California receives EPA permits for first carbon capture and storage facility
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved permits for California's first carbon capture and storage facility, aiming to mitigate climate change by injecting carbon dioxide underground.
A significant development in carbon capture technology has emerged in California, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted permits for what is expected to be the state’s first carbon capture and storage facility. This initiative aims to inject carbon dioxide sourced from industrial operations deep underground, thereby preventing it from being released into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.
The facility will be situated in Kern County, an area historically known for its oil and gas production. The project is spearheaded by California Resources Corp., which plans to implement this carbon capture technology at the Elk Hills Oil Field, approximately 20 miles from Bakersfield, California. The permits issued this week will enable a subsidiary of California Resources Corp. to construct four injection wells that will extend more than a mile below the surface.
California Resources Corp. intends to inject approximately 1.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually into the underground reservoirs for a duration of 26 years. As EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman articulated, “This permit is authorized because the Safe Drinking Water Act allows for carbon injection projects that protect drinking water sources.” This statement underscores the regulatory framework within which the project is operating, highlighting its compliance with important environmental safeguards.
The permits stipulate rigorous oversight measures, including the implementation of continuous monitoring for any potential carbon dioxide leaks, with an obligation to make leak data publicly accessible. This requirement addresses ongoing concerns from Kern County residents regarding the potential health and safety implications of carbon dioxide storage. Many community members worry that any leakage could pose serious risks to public safety. However, in October, the Kern County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the facility's permit, with several local officials emphasising the anticipated economic benefits it could bring to the region.
Additionally, the EPA has mandated that prior to any injection of carbon dioxide, the subsidiary must seal 200 abandoned wells within the vicinity to mitigate the risk of carbon migration. Furthermore, the project necessitates decommissioning processes following its completion, alongside emergency and remediation measures that will be in place throughout its operational timeline.
Martha Guzman remarked, “I believe this permit is protective of the public and the environment.” The EPA undertook a thorough review process for the permits, which included evaluating thousands of public comments on the draft permits and engaging with local officials, emergency responders, and community members.
Francisco Leon, President and CEO of California Resources Corp., responded to the issuance of the EPA permits by stating, “this milestone underscores our leadership in the carbon capture and storage sector and highlights our capability to deliver carbon management solutions to key industrial partners across the state.” This signifies a potential forward leap in California's approach to carbon management and industrial emissions reduction, reinforcing the state's commitment to environmental sustainability while involving local stakeholders in the process.
Source: Noah Wire Services