(Springfield, MO) -- Opponents of a planned ethanol plant in Webster County are dealt another blow in their fight against the plant's construction.

Tuesday, the Missouri Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that clears the way for the plant to be built.

Citizens for Groundwater Protection filed suit to prevent the plant from being built just off Highway 60 and Porter Road east of Rogersville in Webster County. 


The group believes construction of the plant will drastically reduce groundwater supplies in the surrounding region and harm property values.

Earlier this year, a judge in Boone County ruled in favor of Gulfstream Bioflex Energy.

The Appeals Court ruling agreed with that judge that the citizens group did not prove either contention.

Gulfstream Bioflex plans to spend more than $180 million on the plant, which will convert corn into alternative fuel.

Download the Appeals Court ruling HERE  (.pdf   37 pages)