This video shows an 8" CO2 pipeline rupture test conducted by the Norwegian risk-management company, DNV
Impacts of the Pipeline
Pipelines leak and rupture. A small amount of water could cause I the steel pipes to corrode. Any subsidence could cause the pipe to break. A change in pressure could cause the CO2 to change from a liquid to a gas. All these examples could result in a rupture, that could send a plume of CO2 a mile or more. Carbon dioxide is an asphyxiant. When concentrations are high enough, it can cause death within minutes.
Legal Proceedings Are Underway
Attorney Joe Murphy filed a petition to intervene in Wolf's ICC proceedings on behalf of Citizens Against Predatory Pipelines on July 10, 2023. The petition represents concerns of both communities and landowners, and builds on the anticipated impacts associated with the construction and operation of Wolf Carbon Solutions' Mt. Simon Hub. These include:
- Proximity to incorporated communities; rural residential developments and subdivisions; federally-designated environmental justice and state Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) areas; public lands; livestock facilities; businesses; school(s); churches; senior living facility(ies); prisons; airport(s); and other occupied buildings or structures, including those associated with farm operations.
- Threats to human health and livestock, including the potential for loss of life from ruptures of the pipeline that can spread harmful carbon-related gasses for more than a mile from the point of rupture.
- Reduced property values for land acquired for construction and operation of the pipeline.
- Reduced values for properties located up to a mile or more from the carbon pipeline that are at risk from a pipeline rupture.
- Loss of farm income due, but not limited to, reduced crop yield from mixing of soils, compacted soils, costs associated with repair to damaged infrastructure that will exceed the compensation offered by the pipeline company, and restrictions to the use of productive farmland that will occur due to the existence of the pipeline.
- Inability of first responders to adequately assist in the event of a rupture, due to, among other things, insufficient training and equipment needed to respond to a carbon pipeline rupture.
- Lack of inter alia: carbon dioxide monitors, alarm systems, air supply breathing equipment, and appropriate vehicles, all of which are necessary to detect, survive and escape from a pipeline rupture.
- Lack of federal regulations and oversight, as concluded by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the carbon pipeline that endangers the public.
- Loss of income and associated costs of rebuilding infrastructure that would be required in the event of a rupture that is in proximity to highways and bridges, other pipelines, residential developments, and businesses of all kinds.
- Increased costs to CAPP's members, including tax increases associated with construction, operation, and preparedness for any failures of the carbon pipeline.
These concerns will negatively impact individual members of CAPP and will have a contrary impact on the interests that CAPP seeks to protect.
Intervene with the ICC to Stop Wolf Carbon Solutions' Mt. Simon Hub!
Membership Agreement, Citizens Against Predatory Pipelines
Background
On June 16, 2023, Wolf Carbon Solutions filed its petition with the Illinois Commerce Commission (Docket 23-0475). The company is asking the ICC for a certificate of authority to construct and operate its pipeline system in Illinois. This includes acquiring easements via eminent domain, as provided in the Carbon Dioxide Transportation and Sequestration Act. This filing initiated an 11-month process, during which time the Illinois Commerce Commission will take into consideration information provided by Wolf, along with any petitions to intervene that are submitted ((either for or against the project).
If you are affected by the pipeline, the ONLY way to present your objections or concerns to the Illinois Commerce Commission is to petition to intervene in its proceedings. This includes residents, landowners along and adjacent to the proposed route, farmers, businesses, institutions (schools, churches, hospitals, etc.), emergency service providers, and local units of government.
The Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines has helped create a new corporation to intervene in what we expect will be complicated legal proceedings before the ICC. Called Citizens Against Predatory Pipelines, the new Board has retained the services of Joe Murphy, Attorney, Meyer Capel, Champaign, Illinois, to represent the corporation and its members. Joe is an attorney experienced with Illinois Commerce Commission proceedings, and worked with the non-profit Citizens Against Heartland Greenway Pipeline (CAHGP). With his guidance, CAHGP provided expert testimony and the expert witness that led to a motion of denial; Navigator's decision to withdraw its application; and finally, Navigator's cancelation of their 1,342-mile long CO2 pipeline project.
How Do I Intervene? Join CAPP!
CAGHP is a membership organization. Its members own, use and/or enjoy land currently designated as part of or in proximity to the primary and lateral routes of Navigator’s proposed carbon dioxide pipeline, or will be impacted financially or in other ways, if the pipeline is installed and becomes operational. Joining CAPP will entitle you to group representation, including:
- Shared costs associated with litigation, including discovery, depositions, expert witness development, and the ICC’s proceedings.
- Monthly member meetings, during which information will be shared and input solicited from Members on strategy.
- Election of the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
- The right to vote for or against appealing the Illinois Commerce Commission’s decision, should it find in favor of Wolf.
The following is NOT included in this membership: (1) Condemnation representation, should that be required; or (2) Negotiation of easement agreements.
What Does it Cost?
CAPP is seeking members and donations to fund a successful intervention. Group representation offers legal services at a fraction of the cost. One-year memberships are open to individuals, businesses, organizations, and local units of government. Suggested donations are $25, $100, and $500. CAPP is asking businesses, farms, governments and organizations to donate $500. If you can give more, that would be appreciated! On your membership anniversary, CAPP will contact you about renewal in the event.
Sign Me Up!
Click here to download the form, print, sign, and return it with your $500 membership fee to:
Tracy Fox
15215 N Ivy Lake Road
Chillicothe, IL 61523.
Once your membership form has been received, you will be placed on an email list that will include announcements for monthly membership meetings; updates on the intervention proceedings; and the time and date for annual meetings, held to elect the Board of Directors.
Questions?
Send them to info@capp-illinos.org or call 309-369-5331.