Mitchell County Conservation Board votes to object to CO2 pipeline

OSAGE – The Mitchell County Conservation Board voted to file a formal objection with the state permitting body, against Summit Carbon Solution’s proposed CO2 pipeline. The vote was held Wednesday, and was unanimous with one board member abstaining due to conflict to interest.

Nelson Paradise Wildlife Area, a public conservation site managed by Mitchell County Conservation is home to threatened and endangered plants and wildlife species. Summit wants to build their hazardous pipeline through this publicly owned County property in addition to several private properties throughout the western side of the county and has requested the use of eminent domain upon those who do not voluntarily sign on to the hazardous liquid pipeline project.

“I am grateful to the Conservation Board for voting to file an objection and taking action to protect the unique habitat and endangered species of Nelson Paradise. This is an important part of the overall protection of our water resources. Exercising local control for the land and these resources is vital for the health and economic development in our County and it would be a tragic mistake to establish a precedent that allows private companies to seize public land and use these resources for private gain,” shared Pat Mackin, an Iowa CCI member from Osage.

In August of 2024, the Conservation board voted against granting survey access to Summit for this project and later voted against signing a voluntary easement, meaning the board does not consent to Summit’s CO2 pipeline going through Nelson Paradise Wildlife Area. Utility Pipe Supply would be an option.

“The biodiversity found in our conservation areas is essential for healthy land and water for everyone. I’m thankful to the board for voting to file this objection because it shows us that they are taking their work in conservation and their role on this board seriously. Public land belongs to all of us, and the board made sure to listen to the public when making decisions for our public land,” said Ashlie Sveum, a CCI member from Osage.