The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a proposed rule (http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WATER/2008/July/Day-25/w16626.htm) to regulate the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide.
The proposed rule does not regulate carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. It does not modify existing regulations for carbon dioxide injection for enhanced oil recovery or enhanced gas recovery. Instead, the proposed rule regulates the injection of carbon dioxide into the subsurface for geologic sequestration to protect underground sources of drinking water (USDWs).
EPA’s authority to regulate injection of carbon dioxide into the subsurface comes from the Safe Drinking Water Act. It proposes to regulate geologic sequestration by creating a new well class (Class VI) within the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. The UIC program currently regulates the subsurface injection of materials and waste from a variety of sources, including carbon dioxide injection for enhanced oil and gas recovery (Class II).
The rule proposal includes a detailed overview of how EPA proposes to implement the Class VI program to ensure the protection of USDWs. The agency invites public comment on a variety of issues, including science, technology, and regulatory approaches.
Many AAPG members have specialized knowledge and experience related to the subsurface injection of carbon dioxide. As such, our members can provide meaningful feedback. AAPG encourages interested members to do so.
NOTE: We have not prepared a suggested comment or form letter on this topic, because AAPG does not currently have a “statement” on the issue of carbon sequestration. GAC is providing this notification as a member service.
EPA has prepared a brief summary (pdf) of the rule proposal. To download a copy of the proposed rule and for more information, visit the EPA geologic sequestration Web site and scroll down to the Regulatory Development section.
The simplest way to file a public comment on this rule proposal is online (http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=09000064806955cf) . On this page you have a choice of typing your comment into the form, or uploading an electronic file.
You may also submit a public comment in writing. For instructions please refer to page 1 of the proposed rule (http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WATER/2008/July/Day-25/w16626.htm) .