Carbon capture and storage may be the key to meeting the EPA's planned controls for greenhouse gases (GHGs). Such technology does exist, but it is hardly yet widespread. No matter: the EPA on Monday, Nov. 22, announced its plans for assessing those techs.

The EPA has finalized two rules related to the capture and sequestration of CO₂. The new rules aim to protect drinking water and to track the amount of CO₂ that is sequestered from facilities that carry out geologic sequestration.

The actions are consistent with the recommendations made by President Obama's interagency task force on this topic, delivered in August. Those recommendations were among a series from the task force that was asked to report on the feasibility of carbon capture and storage (CCS) tech within 10 years.

Rule 1: Drinking Water Protection:
This rule sets requirements for geologic sequestration of CO₂, including the development of a new class of injection well called Class VI, established under the EPA's Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program. Wells used for geologic sequestration of CO₂ must be appropriately sited, constructed, tested, monitored and closed. The UIC Program was established under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Click here for more information on the geologic sequestration rule.

Rule 2: Greenhouse Gas Reporting:
The EPA also finalized a rule on reporting requirements for facilities that carry out geologic sequestration under the GHG Reporting Program. Click here for more information on the greenhouse gas reporting final rule.

SOURCE: EPA Press Release