor. The maintenance department followed up by reviewing operations of the dryer; no problems were detected. All equipment at United Ethanol was operating within permit specifications.

On Nov. 28, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a sour odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The report noted that United Ethanol was operating within permit specifications.

Nov. 25, 2009

United Ethanol, LLC and United Cooperative have combined efforts to financially support the American Lung Association (ALA) in Wisconsin's Clean Fuels Team which promotes E85 as a Clean Air Choice. Click here for more information.



Nov. 19. 2009

On Nov. 19, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of an intermittent sweet smell. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as required under our air permit. United Ethanol staff was unable to detect odors from the complainant's property at the time of investigation.

Nov. 17, 2009

On Nov. 12, 2009, we began applying a catalyst to the retention pond at United Ethanol in an effort to eliminate a stagnant odor that's lingered for the past few weeks. The treatment is complete and was effective in eliminating the odor.

Nov. 12, 2009

United Ethanol has taken steps to eliminate odors from our retention pond. Today, we began applying a catalyst to the pond that we hope will eliminate a stagnant odor that's lingered for the past few weeks. The treatment, which was approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), will take several days to complete.

On Nov. 12, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a yeast odor. Our investigation into the complaint discovered an odor from a nearby business similar to that of milk replacer. This odor has been detected from that facility in the past. Staff investigating the complaint concluded the odor was not caused by United Ethanol. The complaint was investigated and reported to the WDNR as required under our air permit.

Nov. 10, 2009

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, United Ethanol representatives met with officials from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to discuss our recent comunications with the City of Milton, including our United Ethanol Odor Response Action Plan; review the results of our August, 2009, and September, 2009, emission testing; and address pending enforcement matters.

On Nov. 9, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a rotten egg odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the WDNR as required under our air permit. The report noted an obvious odor coming from the retention pond.

On Nov. 9, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a sulfur odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the WDNR as required under our air permit. The report noted an odor coming from the retention pond and that plant operations were running as normal.

Nov. 9, 2009

On Nov. 8, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* of a sulfur/sour odor. The complaint was investigated and reported to the  Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as required under our air permit. The report noted that the plant was operating within permit specifications.

Nov. 6, 2009

On Nov. 6, 2009, we received an odor complaint from a nearby property owner*. The complaint was investigated and reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as required under our air permit. Our investigation into the complaint discovered various odors originating from road construction activities, a road construction accident, and our retention pond. United Ethanol officials reviewed plant operations and all was running smoothly. The road construction crew had started their clean-up process with the accident; but, it was not finished, yet, at the time of investigation.

Nov. 5, 2009

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, United Ethanol representatives will meet with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to update the WDNR on our recent communications with the City of Milton, including our United Ethanol Odor Response Action Plan, and to discuss pending enforcement matters.

On Nov. 5, 2009, we received a complaint from a nearby property owner* relating to odor from our retention pond. The complaint was investigated and reported to the WDNR as required under our air permit.

Nov. 3, 2009

United Ethanol announced it has passed all required air emissions tests mandated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Click here for the press release.

Here are pdf copies of the executive summaries from our most recent emission testing. Complete hard copies of the 175-page certified scrubber test results book and 70-page certified boiler test results book are available for viewing from the WDNR and the City of Milton.

Fermentation scrubber and process vent gas scrubber 
Natural gas boiler number two


*Please note that we've chosen not to include the name of any individual making an odor complaint out of respect for their privacy. If an individual who has reported an odor complaint wishes to self-identify, they are welcome to do so.