Floyd County Landowners Hear About A Second Carbon Pipeline Project

A company targeting Floyd County for possible construction of a carbon pipeline took comments and questions from landowners who could be impacted by the project during a public hearing Monday in Charles City hosted by the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB). 

Navigator CO2 Ventures is proposing the Heartland Greenway pipeline to transport carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from ethanol plants and other CO2-producing industries in Iowa, in liquid form, to be stored in Illinois. Heartland sees the Valero plant just west of Charles City as a possible starting point for one “vein” of its pipelines in north Iowa.

Heartland is the second company to target Valero and Floyd County for a carbon pipeline, with Summit Carbon Solutions holding a hearing in September for their “Midwest Carbon Express” pipeline. That prompted concerns about the pipelines crossing paths.

Heartland Greenway’s Elizabeth Burns-Thompson says the multiple pipelines shows a great opportunity for the Iowa ag industry and gives landowners options.

Landowners opposed to the pipelines are concerned the projects could go forward without their consent, if the state utilizes eminent domain to secure the necessary properties for the pipelines from owners who don’t enter into easements with the pipeline companies. Clifford Kelly, who owns land in Floyd County and in Illinois, says he has past experience with eminent domain.

The IUB reminded the audience that comments at the public hearings do not go into the official record, but that those comments can be filed through the IUB website. The IUB must complete all meetings on behalf of Heartland Greenway before considering any construction permits.

The IUB also held a public hearing for Butler County landowners Monday night at the Greene Community Center. 

Summit Carbon Solutions has also targeted the Homeland Energy Solutions ethanol plant between New Hampton and Lawler as its easternmost starting point for the Midwest Carbon Express..