The PUC’s hearing for Navigator CO2’s proposed carbon pipeline continue in Pierre as the company seeks state approval for the major project.
As Navigator CO2’s pipeline application hearing winds down, the company’s key witness attempted to address landowner concern.
Stephen Lee is the executive Vice President of engineering and construction for Navigator. He has been Navigator’s main spokesperson during the PUC hearing.
He said that newly presented evidence by Navigator proves the limited impact of the pipeline’s temperature effect on soil.
“As we looked at the temperature gradient of supercritical and dense phase CO2 transportation through carbon steel, into the subsoils. We performed some of the heat transfer and thermodynamics. We came to a, I would say, a high level of confidence that the heat-affected zones is only around 12 inches around the pipeline,” said Lee.
Navigator’s counsel also had Lee address landowner concerns of being held responsible through insurance liability.
“We would allow the additional coverage as a permit condition when it comes to some of the concerns brought up of the additional pollutant clauses,” said Lee.
Commissioner Gary Hanson expressed his disappointment in Navigator presenting this information so late into the hearing.
“Is that the evidence that we just received, like, yesterday or the day before? 'Yes.' And it gives us the pertinent information on distances and the effect on the soil from the pipeline on extended distances? 'Yes.' And didn’t we ask for that information, request that information?” asked Hanson.
Navigator counsel did not answer commissioner Hanson’s final question.
PUC commissioners will meet again to hear further testimony on Tuesday. Commissioners have until September to make a final application permitting decision.
