Report: SD ethanol 'cancer pollution' down

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SIOUX FALLS (AP) — An analysis of federal pollution data says South Dakota's ethanol industry is accounting for a smaller share of pollution from cancer-causing chemicals.

The media reports that an analysis of federal Environmental Protection Agency data show the ethanol industry was responsible for 40 percent of reported releases of cancer-causing chemicals last year. The industry's share was 44 percent in 2009.

The data were taken from EPA's Toxic Release Inventory. It uses emissions data reported by companies.

The information isn't used to figure health risks, because those depend on how each chemical is used and its level of toxicity.

Glacial Lakes Energy chief executive officer Jim Seurer says one of the reported chemicals is a byproduct of grain distillation, and it's less toxic than many other substances.

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