Drilling resumes for Webster County ethanol plant

Earlier this month, a group of neighbors opposed to the plant’s potential impact on their groundwater supply filed a lawsuit against Gulfstream Bioflex Energy LLC in Webster County Circuit Court. A committee studying the proposed plant has expressed concern about wastewater discharged by the facility and the ability of underground aquifers to supply the 880 gallons of water per minute needed to produce ethanol.

A judge granted the plaintiffs’ initial request for a temporary restraining order that prohibited GBE from drilling at the 252-acre plant site northeast of U.S. Highway 60 and Porter Crossing Road if residents posted a $25,000 bond.

Judge John W. Sims was scheduled Oct. 18 to hear arguments on motions to extend the restraining order and grant a preliminary injunction, but GBE’s attorneys pre-empted the hearing with its own motion for a change of judge filed Oct. 17.

Sims said he was required by Missouri law to forward the motion to the state Supreme Court, which will assign a new judge to preside over the case.

Attorneys on both sides said they were hopeful the state Supreme Court would expedite the case in the interest of their clients.

GBE attorney Jason Smith with Husch & Eppenberger LLC said the well-drilling company stationed at the site is costing GBE $2,500 a day – an expense the company incurred while no drilling was occurring.

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