CAMBRIA, Wis. -- Some Cambria residents are still concerned even though millions of dollars in federal money could soon be on its way to expand the nearby ethanol plant.

Four years ago, the construction of the plant was met with wide opposition as the effort moved through the approval process.

Now, when it came time to talk about the plant's expansion this past week, no one was at the Columbia County Planning and Zoning meeting to stand up to say anything in protest. However, a group of about 12 residents said there are problems with the expansion they want to see fixed first.

In the village of Cambria, where the population is fewer than 800 people, a high-volume ethanol production plant is by far the biggest thing in town. Didion Milling has operated the plant since 2008 and hopes to start construction to expand the plant this summer. It's estimated the project will bring 75 construction jobs for a year and leave 10 new plant operator positions to monitor productions.

"So, the main thing you'll see is the three new tanks. There will be a small structure in the back for our oil separation centrifuges," said Dale Drachenberg, of Didion Milling.

Despite the benefits to the local economy, a small local group says making this energy isn't as clean as it should be.

John Mueller heads a small group in town, which is suing Didion and asking a judge to force them to clean up violations.

"I'm rather outraged that they can still seek to do something like this even though there are outstanding violation issues," Mueller said.

Drachenberg said the problems were in the past and they've made other changes because the community asked them to.

"There have been some issues and what we're trying to do is just listen to the people of the community and make sure we address their concerns," Drachenberg said.

He said he looks forward to making more pure ethanol as a way to power our future.

"And I think more and more as we move forward E85, or 85 percent ethanol, is going to become a more economical alternative, made here in the United States," Drachenberg said.

Mueller said that there is a fine, yellow particulate matter that gathers on windows and cars if the wind is blowing in the right direction. He said this is something he feels is a hazard.

Representatives for the plant said that they built three air monitoring stations in the village and not one and not ever has it shown a level even close to being dangerous to anyone's health.

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