The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its first-ever Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI well permits for carbon sequestration in California. The permits were granted to Carbon TerraVault JV Storage Company Sub 1, LLC (CTV), a subsidiary of California Resources Corporation (CRC). These wells will be used to inject carbon dioxide into deep rock formations for permanent underground storage, a process known as geologic sequestration.

The EPA confirmed that the activities under these permits protect underground sources of drinking water and public health as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, stated, "This permit is authorized because the Safe Drinking Water Act allows for carbon injection projects that protect drinking water sources."

The project involves constructing four deep injection wells in the Elk Hills Oil Field near Bakersfield, California. CTV plans to inject approximately 1.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually over 26 years. The initial source of carbon dioxide will be CRC's pre-combustion gas treatment within the Elk Hills Oil Field.

Extensive monitoring is mandated by the EPA to ensure well integrity and track carbon dioxide movement. CTV must also maintain an Emergency and Remedial Response Plan. Before injection begins, CTV is required to plug 200 wells where migration might occur.

EPA's review concluded that the site's geology would safely store the injected carbon dioxide without causing seismic activity or containment issues. CTV has secured $30 million for necessary project activities, with financial responsibilities reviewed annually.

While these federal permits authorize carbon dioxide injection under the Safe Drinking Water Act, CTV must still comply with other applicable laws and regulations.