TCCSP Frequently Asked Questions

Permanent CO₂ storage occurs in deep saline formations composed of sandstones situated at least 3,000 feet below the surface and sealed by thick, continuous, impermeable shale caprocks. These caprocks ensure the CO₂ stays in lower formations, isolating it from any deep and shallow underground sources of drinking water. Carbon storage projects need to periodically monitor surface and subsurface conditions to ensure that injected CO₂ is stored securely underground.

To assess how much CO₂ can be injected and held underground, modeling and monitoring techniques are employed to track CO₂ distribution and predict pressure buildup, allowing operators to adjust injection operations, as necessary. These assessments consider factors such as the reservoir’s size, capacity, permeability, and pressure limits, along with regulatory constraints.

CO₂ occurs naturally and is a necessary component of the carbon cycle where plants and organisms utilize it and recycle it. It is also produced from human activities such as energy production and transportation, but too much CO₂ in the atmosphere can have negative impacts, affecting the climate and human health and disturbing the carbon cycle. Currently, industries are producing CO₂ at a far higher rate than is being consumed. Therefore, there is an urgent need to capture the excess and remove it from the atmosphere to maintain a balance of the natural carbon cycle.

CO₂ has been injected and stored underground, in some form or another, in the U.S. for over 50 years. Since the early 1970’s, CO₂ has been injected into deep subsurface formations to recover fossil fuels. This is still the case in West Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Wyoming, and Montana. These operations paved the way for CO₂ compression, transport, storage and injection infrastructure which form the basis for CCS design operations. Dedicated CO₂ storage in non-oilfield settings started in Norway in the late 1990’s. Millions of tons of CO₂ have since been safely stored for decades in deep, underground geologic formations.

CCS focuses on capturing CO₂ emissions and storing them deep underground in geological formations to prevent them from entering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. CCUS includes an extra step: after capturing CO₂, it can be used for things like Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), where CO₂ is injected into old oil fields to obtain more oil before being permanently stored.

The monitoring requirements for a CO₂ injection well start before injection commences and include a variety of methods to monitor and protect public health and drinking water sources. Monitoring methods required by the U.S. EPA for CCS projects include pressure monitoring, fluid sampling, CO₂ plume tracking, and a variety of underground leak-detection monitoring wells, among others.

Safety plans for CCS projects are comprehensive and designed to monitor and detect any potential leaks, ensuring the integrity of storage reservoirs and safeguarding the surrounding environments. These plans incorporate various measures, including seismic monitoring and modeling techniques to assess reservoir stability, detect leaks, and predict responses to CO₂ injection, helping to identify potential risks.

To protect cement casings in injection wells, it is essential to ensure proper design and installation, using high-quality materials and precise cementing techniques. Regular inspections and pressure tests will help detect issues early, while corrosion protection measures and continuous well integrity monitoring can prevent deterioration. Routine maintenance and adherence to regulatory standards will ensure the casing remains in good condition, and an emergency response plan will address any potential failures or leaks. These practices collectively ensure the long-term safety and effectiveness of the well.

This project is equipped with multiple monitoring systems designed to prevent issues before they arise, along with a comprehensive emergency response plan to effectively manage any potential risks. This plan ensures that any concerns related to the project are addressed promptly, following established protocols and involving the appropriate authorities to prioritize community and environmental health. As part of this project, we will submit semi-annual reports to the EPA on the monitoring systems and the data collected, ensuring transparency and accountability. As the facility operator, Calgren is committed to protecting public health and improving safety. Since 2008, Calgren has placed a strong emphasis on the well-being of local communities, while also spearheading efforts in sustainability and energy efficiency. The Calgren Renewable Fuels facility has gone nearly four years – 1,400 days – without a workplace accident. This dedication to safety, along with their swift response to emergencies and corrective actions, underscores their responsibility to both the community and the environment.

CCS projects impact natural resources and land use primarily during the construction phase. Project infrastructure such as pipelines and well pads will require some temporary land clearing and disturbing. Project design and construction activities must factor in local land use and protected areas while ensuring local air and water quality impacts are negligible compared to baseline. The overall impact CCS project infrastructure and operations have on natural resources such as forests and farms are minimal.

Leakage of CO₂ from storage reservoirs or injection wells, while rare, could affect soils and nearby ecosystems. Surface monitoring is used to assess soil conditions and vegetation health, while gas monitoring is used to detect CO₂ leaks. Remote sensing can also be utilized to track changes in land cover, and groundwater monitoring can also be used to assess water quality.

CCS project infrastructure will require some temporary land clearing and disturbance. Permanent structures will have a much smaller footprint comparatively. Project designs consider land use and typically targets land that is not actively being farmed or supporting local jobs. The development of CCS projects may create employment opportunities in areas such as construction, engineering, and maintenance.

