(Spirit Lake)– A public informational meeting on the proposed Navigator Heartland Greenway carbon dioxide pipeline that would run through a little more than 14 miles of southern and eastern Dickinson county was held this (Thurs.) afternoon in Spirit Lake. Elizabeth Burns Thompson spoke on behalf of the company, telling the crowd the pipeline would serve ethanol and fertilizer plants in five states. Similar to the line proposed by Summit Carbon Solutions, which would also pass through a portion of Dickinson county, this particular line would run into Illinois, where the carbon dioxide would be pumped underground in caverns in the south central part of that state. Thompson says it’s crucial ethanol plants be able to reduce their carbon footprints if they are to survive…
One person who spoke countered that, saying it should be up to the individual plants to capture carbon dioxide, saying at least one other ethanol company has been doing that for a number of years…
A spokesperson with the Iowa Utilities Board, which facilitated today’s meeting in Spirit Lake and similar ones in neighboring counties where the line would pass, said it now clears the way for Navigator to begin negotiations with landowners regarding easements. And similar to the project proposed by Summit Carbon Solutions, Navigator would also have the power to use eminent domain in the event negotiations are unsuccessful. The County Compensation Commission would come into play with that process.
Burns added they plan to apply for permits in 2022 and that if things go accordingly, construction on the pipeline could start in early 2024 with the line being operational in early 2025.
