Chickasaw County Supports Rutting Regulations for Carbon Pipeline Construction

Construction of a pipeline to transport carbon dioxide (C02) in liquid form hasn’t been approved in Chickasaw County yet, but the County wants to be prepared just in case.

Summit Carbon Solutions has targeted the Homeland Energy Solutions ethanol plant between Lawler and New Hampton as its easternmost starting point for its Midwest Carbon Express pipeline. Construction can’t begin unless the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) approves a building permit, which isn’t expected to be ruled on until next year.

Chickasaw County has hired ISG Consultants to serve as the County’s inspector to monitor the progress of the project. ISG’s Evan Del Val addressed the Board of Supervisors Monday that one area of concern heading into construction is rutting, which if unregulated, could damage the land of property owners.

If approved, Summit could begin construction of the pipeline in late 2023, but Del Val says getting that rutting regulation established shouldn’t wait.

Del Val adds that 12-inches may not be the final rutting depth, but its a good starting point. Supervisors have drafted a letter of support on behalf of ISG to lobby the IUB for clarification in the code.