Norris says carbon pipeline is, ‘gambling with public and environmental safety’

Rural Red Oak resident Jan Norris shared an update with the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors at its regular meeting May 2.
Speaking during the public comment period, Norris said the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) would be holding public meetings in Des Moines May 31 and June 1.
“These meetings will have an online option. I encourage the supervisors to follow the important information that will be provided, but you must register online by May 12,” Norris said. “The meetings are being held to help inform rule-making decisions. Discussion will include emergency response to a pipeline break, including needed equipment and training; dispersion modeling; and safety measures such as leak detection, recordings, and more.”
Norris said PHMSA announced a year ago it planned to strengthen carbon pipeline safety oversight following an investigation into a rupture in Mississippi.
“In that situation, they imposed a nearly $4 million fine for violations, including inadequate modeling that neglected to show danger to the village,” commented Norris.
Norris added California had already imposed a moratorium on carbon pipelines until new safeguards were established, conflicting with claims from Summit Carbon Solutions.
“As you may recall, Summit specifically cited California as a market for premium ethanol, which is looking more questionable every day.”
Also, Norris said opponents have been concerned that increased safety requirements could be too late, coming after the proposed pipelines were in the ground.
“Essentially, this is gambling with public and environmental safety. The regulatory overhaul will likely impact the siting, and therefore pose a risk to the safety of our community,” commented Norris.
With that in mind, Norris felt having the supervisors pass a local ordinance was very important.
“I ask you again to please schedule the ordinance hearings and continue the process. The planning and zoning commission has done its job and approved the draft ordinance. The board of adjustment has discussed its concerns. The only hold up is putting it back on the agenda. Please continue the process and protect my neighborhood,” stated Norris.
No further discussion on the pipeline took place.