Easement Rights for Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Expansion in Des Moines

The Iowa Public Utilities Commission has published a document outlining the proposed easement rights for the expansion of the carbon dioxide pipeline in Des Moines. The document reveals the specific easement areas, ownership information, and the rights being sought by SCS Carbon Transport LLC.

Key Takeaways:

• The proposed pipeline easement area covers 0.56 acres, with a temporary construction easement area of 0.56 acres, totaling 1.12 acres.
• SCS Carbon Transport LLC seeks an unencumbered and unobstructed permanent easement for the purposes of owning, accessing, and operating a pipeline not to exceed 6 inches in nominal diameter for the transportation of carbon dioxide and its naturally occurring constituents.
• The easement rights include the right to install aerial markers, telecommunications, power lines, cathodic protection, and other equipment used for the pipeline's operation.
• The temporary construction easement will be in effect for 24 months after construction commences, after which the pipeline will be permanently installed.
• Landowner Anne Friederich has the right to approve SCS's plans to make permanent surface changes to the pipeline easement area, and SCS has the right to remove any obstruction or trim/removal of trees and brush without prior written approval.
• SCS will pay commercially reasonable costs and indemnify and hold Landowner harmless for any loss, damage, claim, or action resulting from the pipeline's use, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Statistics:

• Proposed pipeline length: 487.29 linear feet.
• Total easement area: 1.12 acres.
• Timeframe for temporary construction easement: 24 months.
• Pipeline diameter: Not to exceed 6 inches.
• Easement rights duration: Permanent, with temporary construction easement expiring after 24 months.

Sources:

Iowa Public Utilities Commission (2025) - Excerpt from document ID HLP-2024-0008.