(Des Moines, Iowa/Iowa Capital Dispatch) – State utility regulators have approved a public meeting schedule starting in late August, in which Summit Carbon Solutions will present its significant proposed expansion for its carbon dioxide pipeline system. The company’s initial network of pipe in the state — which runs a total of about 690 miles — was recently approved by the Iowa Utilities Commission, although Summit is barred from starting construction until it has permission to build the system in North and South Dakota. The system might capture carbon dioxide at ethanol plants in five states and transport it to North Dakota for underground storage.

The expansion in Iowa includes about 340 miles of pipe to connect to more ethanol plants. It is the result of Summit inking new agreements with more ethanol producers after another company, Navigator CO2, abandoned its plans for a similar project. Summit has said it has agreements with 30 of the state’s 42 ethanol plants.

Crowd in Fort Dodge for Summit’s hearing before the Iowa Utilities Board (now known as the Iowa Utilities Commission). (RI photo)

The public meetings for the expansions are set to be held in 23 counties, after which Summit can negotiate for land easements and petition for pipeline permits. In southwest Iowa, pipeline expansion meetings will be held :

— Aug. 26th at 6 p.m. in Adams County: Corning Opera House Cultural Center, 800 Davis Ave., Corning
— Aug. 27th at noon in Montgomery County: Red Coach Inn, 1200 Senate Ave., Red Oak
— Aug. 27th at 6 p.m. in Guthrie County: Guthrie County Activity Center, 209 State St., Guthrie Center

Proposed pipeline expansion routes: