How will Summit treat landowners after pipeline rupture?

I recently attended the annual Pipeline Safety Trust conference in New Orleans. The conference brings pipeline industry operators, government leaders and the general public together to find solutions to make the pipeline industry safer. It was started in 1999 after the horrific Olympic Pipeline rupture that spewed 230,000 gallons of gasoline into a Bellingham, Washington creek. It ignited and killed 3 young men and destroyed that ecosystem.

I left the conference with mixed feelings. On one hand, the conference brings more awareness to pipeline safety but on the other, much work is still needed. Devastating pipeline accidents still occur every year. More pipeline company accountability is needed.

One common theme I heard while talking with other conference attendees-the Summit CO2 pipeline’s bad public relations/conduct and lack of taking safety seriously. Even Energy Transfer Partners which operates the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) recently filed for intervention with the South Dakota Public Utilities commission largely on the grounds that Summit has refused to address crossing concerns. Summit is also using intimidation by filing lawsuits against landowners and county supervisors and targeting opposition with cease and desist letters. Imagine how Summit will treat people when their pipeline ruptures?!

Kim Junker

New Hartford