A corn processing plant in Muscatine is facing three E.P.A.violations allegedly involving the clean air act. E.P.A.spokesman, Chris Witley says the agency is investigating Grain Processing Corporation for failing to address air emission standards between 2007 and 2011.

“We believe that there have been some serious violations of the federal clean air act at its facility and we’re going to be taking a much closer look at what those specific violations are and if there are penalties that are appropriate for them,” Whitley says. Whitley says they’ll give GPC an opportunity to meet with the E.P.A. before taking further action.

“In part, it also includes a determination on the company’s part as to whether they want to sit down and discuss this with us, have negotiations, if a settlement may be appropriate. There are too many options that could result in the ultimate disposition of this,” Whitley explains.

If GPC fails to cooperate with the E.P.A., the company could face fines up to $37,000 a day. The E.P.A.is also making an inquiry of GPC’s compliance with the clean water act. Grain Processing Corporation is one of the nation’s biggest corn processing plants. They manufacture corn syrup, alcoholic beverages, and various textiles.

A GPC spokesperson says the company has no comment until they’ve decided how to address the violation.