A planned ethanol plant northeast of Sherman might double its expected capacity to 100 million gallons a year.

The Minnehaha County Commission will have a hearing April 24 on Buffalo Ridge Energy's request to rezone the 300-acre property from an A-1 agriculture district to a planned development.

The county planning commission approved the proposed rezoning last month.

Planning and zoning director Scott Anderson said the proposed ethanol site would occupy "a significant portion" of Highland Township's Section 34.

Rezoning the property into a planned development allows the county to be more flexible in what uses can occur as well as any modifications needed by the construction.

This site appeals to the developer because it is on a paved county highway and has a major rail line that provides access.

Anderson said a daily average of 10 to 15 trains use the rail line now.

The project plan will not be submitted for review until the plant's potential capacity has been determined.

Several neighbors have expressed unhappiness with the proposed site.

At last month's planning commission meeting, Bill Janklow represented Delbert and Linda Danielson, who live 900 feet from the plant's center. He said the project will not enhance their property.

Because of a wetlands area, the plant is not being built farther north on the property. Janklow said more is being done to protect wetlands than human beings.

According to a timeline presented to the planning commission, financing would be complete in the third quarter of this year, with construction starting in the fourth quarter.

Ethanol production would begin in the third quarter of 2009.

Reach reporter Jill Callison at 331-2307.

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