The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association released a report Friday updating the impact of flooding on biofuels production in Iowa. According to IRFA, flooding that has shut down plants, disrupted water supply and stopped rail service for shipping has taken offline an estimated 5.5 to 7.5 million gallons of ethanol production per week. IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw says most of the production should be back in operation by the end of the week.
"With the exception of three plants, it is tempting to say that it is 'business as usual' for ethanol and biodiesel production in Iowa," Shaw says. "For our customers that is essentially true, but only as a result of great effort on the part of Iowa's renewable fuels producers and their marketers."
Although road and bridge closures have caused challenges, no ethanol or biodiesel refinery has reported a disruption of feedstock supply that will impact operations. Distribution of biofuels has also been able to overcome shipping challenges despite the floods impact to railroad operations. Delays are still widespread but are less severe and frequent with the reopening of the main Union Pacific line.
"We are well through the worst of this and things are getting better everyday," Shaw says.
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