An ethanol cooperative in southern Minnesota is accused of reporting that its pollution-control equipment was working when company officials allegedly knew it wasn't. Corn Plus was charged in federal court Friday with violating the Clean Air Act. The cooperative was charged by "felony information" rather than indictment, which generally suggests a plea bargain is forthcoming.

A Minneapolis Star Tribune report  says Corn Plus is referring questions to its attorney, Dustan Cross. He didn't immediately return a message left Saturday by The Associated Press. Corn Plus produces 49 million gallons of ethanol per year in
Winnebago. The company pleaded guilty two years ago to a misdemeanor charge of negligently releasing polluted water into Rice Lake. It also paid $861,000 to settle water-pollution charges following alleged violations between 2006 and 2008.