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DTE rep and residents press Cass County commissioners on proposed carbon-capture ordinance; ordinance taken under advisement
Summary
DTE Vantage and residents debated a new carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) zoning ordinance; planning staff reviewed detailed safety and notification measures, and commissioners voted to take the ordinance under advisement until July 6 for further review.
Maggie Cutlip, a representative of DTE Vantage, told the Cass County commissioners the company has done geologic testing and local outreach while exploring a carbon capture and sequestration project at The Andersons’ ethanol plant. “CCS is critical for the long term success of the Anderson's ethanol plant,” Cutlip said, and she urged ordinance language that would expand notification and use structure‑based setbacks.
Cutlip asked that, in addition to notifying landowners inside the CO2 plume area, developers be required to notify any residences within 0.1 mile of a proposed seismic testing route and to adopt setbacks measured from structures rather than property lines. “Using structures as the basis for setbacks targets protection where it's needed,” she said, citing similar state-level well setbacks in nearby states.
Resident Laura Redwick pushed back on the pace of review and asked whether permits had already been filed; she urged a moratorium to buy time for fuller protections. “I don't understand why we can't slow it down and put everything in there,” Redwick said, arguing the community needs more comprehensive standards before projects advance.
Aaron, a planning department staff member, walked commissioners through the ordinance text, describing operational and safety provisions: seismic testing limited to 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; road‑use agreements required before seismic work; plume-area notification and remediation obligations for damage; an operation and maintenance plan and emergency response training to be approved by commissioners; a noise cap (no greater than 60 decibels at a property line or 45 decibels at a residence); monitoring wells confined to the host property; and setbacks (250 feet from property lines, residents, roads and water sources in many cases).
After discussion about whether the planning commission's recommendation or a moratorium was the correct path, Commissioner Ruth Baker moved to take the proposed ordinance under advisement until the July 6 meeting to allow additional review; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commissioners did not adopt a moratorium at the meeting, but staff and members agreed the board could request a moratorium process if they chose to return the matter to planning commission.
