Residents tell supervisors pipeline amendment raises safety and property-rights worries

Several residents used the public-comment period to press the board on safety, property rights and process after Summit Carbon Solutions described an amended plan and an upsized 24-inch pipe. Deb Mayne said the amendment modifies route and pipe size and removes IUC conditions that previously limited construction in Woodbury County; she warned it increases local risk and noted an Oct. 10 court hearing in Polk County where consolidation motions were filed. "The CO2 is now being moved west rather than north... The pipe size has doubled to 24 inches," Mayne said.

Other commenters framed the project as a threat to landowner rights and emergency readiness. Steve Corey told the board the project equates to an eminent-domain risk and questioned the public benefit of moving CO2 for sequestration. Gail Popquist, who lives about eight miles from the nearest rescue squad, said emergency-equipment grants and training are of limited value for isolated farms without local warning systems and asked whether insurance exists to cover potential losses. "By the time they get there, if there's a break on my farm, I would be dead," Popquist said. The company responded during its presentation that it will pay for equipment and training and coordinate with county emergency managers, and that county inspectors — selected by the county — will be invoiced through the county and paid by Summit to avoid conflicts.