Published by Todd Bush on September 9, 2024
Draft permits seek public input to ensure local communities and the environment are protected
DALLAS, TEXAS (September 4, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued draft Class VI permits to Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC for three proposed wells for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide in Ector County, Texas. These are the first draft permits that EPA has issued in Texas for Class VI wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Control program, which establishes requirements to protect underground sources of drinking water from contamination.
>> In Other News: California's Hydrogen-Powered Passenger Train: A Step Toward Clean Energy Transit
Class VI injection wells store carbon dioxide deep underground that has been captured from an emissions source or the atmosphere. The proposed project, on former ranch land about 14 miles from the city of Odessa, includes three wells that will store about 722,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year at a depth of about 4,400 feet.
As part of its central role delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious climate and environmental justice agenda, EPA is following a rigorous, science-based process in implementing its Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Control program.
In developing the draft permit, EPA required the company to provide specific analysis of the site to ensure that constructing and operating the proposed wells remains protective of the environment, including preventing contamination to underground sources of drinking water and human-caused seismicity. EPA evaluated these technical analyses, with support from experts at the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories, and additional data to verify that the site’s geology, other nearby underground activity, and project scope and operations would ensure that the permitted activity meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. EPA also required the company to ensure the plans are appropriate for conditions at and around the site, including construction materials, mechanical integrity, and emergency response planning.
Once permitted, Class VI wells require extensive monitoring for well integrity, groundwater quality, and CO2 movement. Well operators are also required to plan for emergencies and for how the well will be plugged after its lifespan. EPA also ensured the language in the draft permit is clear and enforceable under Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. While developing the draft permit, EPA met with local elected officials and emergency responders, community members, and property owners to explain the Class VI well program, listen to concerns, and answer questions. The draft permit is now open for public comment until October 7. EPA will host a public hearing on October 3. More details on the hearing will be available here: https://www.epa.gov/tx/uic-class-vi-permit-intent-issue-oxy-low-carbon-ventures-llc.
Comments on the draft permit can be submitted at www.regulations.gov under docket #EPA-R06-OW-2024-0410.
For more information on EPA’s Class VI Program, visit https://www.epa.gov/uic/class-vi-wells-used-geologic-sequestration-carbon-dioxide.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA developed specific criteria to ensure that when carbon dioxide is stored underground to reduce greenhouse gases and confront climate change, underground sources of drinking water are protected. UIC Class VI injection wells are used to store underground carbon dioxide that has been captured from an emissions source or the atmosphere. Class VI injection wells—when used as a part of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects—are a critical tool for reducing carbon emissions to meet mid-century climate goals. CO2 is injected through specially constructed wells that deposit and store material deep beneath the earth in rock formations. These formations must be tested and evaluated to ensure that geologic formations are suitable for the safe containment of CO2 for long-term storage. This technology will provide well-paying jobs and can be implemented in an environmentally responsible way.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Follow the money flow of climate, technology, and energy investments to uncover new opportunities and jobs.
Inside This Issue 🏙️ Energy Abundance Announces Data City, Texas - The World's Largest Behind-the-Meter Data Center Hub Powered by 100% 24/7 Green Energy 🌬️ Norway's Equinor Scales Back Climate Am...
Inside This Issue 🌬️ Texas Pioneers Wind-Powered Direct Air Capture: A Collaborative Effort to Combat Climate Change 🏛️ CO2 Capture in the United States Adjusts Its Strategy Under the Trump Admini...
Inside This Issue 🏗️ Alberta Set to Build World's First Full-Sized Zero Carbon Cement Plant 🛢️ Saudi Aramco, IEA Chiefs Clash In Houston Over The Future Of Oil 🧪 Homeostasis Raises $1.2M to Synthe...
The company’s tech promises to unlock sustainable, domestic critical mineral supplies while providing affordable ocean carbon removal. BlueShift Exits Stealth with $2.1M in Pre-Seed Funding to Ena...
LRQA Strengthens Energy Transition Services With Acquisition of EcoEngineers
LRQA has acquired EcoEngineers, a US-based consulting, auditing and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition. This marks LRQA’s fifth acquisition in five months, reinforcing ...
Nel ASA: Receives Purchase Order for One MC500 Containerized Pem Electrolyser
OSLO, Norway, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nel Hydrogen US, a subsidiary of Nel ASA (OSE: NEL), has received a purchase order for one 2.5 MW containerized PEM unit for the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub p...
Amazon to Sell Carbon Credits to Suppliers, Customers
LONDON, March 20 (Reuters) – Amazon has begun selling carbon credits to its suppliers, business customers, and other companies, the U.S. retail giant said, which can be used to offset their climate...
Follow the money flow of climate, technology, and energy investments to uncover new opportunities and jobs.