The Climate Report - Winter 2011
U.S. EPA has imposed new requirements on facilities where
carbon dioxide is injected and sequestered underground. On
December 1, 2010, EPA
finalized a rule subjecting carbon sequestration operations to
its Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, which will require such
facilities to report basic information on carbon dioxide received
for injection and the amount of carbon sequestered at the site;
develop and implement a site-specific monitoring, reporting, and
verification plan; and conduct annual monitoring activities. The
rule does not require covered facilities to report carbon dioxide
emissions from the facilities. Affected sources must submit their
first annual report to EPA by March 31, 2012.
On December 10, 2010, EPA published
final rules establishing requirements to ensure the safety of
underground injection of carbon dioxide and to prevent injected gas
from contaminating groundwater. The rules, adopted under the Safe
Drinking Water Act, require site characterization to ensure
injection wells are located in areas where carbon dioxide can be
safely sequestered, and establish requirements for well
construction (such as including automatic shutoff systems),
testing, and monitoring. Additionally, the rules expand financial
responsibility requirements designed to ensure that well operators
have sufficient funds for emergency or remedial actions, well
closure, and post-injection site care. States may apply until
September 6, 2011 for primary responsibility to implement the new
rules.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
