The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued final Class VI permits to Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC for three wells for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide in Ector County, Texas.
These are the first 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.
Class VI injection wells store carbon dioxide (CO2) 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.
EPA rules require the company to provide specific analyses 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 said it 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.
While in operation, Class VI wells require extensive monitoring for well integrity, ground water 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 final permits are clear and enforceable under Safe Drinking Water Act regulations,” it said.
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.
