Navigator pulls out of last state along its once-planned pipeline route
Illinois withdrawal spells end of carbon sequestration project for now
A Texas-based pipeline company that had been planning a line through portions of eastern South Dakota has officially suspended its work in all of the states along its intended route.
Navigator Heartland Greenway Tuesday filed a motion to withdraw its application with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for a permit to construct the Illinois portion of its proposed CO2 pipeline system, where the carbon emitted from ethanol plants along its route would have ultimately been sequestered underground for permanent storage.
The move marks the latest setback for Navigator, which last month saw its permit application to run lines through five South Dakota counties unanimously rejected by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, which cited safety concerns, a lack of landowner support, and economic disruption. Navigator suspended operations in South Dakota shortly thereafter.
And in the weeks that followed, Navigator voluntarily withdrew similar applications in Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. This week’s filing in Illinois means the project has been suspended in every state along its 1,300-mile line.
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But the project isn’t entirely dead, according to the company.
“As is consistent with our recent filings in neighboring jurisdictions, Navigator will be taking time to reassess the route and application,” a company official said in a statement provided to The Dakota Scout. “Being cognizant of ICC resources, Navigator will withdraw its current application with the intent to reinitiate Illinois permitting, if appropriate, when Navigator’s full evaluation is complete.”
Navigator was one of two companies pursuing carbon sequestration pipeline projects in South Dakota. Summit Carbon Solutions last month saw its permit to build a line through 18 South Dakota counties denied by the South Dakota PUC as well. Summit officials, however, say they plan to reapply for a permit.
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Wonder if the Navigator entrepreneurs would ever allow the liquid CO2 sewer pipeline under their property -- or allow the Liquid CO2 waste to be pumped deep into their property...