Board approves CO2 line restrictions
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Lucas Domonousky
Breeze-Courier Writer
TAYLORVILLE — The Christian County Board held a special meeting on the second floor of the Christian County Courthouse on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The main reason for this special meeting was to amend and approve language which temporarily adds restriction to the CO2 pipeline and Carbon Sequestration to supersede the existing restrictions previously adopted. Two members were absent, Tim Carlson and Ken Franklin.
Christian County Assistant State’s Attorney, Mary Barry, provided an explanation for the change in verbiage and overall reason for the special meeting.
“It occurred to us, when we were looking at this, we’ve got the restrictions on the CO2 (pipeline) until we learn more about it, but it doesn’t include somebody for actually putting in an application,” she said. “So we’ve added a clause saying, if you apply, you must make sure our costs are covered.”
The first motion made was to amend the language of Resolution 02023 ZB 007 which was the current restriction set in place. It passed unanimously. The second motion was to approve and implement the resolution which will supersede the old language and it passed as well.
Resolution 02023 ZB 032, which will add two alternatives to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), was discussed next. Chairman Bryan Sharp said: “Attendance-wise, it has been a little difficult, sometimes, to have a quorum. So the ZBA felt it necessary to have alternates who could sit in in place. This also deals with the length of their term and also deals with how they will be seated dealing with topics at hand.”
This resolution also passed unanimously.
The next resolution, 02023 ZB 039, adds language to the zoning code dealing with new technology. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is a developing technology and industry. Companies are looking to store renewable energy using lithium batteries, but the medium could change as the industry develops. The resolution will ensure the new technology will be covered in the zoning code. This resolution also passed.
Resolution 02023 ZB 040 adds Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to Heavy Industrial Special Use section. This will require a public hearing, environmental studies conducted and emergency action plans in place, no matter how the property is zoned. This also carried unanimously.
In resolution 02023 ZB 041, the intention is to make sure updates to ordinances comply with state standards. Fees were updated to ensure the county could retain independent, professional, outside experience to review the completeness of projects, integrity of site and building plans and compliance with local, state and federal laws. This passed unanimously.
The final resolution considered, 02023 ZB 042, deals with lapse of approval. Attorney Barry was asked to make the language for “substantially changed” clearer, and the Board also approved it.
Boiler expenses then became the topic of the meeting. Christian County Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor, Ron Brown, explained the new boiler has been installed. However, the condensation tank is in need of a dual pump to keep up with the water vapor. Brown explained a new condensation tank would be somewhere in the range of $4,000 to $6,000. A motion was passed to allocate up to $15,000 of ARPA funds for a new tank.
The final topic of discussion was in regards to the Ameren cleanup site in Taylorville. Chairman Sharp and Attorney Barry have been in contact with Ameren and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency about holding a meeting. The meeting will be this Thursday, Nov. 9 with committee chairmen and department heads. There will not be a quorum.
Adjournment came at 6:26 p.m.
