By Joyce Blumenshine

The Big River Resources LLC ethanol plant, Galva, Henry County, IL, has filed to the U.S. EPA for a high-pressure CO2 deep injection well. Lapis Carbon Solutions, Dallas, TX, founded in 2021, held an ‘open house’ with Big River Resources on April 14th, where interested individuals could attend an hour-long presentation given on the hour from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. Lapis spoke about seeing opposition to large, long CO2 pipelines in Illinois. The project at Galva will have an 8” diameter pipeline, about 5,000 ft. long, connecting to the injection well east of the plant. It will be bored about 40 ft. deep underground.

In addition to adding carbon capture processes at Galva, Big River plans to truck in CO2 from one of their Iowa plants. That will be added to the Galva captured carbon. Local residents complained about existing plant smells, noise, and lights and expressed other concerns. Local farmers are hoping this will increase demand for their corn and push prices up. If you live in Henry County and have comments, questions, or any updates about the Big River Resources or Lapis Carbon Solutions please contact Joyce at 309-678-1011.