EPA’s New Carbon Sequestration Rule Could Affect Groundwater Quality
7/23/2008 -
The Environmental Protection Agency this month released an initial draft of a plan to allow underground injections of carbon dioxide, a move that may have major implications for groundwater quality.
Also known as geologic sequestration, the injection policy is seen in many quarters as a way to limit greenhouse gases and the effects of climate change. New technologies have made such underground injections possible, but some environmentalists are concerned about the impact on the quality of groundwater and, ultimately, public drinking water supplies.
The rule spells out requirements for the location, construction, testing and monitoring of wells used for underground injection. It also prescribes rules for the eventual closing and sealing of these underground sites. Another goal is to create a new series of injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act’s underground injection control program.
"Today's proposal paves the way for technologies that would protect public health and help reduce the effects of climate change," said EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson. "With proper site selection and management, geologic sequestration could play a major role in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere."
EPA is submitting its proposal for publication in the Federal Register. The agency will accept public comments for up to 120 days after publication.
Find more on EPA's carbon sequestration proposal at: www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_sequestration.html.
Also known as geologic sequestration, the injection policy is seen in many quarters as a way to limit greenhouse gases and the effects of climate change. New technologies have made such underground injections possible, but some environmentalists are concerned about the impact on the quality of groundwater and, ultimately, public drinking water supplies.
The rule spells out requirements for the location, construction, testing and monitoring of wells used for underground injection. It also prescribes rules for the eventual closing and sealing of these underground sites. Another goal is to create a new series of injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act’s underground injection control program.
"Today's proposal paves the way for technologies that would protect public health and help reduce the effects of climate change," said EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson. "With proper site selection and management, geologic sequestration could play a major role in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere."
EPA is submitting its proposal for publication in the Federal Register. The agency will accept public comments for up to 120 days after publication.
Find more on EPA's carbon sequestration proposal at: www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_sequestration.html.
