During a recent city council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding a carbon dioxide leak associated with ADM's carbon sequestration activities under Lake Decatur. Councilman Horn expressed frustration over the lack of timely communication from both ADM and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the incident, which occurred months prior to the city’s agreement with ADM for carbon storage. He emphasized that the leak could have influenced the council's decision-making process and the terms of the easement agreement.

Horn questioned whether the corrosion of the monitoring well, which leaked CO2 after ten years of operation, posed a health risk to the public and if the volume of sequestration activities affected corrosion rates. He insisted on an independent assessment from city staff rather than relying on ADM, which he accused of violating the Safe Drinking Water Act. Horn highlighted that only the mayor was informed of the leak before the EPA's notice of violation was issued in August, raising concerns about transparency and the potential ongoing risk to residents.

City staff, represented by City Manager Wrighton, acknowledged the ongoing investigation and assured that the council's questions were being taken seriously. However, they requested time to gather information before providing detailed responses. The council discussed the implications of ADM's failure to disclose the leak, with some members suggesting that it could affect the validity of the easement agreement.

The meeting underscored the tension between the need for immediate answers and the complexities of federal investigations, with council members divided on how to proceed. As the city awaits further findings, the implications of the leak and the adequacy of the response from both ADM and the EPA remain critical issues for Decatur residents.