A Summit Carbon Solutions representative is expressing frustration with counties across the state creating CO2 pipeline setbacks.
A setback is the distance a pipeline can be built from a home or other building.
Trevor Jones is Regulatory Affairs Manager for Summit. He told SDPB’s In the Moment the various local ordinances are creating unnecessary obstacles.
“When we carefully planned this project, obviously prior to this day, our goal was to meet all the rules in place at the time. And at the time there were no setbacks here in Minnehaha County, and throughout the state as well," said Jones. "So that’s how we plan the projects. It is just unfortunately, they keep moving the goal post.”
Minnehaha County commissioners recently voted to make their pipeline set back distances 330 feet. Jones said Summit and the entire ethanol industry is disappointed in the commission’s decision.
“Unfortunately, that decision by the Minnehaha County commission is obviously not what we or the ethanol industry wanted. It’s important to note that it’s the first time in the county’s history that they put a setback in place for a pipeline,” said Jones.
Jones pointed out the federal minimum pipeline setback is 50 feet. Summit has stated they plan to offer a 250 foot setback whenever possible.
