Paula Dittrick
Senior Staff Writer
HOUSTON, July 15 -- The US Environmental Protection Agency has released proposals to create a new category of injection wells for long-term storage of carbon dioxide underground.
The proposed rules, which outline storage siting, testing, and monitoring requirements, fall under EPA's existing Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. They would update the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act.
EPA said it wants to ensure that stored CO2 does not move and does not leach heavy metals or other contaminants out of surrounding rock into underground water.
Benjamin Grumbles, EPA assistant administrator for water, told reporters in a teleconference call from Washington, DC, on July 15 that a final rule is expected in late 2010 or early 2011.
Rules already exist for CO2 injected for enhanced oil recovery projects. Grumbles said the proposed rules represent the first federal regulations for long-term storage of CO2.
EPA will accept public comment on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for 120 days following its publication. The proposed rules come as Congress contemplates carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
CCS is being considered as a way to contain greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and other industrial sources. CCS is not yet available on a large-scale commercial basis.
EPA working with DOE
"This rule paves the way for technologies that will protect public health and reduce the effects of climate change," Grumbles said.
The agency worked with the US Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Transportation to develop new regulations to cut greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and their fuels.
EPA and DOE jointly fund the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to study potential impacts of CO2 injection on aquifers and drinking water sources. LBNL also is assessing potential changes in regional groundwater flow, including displacement of pre-existing saline water or hydrocarbons.
Grumbles said EPA tracks the progress of national and international sequestration projects, including DOE's Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships.
Under the UIC program, experimental technology permits have been issued for CO2 injection wells drilled by the sequestration partnerships, Grumbles said.
Types of injection wells
EPA proposes a new class of injection wells for carbon sequestration. UIC regulations outline five classes of injection wells. The proposed rules would establish a sixth class specifically for long-term CO2 storage.
Grumbles said the proposed rules would apply to CO2injection wells onshore and in state territorial waters within 3 miles of the US coast. Any CO2 wells to be drilled in waters beyond the 3-mile limit would fall under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.
Many states already have proposed CO2 storage regulations. Grumbles said EPA wants to provide "consistent national standards that allow for flexibility working with the states." He said the proposed rules would provide a minimum level of safeguards.
Contact Paula Dittrick at [email protected]
