(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors heard from individuals opposed to the Sumitt Carbon Solutions pipeline project that’s expected to take place in the western third of the County. Persons who spoke in opposition to the pipeline had two minutes to voice their concerns. Among those who spoke, was Maggie McQuown, from Red Oak, who is also a member of the County’s board of adjustment. She said while they aren’t likely to “pump the brakes” on the pipeline project, the County does have jurisdiction over land use and siting.

She said Summitt continues to try and take away those jurisdictional powers throughout the State. McQouwn said “We need to fight hard to be able to say we we think a structure should be sited, and what the allowed use of the land is.”

A man from Imogene whose property borders Montgomery County, spoke about the “poor information” and “scare tactics,”with regard to the price of corn, if the carbon pipeline isn’t built. He called the information “Highly suspect.” Supervisors Board Chair Mike Olsen, became noticeably irritated over those and other comments, with regard to what the County can and cannot do about the pipeline project.

Barb Nelson said “No one is here saying we can stop the pipeline, but we can make it safer for everyone involved.”

The Board and audience also heard from Riley Gibson, Relationship Manager with Turnkey Logistics – representing Summitt Carbon Solutions. TurnKey Logistics provides logistics planning and execution for energy and infrastructure projects. Gibson they are still waiting for a final date for their appearance before the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) before action can be expected on approving the pipeline route through Iowa.

He said it appears that may take place sometime in October. He said also, since he last appeared before the Supervisors in February, Summitt has partnered with two ethanol plants – one in Iowa and one in South Dakota. Summit Carbon Solutions is partnering with more than 30 ethanol plants across a five-state region that includes Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Their plan is to capture carbon dioxide from the fermentation process of biorefineries such as ethanol plants, compress the captured CO2, and channel it to North Dakota where it will be permanently stored in deep underground storage locations.

Gibson said they currently have 75-percent voluntary easement acquisitions from Montgomery County landowners, which is up from the 58-percent. He said “So far in the County we’ve made $4.6-million in easement payments.” He then proceeded to address some “misconceptions” and questions, with regard to the project and other DOT projects in general, including concerns over regulations. The Iowa Utilities Board and DNR are among the entities that regulate such energy projects.

In other business, the Montgomery County Supervisors received a report and quote with regard to tuck-pointing for the courthouse and clock tower.