South Dakota farmers have filed a lawsuit against Summit Carbon Solutions, alleging trespassing, nuisance, and other violations that occurred during surveying for a proposed carbon pipeline in the Brown County area. The suit claims Summit workers conducted deep drilling and invasive testing on properties in 2023, despite the state Supreme Court ruling that only minor, non-invasive surveys are allowed under South Dakota law. Farmers are seeking a jury trial to determine damages for what they describe as unconstitutional and unauthorized actions by Summit and its contractors.
According to the lawsuit, Summit used drilling rigs, removed soil samples, and even deployed armed security to keep families away while the work was conducted. The case has drawn attention from other landowners and advocates who say it highlights tensions over land rights and pipeline development. Summit, has recently worked to repair relationships with landowners, while South Dakota lawmakers have moved to ban the use of eminent domain for such projects.
Photo Credit: Summit Carbon Solutions LLC
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