To prevent contamination of land, drinking water, and groundwater, we will implement several measures. We will conduct thorough environmental assessments to identify and mitigate risks, use advanced containment technologies to prevent leaks, and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Regular monitoring and testing will be carried out to detect any issues early, with a comprehensive remediation plan in place for swift response to any contamination. We will also keep the community informed and address any concerns that may arise. There will be minimal disturbances to the natural resources surrounding the project, and the overall reduction in CO₂ emissions will benefit surrounding communities in the long run.

Any CCS project comes with potential risks such as CO₂ leakage, induced seismicity, and well integrity issues. To mitigate these risks, we will use advanced sealing technologies, robust monitoring systems, and rigorous safety measures. The storage site has been carefully selected to minimize environmental impact, with comprehensive assessments and ongoing monitoring that will be in place to detect and address issues early. While CCS projects can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aid climate change mitigation, it also involves potential negative impacts like land use changes, habitat disruption, groundwater contamination, and increased energy requirements. We will address these concerns through careful site selection, environmental assessments, continuous monitoring, and adherence to regulatory standards to ensure safe and effective implementation.

To prevent liquid CO₂ from escaping the injection infrastructure during a flood, we will employ several measures including monitoring methods as required by the U.S. EPA. The infrastructure will be designed and constructed to withstand extreme weather, with elevated placement and flood barriers to mitigate water impact. We will use advanced sealing technologies and reinforce structures to prevent leaks. Continuous monitoring methods include pressure monitoring, fluid sampling, CO₂ plume tracking, and a variety of underground leak-detection monitoring wells, among others will be used to monitor the site. Regular maintenance will ensure system integrity, and a comprehensive emergency response plan will be in place to manage potential flooding events and coordinate with local emergency services.

In 2020, a CO₂ pipeline ruptured near Satartia, Mississippi due to a landslide caused by weeks of heavy rain. The leak resulted in non-fatal injuries and a careful re-examination of the current regulations and guidelines for CO₂ pipeline construction and operation. PHMSA has drafted rigorous standards for CO₂ pipelines, including requirements related to emergency preparedness, notification, and response. These standards are currently under review by USDOT. Pipeline operators are responsible for working with local emergency responders, creating emergency response plans, and working with the public to increase awareness.

Transporting CO₂ by truck, rail, or pipeline is safe and highly regulated and monitored. Truck and rail are common and safe methods of transportation, while pipelines serve as a more efficient method. Under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), CO₂ pipelines must specifically adhere to rigorous guidelines. There are regulations and requirements in place for the safe operation of these pipelines and the emergency preparedness and response plans required for them. Moreover, it is the duty of the project developers to work closely with local first responders to ensure the safe transportation of CO₂ and emergency preparedness.

Funding for CCS projects can come from various sources, including government grants, private investment, and public-private partnerships. An example of government funding for CCS projects is the Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) Initiative. Funded through the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this initiative helps enhance CO₂ storage infrastructure to decrease emissions effectively and responsibly from industrial activities, power generation, and historical emissions in the atmosphere.

Funding from programs such as the CarbonSAFE Initiative offers advantages to communities by creating avenues for involvement in project execution, potential employment opportunities for residents, and extensive prospects for economic growth to enhance local economies. In addition, funding these projects can help address environmental issues that are present in the project areas and provide solutions.

Eligibility for these jobs is dependent on the type of job and the experience they may require. At this stage, the types of jobs that will be available and the quantity is still being determined.

The project team is having collaborative discussions with the Livermore Lab Foundation to develop a classroom program on climate change and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with the Pixley School District and potentially local colleges. This program will help high school and college students understand what CCS is and how it works, laying the groundwork for those interested in pursuing related careers.

To ensure that local communities are not negatively impacted by this project, we will maintain transparent communication by keeping the community well-informed about construction and monitoring activities through regular updates and meetings. Additionally, we will implement continuous monitoring of the project’s processes to ensure safety and promptly address any issues that arise. Strict safety protocols will also be established and adhered to, minimizing potential risks and ensuring that the community remains protected throughout the project.

To prevent introducing diseases, health complications from pollution, and adverse environmental conditions in the Central Valley, we will implement several key measures. We will use advanced technologies and best practices to control and minimize emissions and dust pollution, ensuring that air quality is maintained or improved, with regular monitoring and maintenance. Comprehensive health and safety protocols will protect both workers and the community, including proper waste management and contamination prevention measures. Continuous environmental monitoring will track and address any potential impacts on soil, water, and air quality, with regular testing and assessments to ensure compliance with environmental standards. We will also engage openly with the community, providing updates and addressing concerns to keep everyone informed about our safeguards. Additionally, we will adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations to ensure the project operates within established safety and environmental guidelines. These actions aim to protect the Valley from any negative effects and contribute positively to the community’s well-being.

The project is currently assessing its feasibility based on the geological conditions revealed by the research well and feedback from the community. The EPA will make the final decision on whether the project advances to the injection phase.

The continuation of the project relies on assessing its feasibility after analyzing data from the test well. The final decision on whether the project proceeds to the injection phase is made by the EPA.

The community has the opportunity to give input on the project throughout the whole lifecycle of the project. Questions or concerns? Contact us at tccsp@adv-res.com.