Floyd County Continues Work with Attorney on Pipeline Lawsuit, County Ordinance

It remains to be seen if Summit Carbon Solutions will be able build an underground carbon capture pipeline in Iowa. 

Last month, South Dakota prevented Summit from using eminent domain to secure land from unwilling property owners. The state’s Public Utilities Commission then rejected the company’s latest construction permit application as “not viable.”

The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) has approved a permit for Summit’s mainline, including a branch through Chickasaw, Floyd and Cerro Gordo counties. However, building in Iowa is contingent on Summit getting permits approved in South Dakota and North Dakota. In the meantime, the IUC’s decision is being challenged in court by Floyd County and eight other counties represented by Attorney Tim Whipple.

During their meeting Tuesday, Floyd County Supervisors were questioned by former Supervisor Linda Tjaden on the continued need for his service.

Supervisor Gloria Carr explained that the type of Whipple’s service for the pipeline has changed.

Board Chair Dennis Keifer also noted that Whipple is also providing the County services on separate, albeit pipeline-related issues.

Tjaden also urged Supervisors for an update on Whipple’s services.

Supervisors agreed an update is warranted at a future Board meeting. They then approved the latest payments to Whipple’s law firm, Ahlers and Cooney,  for $214 for judicial review of the IUC permit and almost $2,400 for assistance with the pipeline and right-of-way ordinance.