The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed enforcement order against Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) concerning its carbon sequestration injection project in Decatur, Illinois. The action addresses alleged violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act related to fluid migration into an unauthorized zone approximately 5,000 feet deep.
EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore stated, "The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that carbon management projects are designed, built, and operated safely and responsibly, and in a way that reflects the best science and responds to the needs and inputs of local communities."
The proposed order mandates ADM to comply with provisions of the permit's emergency and remedial response plan, including identifying and implementing remedial actions. ADM must also conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the fluid migration and take necessary steps to address the alleged violations.
Local public water systems draw from sources significantly separated from the affected zone by nearly a vertical mile of rock layers. The movement of fluid into an unauthorized zone occurred due to holes in one of ADM’s monitoring wells, which has since been plugged according to the company.
EPA alleges that ADM violated underground injection regulations by failing to monitor the Class VI injection well as required by their permit. This order represents EPA's effort to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while safeguarding underground drinking water sources.
Public comments on the proposed order will be accepted until October 21. Additional information is available on EPA’s website.
Background:
Geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide in UIC Class VI wells is part of carbon capture and storage efforts aimed at preventing CO2 emissions from reaching the atmosphere. These specially constructed wells inject CO2 into deep rock formations selected based on their suitability for safe long-term containment.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA issues permits with requirements designed to protect public health by ensuring that injection wells do not contaminate underground drinking water sources.
