Wolf Carbon files petition for carbon dioxide pipeline

Wolf Carbon Solutions has filed its petition for a carbon dioxide pipeline with the Iowa Utilities Board. The petition, filed with the Iowa Utilities Board Feb. 23 as part of the IUB’s official docket for the project, HLP-2022-0002, seeks approval for construction of a high-pressure pipeline across 95 miles in several Iowa counties, including Linn, Cedar, Clinton and Scott. Filed by Nick Noppinger, Wolf Carbon’s senior vice president of corporate development, the petition explicitly removes a clause under which Wolf Carbon would have requested the use of eminent domain for securing right-of-way for the proposed pipeline. Numerous objectors to the project have mentioned the possible use of eminent domain as one of their points of objection. Wolf Carbon is proposing a 280-mile liquid CO2 pipeline that would run through several Eastern Iowa counties, including the southeast portion of Linn County.Under the proposal, Wolf would build the carbon sequestration pipeline between Cedar Rapids and Decatur, Illinois. The pipeline, referred to as the Mt. Simon Hub, would transport liquefied CO2 through a pressurized pipeline from ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an ADM sequestration facility near Decatur, Illinois, where the gas would be pumped underground at the Mt. Simon Sandstone saline reservoir for permanent storage. The project would be eligible for up to $1 billion in federal carbon sequestration tax credits, officials say. “The Mt. Simon Hub is a world-class carbon capture and storage system that will position Iowa at the forefront of industrial decarbonization efforts, helping to achieve regional, national, and global carbon reduction goals. Most immediately, this project will bolster Iowa’s agricultural industry and position ethanol as the premier alternative fuel.” Mr. Noppinger said in a news release. “Our proposal is designed to accommodate modifications to Mt. Simon Hub’s specific route as appropriate based on landowner and public feedback – ultimately helping to minimize disruptions and secure voluntary easements from landowners. We look forward to continuing our conversations with landowners and community members, and welcome feedback throughout the permit process.” According to an economic impact study by Goss & Associates, the Mt. Simon Hub would support 1,719 jobs during construction and 362 jobs annually during operation in Iowa. IUB staff will now review the Mt. Simon Hub application before scheduling an evidentiary hearing, in which the IUB will consider the application and hear testimony in accordance with Iowa Code. The project has faced public opposition at several meetings, including a Dec. 5 meeting at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids. Opponents to carbon dioxide sequestration pipelines also gathered Feb. 21 on the steps of the Iowa Statehouse in Des Moines, where lawmakers are considering limits to eminent domain for CO2 pipeline projects.