Summit Carbon Solutions discusses pipeline to Madison County

MADISON COUNTY, Neb. -- At Tuesday's board of commissioners meeting, Summit Carbon Solutions sat down to talk to the board about their plans to build a carbon dioxide pipeline.

At the meeting, a representative for Summit Carbon, Dayton Murty, discussed many details about the pipeline.

"Today I just want to give you (Madison County Commissioners) an overview of what were planning, the economic and environmental impact of that project, what the compensation is going to be like for landowners, and kind of the process of the project as were moving forward." 

Murty explained that the pipeline would constructed across North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. It would connect plants working with Summit Carbon, where their carbon dioxide emissions would be deposited into the pipe. 

"We've got 31 partner ethanol plants that Summit will install new state of the art infrastructure at along the route of the pipeline," Murty said. "Carbon dioxide will be captured that otherwise would be emitted into the atmosphere and that captured greenhouse gas is going to be compressed and moved through the newly constructed pipeline to North Dakota where the injection site will be. It will be permanently and safely stored about a mile underground in deep geological formations." 

For landowners in the anticipated route of the pipeline, Murty says Summit Carbon wants to work with residents and come to an agreement that will be beneficial to both parties.

"Summit Carbon Solutions will have land agents assigned to each individual land owner for the duration of the project," Murty explained. "It is a top priority for Summit to negotiate easements with land owners that are agreeable for both parties and provide value for both parties." 

Murty also said that for farmers, Summit Carbon would pay for anticipated damages to crops or lands prior to construction, 100% for crop loss in the first year, 80% for the second and 60% for the third.

Summit Carbon hopes to have the pipeline operational by 2024.