Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued draft Class VI permits to Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC for three proposed wells intended for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide in Ector County, Texas. These are the first such permits issued in Texas under the Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Control program, aimed at protecting underground drinking water sources from contamination.
Class VI injection wells store carbon dioxide deep underground, captured either from emissions sources or directly from the atmosphere. The proposed project, located approximately 14 miles from Odessa on former ranch land, plans to store around 722,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually at a depth of about 4,400 feet.
The EPA is adhering to a rigorous, science-based process as part of its role in fulfilling the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate and environmental justice agenda. To develop the draft permit, EPA required Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC to conduct specific site analyses ensuring environmental protection and preventing contamination and human-caused seismicity. Experts from the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories supported these evaluations.
EPA also mandated that the company ensure appropriate construction materials, mechanical integrity, and emergency response planning for site-specific conditions. Once permitted, Class VI wells will undergo extensive monitoring for well integrity, groundwater quality, and CO2 movement. Operators must also prepare for emergencies and plan for well closure after its operational lifespan.
The draft permit language has been crafted to be clear and enforceable under Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. During its development process, EPA engaged with local elected officials, emergency responders, community members, and property owners to explain the Class VI well program and address concerns.
The public comment period for the draft permit is open until October 7. A public hearing will be held on October 3; details can be found at https://www.epa.gov/tx/uic-class-vi-permit-intent-issue-oxy-low-carbon-ventures-llc. Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov under docket #EPA-R06-OW-2024-0410.
Further information on EPA’s Class VI Program is available at https://www.epa.gov/uic/class-vi-wells-used-geologic-sequestration-carbon-dioxide.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA established criteria to ensure that underground storage of carbon dioxide does not contaminate drinking water sources while aiding in greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Class VI injection wells play a critical role in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects aimed at meeting mid-century climate goals by storing CO2 safely within suitable geological formations.
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