A 1.25-million gallon manure digester near Waunakee won’t resume operations until authorities determine the cause of an explosion and fire that destroyed its outer roof early Wednesday, sending up a plume of smoke visible for miles.
CLEAR HORIZONS | UNIT SHUT DOWN
Blast destroys roof of troubled biodigester near Waunakee
An explosion and fire Wednesday left a 1.25-million-gallon manure digester, at left, near Waunakee without its nylon, inflatable cover. Another digester, at right, still has its top. The Clear Horizons facility has been cited for spills and other problems this year.
The state lists nearly 90 violations involving excessive emissions of acid-rain causing sulfur compounds and toxic formaldehyde.
The manure-to-energy plant near Waunakee wants a new air emission permit as the state weighs water pollution penalties.
The Department of Natural Resources referred violations to the Department of Justice.
Wisconsin DNR hasn't decided whether to seek legal action against the serial spiller, but important questions remain unanswered.
State regulations don't specifically require berms, automatic shutoffs or alarms systems for above-ground pipes.
The Clear Horizons plant spilled 380,000 gallons of manure last year. A report details deficiencies, but it's unclear why safety measures were…
