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Board approves road‑use agreement with Twin Rivers Exploration; resident raises hydrogen/anhydrous ammonia concern
Summary
Supervisors approved a road‑use agreement with Twin Rivers Exploration after brief discussion; a resident later warned hydrogen production could yield anhydrous ammonia with water‑quality risks, and the board noted county records show typical surface ownership of mineral rights in the area.
Hardin County supervisors voted to approve a road‑use agreement with Twin Rivers Exploration during their Aug. 20 meeting, adopting the motion after a question about mineral ownership.
A supervisor said county land records indicate surface ownership patterns in the project area and that historically mineral severances are uncommon in the county. When asked who holds mineral rights on the properties in question, the board said mineral ownership may be recorded in deeds and that they would review records before related work proceeds.
Environmental concern raised: In public comment later in the meeting, Julie Dunn warned that hydrogen development can be redirected to produce anhydrous ammonia — a fertilizer and industrial input — and cautioned about potential water‑quality consequences. "The search for hydrogen is not just clean energy. It can also be made to anhydrous ammonia," Dunn said, urging the board and public to consider environmental risks.
What the board did: The board made and seconded a motion to approve the road‑use agreement; no members announced objections on the record and the motion carried. County staff noted no immediate concerns from Taylor on mineral ownership; supervisors said they would continue to review records and conditions tied to any road use.
What comes next: The road‑use agreement allows Twin Rivers Exploration to use county roads for its activities under agreed conditions; any ground‑disturbing or mineral extraction activity will likely require additional permits and reviews. Residents who raised environmental questions sought greater transparency on what Twin Rivers plans to do and how potential byproducts would be handled.
The board's vote on the road agreement was one of several routine approvals taken that morning.
