CHIPPEWA VALLEY ETHANOL CO

Parent Company: CHIPPEWA VALLEY AGRAFUELS COOPERATIVE

270 20TH ST NW, BENSON, Minnesota 56215

Area Score38/100GoodGood

Pollution Risk

34

Based on 4 TRI facilities in zip code 56215

Water Quality

26

6 violations recorded

Air Quality

57

County-level EPA AQS data for SWIFT

Facility Information

Full Address
270 20TH ST NW
City
BENSON
State
Minnesota
Zip Code
56215
County
SWIFT
EPA TRI ID
56215CHPPW27020
Parent Company
CHIPPEWA VALLEY AGRAFUELS COOPERATIVE

Water Quality in 56215

Total Violations

6

Health Violations

0

Contaminants Found

2

Water Safety Score

26/100

Contaminants Detected:

Trichloroethylene (TCE)TTHM

Should You Be Concerned About CHIPPEWA VALLEY ETHANOL CO?

CHIPPEWA VALLEY ETHANOL COis registered in the EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). This means the facility reports handling, releasing, or transferring toxic chemicals as part of its operations. The area's environmental safety score is just 38/100 — a concerning level that warrants attention from residents, particularly families with young children or individuals with respiratory conditions.

Drinking water quality is a concern in zip code 56215, scoring only 26/100. Consider testing your home water supply or using a certified filtration system.

This zip code has 4 total TRI facilities, which contributes to the area's pollution profile. Areas with multiple TRI sites tend to have higher rates of respiratory issues and environmental sensitivity, according to EPA research.

What you can do: Check your home's water quality with an annual test kit, monitor local air quality alerts, and review the full Minnesota pollution report for broader context. CHIPPEWA VALLEY AGRAFUELS COOPERATIVE operates this facility — check if they have a public environmental responsibility report.

Health Considerations for Residents Near CHIPPEWA VALLEY ETHANOL CO

Living near a Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) facility in BENSON, Minnesota (56215) means potential exposure to industrial pollutants through air, water, and soil. While not every facility creates immediate health risks, long-term proximity warrants awareness and proactive steps.

Water Testing

Given the water quality score of 26/100 for zip code 56215, we recommend annual water testing for heavy metals, VOCs, and industrial contaminants — especially if you use well water. Testing kits are available through your county health department or certified labs.

Air Quality Monitoring

Monitor daily AQI (Air Quality Index) at airnow.gov, particularly on hot, stagnant days when ground-level pollutants concentrate. If you notice unusual odors or visible emissions from CHIPPEWA VALLEY ETHANOL CO, report them to Minnesota's environmental agency.

When to Consult a Doctor

Speak with your physician if you experience persistent respiratory symptoms (chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath), unexplained headaches, skin irritation, or unusual fatigue — particularly if these worsen when you're at home. Mention your proximity to a TRI facility so they can order appropriate screening. Vulnerable populations — children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with asthma — should be especially vigilant.

Data sources: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA Air Quality System (AQS). Facility ID: 56215CHPPW27020. Last updated: August 2026.