Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a public comment period on its intent to issue permits for Wabash Carbon Services to inject and store carbon dioxide underground at two injection wells in Vermillion County and Vigo County, Indiana.
The process of storing carbon underground to reduce emissions into the atmosphere is known as “carbon sequestration.” Under the proposed plan, Wabash Carbon Services would inject 1.67 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year into the wells over an injection period of 12 years. Wabash would monitor the wells—during the 12 years of proposed carbon dioxide injection and 10 years thereafter—to ensure that the injection wells work properly, the carbon dioxide does not move from its injected location and drinking water sources are protected.
The well sites were selected following extensive research in order to ensure the carbon dioxide can be safely stored in the rock formations about 5,000 feet below the ground. Studies of the site show that there is about 2,100 feet of solid rock, including very low-permeability shale, between the deepest source of drinking water in the area and the proposed carbon dioxide reservoir below.
EPA will host a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, August 10. EPA staff will be available to answer resident questions and record comments.
When: Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 Time: The public meeting will begin at 6 p.m., the public hearing will occur from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Where: Indiana State University Federal Hall, Smith Magna Carta Courtroom Second Floor 30 North 7th Street Terre Haute, Indiana EPA’s public comment period will end on Aug. 11, 2023. Comments may be submitted: * At the public hearing * By email to fisher.marc@epa.gov For more information on EPA’s injection permit process, click here.
To view a copy of the two draft permits, click here.
Source: US EPA