Letter to the Editor: From a Sioux County land owner

Three Hazardous CO2 pipelines crossing Iowa, are not required by law to inform towns of location or dangers.

Although, danger zones would extend miles beyond the rupture depending on weather conditions, pipe diameter and topography, Navigator pipeline has no concrete plan for risk assessment or emergency response. With shut-off valves, 20 miles apart controlled from Ames, a huge volume of CO2 compressed to 2,000 psi would be released.

Compressed CO2 is a colorless and odorless asphyxiate and intoxicant — huge risk to rescue personnel and Jasper County citizens. A rupture first presents itself as dry ice with temperatures of -31 C. At these pressures, hybrid gas/liquid supercritical CO2 flows through porous rocks and dissolve into oil and water. CO2 contaminated with water becomes carbonic acid. Insufficient oxygen for combustion engines in rupture area requires special training and equipment for rescuers.

The 36 miles of 20″ hazardous pipeline in Jasper County crosses 5 primary and 41 secondary roads and includes one of three Booster Stations along the route, requiring 10 acres of land. Newton, Lambs Grove, Mingo, Colfax, and Reasoner are dangerously near the pipeline.

Property destruction along with equipping and training rescuers, represents a huge cost but no benefit to citizens.

Navigator, a for profit, private business, will receive tax credits of $1.2 billion each year — that’s $3.5 million per day — $145,547 per hour — $2,425 per minute, while local fire departments raise funds for equipment through pancake feeds and chili suppers.

Inform yourself and file an objection to Navigator HLP-2021-0003 with the Iowa Utilities Board 1375 E. Court Ave. Des Moines, IA 50319 or online https://efs.iowa.gov/efs/ShowCommentsAndObjections.do?displayScreen=create.

Dorothy Sloma

Arnolds Park