Carbon capture and storage (CCS), also known as carbon capture and sequestration, helps manufacturers, industrial producers and power-generating facilities meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements in a cost-effective, responsible manner. CCS captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions produced by these plants before they enter the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ is liquified, transported and permanently stored deep underground beneath a thick layer of impermeable cap rock. The CO₂ then naturally mineralizes and dissolves over time.

No. According to the Global CCS Institute, CCS projects have been operating since the mid-1990s with proven results. Today, there are 27 fully operational CCS facilities in the world, with another 135 in development. About half of these are in the United States.

A CCS project utilizes pore space deep below ground to store CO₂. Except for the relatively small number of above-ground injection wells, monitoring equipment and monitoring wells, nothing changes above ground. Farmers and landowners can continue to use their land just as they always have.

The EPA has developed extensive criteria to ensure that carbon storage does not threaten underground drinking water. These requirements address: siting, construction, operation, testing and ongoing monitoring. Sequestered CO₂ is stored deep underground (3,000- 12,000 feet), far below the water table (350 feet), and is sealed in place by thick layers of caprock. Seismic imaging will be used to determine the location of the CO₂ in the storage field and deep monitoring will confirm no CO₂ is migrating upward. Shallow groundwater monitoring wells will ensure local drinking water is protected.

Yes, CO₂ is odorless, colorless and incombustible, which means it can be safely transferred through pipelines to injection wells into geologically secure storage areas. Injection wells are rigorously permitted by the EPA, which also governs the siting, operation, testing and long-term maintenance of the wells.

The deep underground storage sites where CO₂ is being injected are chosen specifically for their proven geologic ability to hold water, oil or gas for millions of years. The CO₂ will reside in porous rock and is sealed in place by a layer of cap rock. These storage sites are monitored 24/7, 365 days a year by pressure sensors that can detect upward migration of CO₂ and immediately implement measures to address it. If this happens, we will – as required by our permits – stop injecting CO₂. We will then work to identify and repair the leak. In these rare instances, leaks generally are found in the casing near the injection site and are easy to repair. Regardless, we will work with local first responders to ensure they have the training and equipment needed to respond to any unexpected situations related to this project.