Thank you for Reporting Rumelhart Objection to Summit Docket # HLP-2024-0004
Grant Leo Winterer/ Iowa Public Radio
Posted for others to document and learn from this good Objection…..
Please follow there lead and document ALL.
Thank you Mr. and Mrs Rumelhart
Commencement of Objection……
Trespassing Complaint against Summit Pipeline February 7th, 2025 Docket # HLP-2024-0004
We hereby request the IUC open an investigation into Summit Carbon Solutions, their contracted surveyor company and their individual surveyors. We have been the victim of illegal trespassing on our land and are attempting to press charges with photographic evidence. These are the facts of what transpired which we believe to be unethical, immoral and illegal.
1. During the informational meeting last August with Summit, we were told we would receive Restricted Certified Mail before surveyors would attempt to survey our land.
What the law says about Surveys/Surveyors in Iowa Code chapter 479b.15:
Entry for land surveys: After the informational meeting or after the filing of a petition if no informational meeting is required, a pipeline company may enter upon private land for the purpose of surveying and examining the land to determine direction or depth of pipelines by giving a ten days’ written notice by restricted certified mail to the landowner as defined in section 479b.15 and to any person residing on or in possession of the land.
As of today’s date, we have not received a restricted certified letter and we believe Summit and their surveying company are in violation of the law.
2. On Friday, February 7th @ 12:30pm, Rick witnessed a trespasser on our land and notified the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to arriving at the scene, The Sheriff revealed he printed off the list of landowner names provided by the County Attorney that was received from Summit. Summit stated this was a list of landowner names that received restricted certified letters regarding surveying. The Sheriff stated our names were not found on this list. Again, we believe Summit and their surveying company displayed gross negligence conducting their business.
3. IA Code 716.7 Trespass:
1.a. “Property” shall include any land, dwelling, building, conveyance, vehicle, or other temporary or permanent structure whether publicly or privately owned. 2.a.(1) Entering upon or in property without the express permission of the owner, lessee, or person in lawful possession with the intent to commit a public offense, to use, remove therefrom, alter, damage, harass, or place thereon or therein anything animate or inanimate.
Our land has numerous signs posted stating “Private Property” and “No Trespassing”. It is also our understanding survey trucks are required to have ID logos and surveyors are required to have ID’s. The trucks used were unmarked and the surveyor had no drivers license in his possession. Once again, we feel Summit has displayed negligence.
Page two
Filed with the Iowa Utilities Commission on February 10, 2025, HLP-2024-0004
The Sheriff requested a statement at the scene, which reads as follows:
Had a strange vehicle parked on the gravel road north of my house. I stopped to ask what he was doing. He was in the passenger seat. He said they were with the pipeline and they were surveying for the pipeline. I told him that is trespassing and that I had not received a certified letter. He said his associate was headed out. I asked from where, he said from your property. I told him I am calling the Sheriff. I walked up into my property and saw the associate walking on my land carrying a surveying pole. I asked what he was doing and he said “surveying for the pipeline.” I told he did not have permission and that he was trespassing. He said “I’m leaving now”. I told him I had called the Sheriff’s Office and someone was coming out. He said he was calling his “Land Man”. I waited until the deputy showed up and told him I have proof he was on my property without permission and I wanted him prosecuted for trespassing.
Thank you for investigating this complaint. Please follow-up with your findings.
Rick & Michelle Rumelhart
rummy2@netins.net