Press Release
Lenice Frank had questions. R. Pete Brummels has the answers.
A letter from the Battle Creek woman recently was published in the Daily News that asked about the status of the Elkhorn Valley Ethanol plant near Norfolk. She was concerned that something had happened to derail the project.
No need to worry, Brummels said Monday.
"I appreciated seeing that letter because it's an indication that people are interested in the ethanol plant and want to see it become reality," said the Elkhorn man who serves as the chief executive officer of Elkhorn Valley Ethanol.
Brummels said ground could be broken as early as June for the $63 million plant, which is expected to produce up to 48 million gallons of ethanol a year. The plant would be operational in another 9-12 months, he said.
The plant, which also will produce livestock feed byproducts, will be located at 3002 N. Victory Road to the east of Norfolk Iron and Metal. It's expected to create about 35 jobs.
Here are some other updates that Norfolkans and area residents might be interested in:
• The project is probably within 10 days of receiving its air-quality posting from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. That's a process that has been in the works for months, Brummels said.
• Rezoning of land where the plant is located has been completed.
• Railroad-related engineering work has been finished.
• The required 100-year storm drainage plans are done.
• Well permits have been approved by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District.
• Water studies required by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality also are completed.
"We haven't left a stone unturned," Brummels said.
Extensive work also has been done with institutional investors in the plant, Brummels said. But there still will be opportunities for individuals in Norfolk and the area to invest in the plant, he added.
Fagin Inc., of Granite Falls, Minn., will construct the plant. That company also built the Husker Ag ethanol plant near Plainview.
- Story Courtesy of the Norfolk Daily News
