Today the Iowa Utilities Board issued its final decision regarding Summit Carbon Solutions, L-L-C’s application for a permit to construct, operate, and maintain a hazardous liquid pipeline through 29 counties in Iowa, including several in the broadcast area. The IUB approved the application with modifications and will require Summit to submit additional filings for review before a permit is issued.
Summit filed its petition on January 28th, 2022, for the proposed 688 mile pipeline to transport liquefied carbon dioxide through Iowa and into North Dakota, where it would be permanently sequestered underground. In its decision, the IUB found Summit Carbon Solutions met the requirements of Iowa Code Chapter 479B and that the pipeline “will provide a service that is in the public convenience and necessity.” The IUB’s order approves the proposed overall pipeline route and grants the right of eminent domain over specific parcels listed in the order after the permit is issued.
Prior to the IUB issuing a permit and construction would begin by Summit, the company will be required to obtain and file proof of a general liability insurance policy of no less than 100-million dollars to cover any damages related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of its Iowa pipeline. In addition, Summit will not be allowed to begin construction in Iowa until it has obtained approval from North Dakota for the route and sequestration side and approval from South Dakota for the route. The company also cannot start construction of trunk or lateral lines to ethanol plants in Minnesota and Nebraska until approvals are granted in those states.
