Summit Carbon Solutions on Aug. 19 announced it has submitted a petition for reconsideration for the company’s pipeline permit application to the North Dakota Public Service Commission. Summit said the petition showcases its continued commitment to the community and addresses previously raised concerns. 

The North Dakota PUC on Aug. 4 denied a siting permit for Summit’s Midwest Carbon Express CO2 Pipeline Project. Summit filed the application for the permit in October 2022 and the PUC held several public hearings throughout the spring of 2023. The PUC said it received extensive public comment during the hearings. Those testifying expressed broad concerns regarding eminent domain, safety and the policy of permanent CO2 sequestration and storage, setback distances, irreparable harm to underground drain tile systems, impacts on property values, and the ability to obtain liability insurance due to the project. 

In its Aug. 4 announcement denying Summit’s siting permit, the North Dakota PUC discussed several concerns it claims Summit failed to adequately address. 

Summit on Aug. 19 outlined how it is addressing those concerns.

To address concerns about city growth and future development in Bismarck, Summit said it has implemented specific re-routes that include moving the pipeline nearly 10 miles north of Bismarck’s city limits. Summit also said it has rerouted or planned drills to avoid areas of concern, including game management areas and areas that may present a geo-hazard risk, such as a landslide. 

Summit also addressed concerns related to cultural resource surveys. The company said it is working with the State Historic Preservation Office to document the results of cultural surveys and is confident no historic or archeological sites will be affected by the project. To date, Summit said it has completed cultural surveys on approximately 90 percent of the pipeline route. 

A statement issued by Summit outlines project advancements within the state, noting that nearly 80 percent of the right-of-way for the pipeline route has been secured through voluntary easements from local landowners, including parts of the new pipeline route. In addition, the company said it has successfully secured almost 90 perent of the space needed for its carbon sequestration sites in North Dakota. 

“We’re truly grateful for the trust and support shown by the landowners of North Dakota, allowing us to make substantial progress in our pipeline route and sequestration site plans,” said Lee Blank, CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions, in a statement. “Addressing the concerns of the ND PSC is a top priority for us, and we’ve worked diligently to revise our application accordingly. Our aim is to work collaboratively, listen to everyone’s input, and align our project with the long-term vision that North Dakota has for its energy and agricultural sectors. We are confident that our efforts will contribute positively to North Dakota’s future, and we’re excited to be part of this journey.”