–The Iowa Utilities Board has unanimously approved Summit Carbon Solutions hazardous liquid pipeline application with a few modifications that must be met prior to construction. The board issued their 507-page ruling today (Tuesday), which approves the pipeline route and grants the right of eminent domain over specific parcels that are listed in the order after the permit is issued.
In their decision, the IUB found the public benefits of the project outweigh the private and public costs with the terms and conditions imposed by the IUB.
Prior to the final issuance of the permit, Summit will be required to obtain and file proof of a general liability insurance policy of no less than $100 Million to cover any damages related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the pipeline in Iowa.
Summit is also not allowed to begin construction in Iowa until it has obtained approval from North Dakota for the route and sequestration site, as well as approval from South Dakota for the route. The company cannot start construction of trunk or lateral lines to ethanol plants in Minnesota or Nebraska until approvals are granted in those states.
The planned route takes the pipeline through Kossuth County from east to west, about 5 miles south of US Highway 18. Additionally, some 22 miles of pipeline will go through eastern Kossuth County and hook up with the Valero Ethanol plant near Lakota.
