KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Ethanol Plant Headed to Harvey County
Member Center:
by Linda Mares
Harvey County commissioners approved construction of an ethanol plant in spite of several residents protesting the idea.
About 65 Harvey County residents showed up for Monday's commissioner's meeting.
Those who spoke agreed ethanol is a good alternative fuel, but questioned whether it should be made in Harvey County.
The Emerald City Ethanol Plant will be built just outside of Newton.
Opposers worry about the air quality the plant will bring, water issues, and an increase in traffic in the area.
Those who spoke in favor of the plant, say it will bring more jobs to Harvey County and favor the agricultural community.
John Caffrey, Energy Team Director, says the plant will be a state of the art facility that will recycle water and turn trash in to steam.
Although county commissioner's have approved the plant getting built, there's no word on when construction will begin.
