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17 min ago 2 min read
Colorado will be able to permit carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration wells after the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted the state authority over Class VI injection wells.
From 12 November, the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) will be the primary permitting authority for CO2 wells, while the EPA will retain authority over permits on tribal lands.
The state joins North Dakota, Wyoming, Louisiana, West Virginia, Arizona, and Texas as a jurisdiction that permits its own injection.
The state had to demonstrate that it would hold standards at the level of the EPA, meaning ECMC will require wells to be located at least 2,000ft away from schools, residences, and commercial buildings.
“Colorado prioritises environmental justice, which will continue in CCS project administration”, an ECMC fact sheet stated.
“Proposed Class VI wells permitted by the ECMC must be evaluated for cumulative impact and permits will be denied if there are net negative impacts on disproportionately impacted communities.”
While Colorado currently has no operating Class VI injection projects, it’s a move that could accelerate well approvals in the state. According to Alexendra Hamilton of law firm Hunton Andrews Kruth, in September, were pending with the EPA.
According to the EPA’s website, just one well – part of Carbon America’s Denova project – is awaiting permitting in the state.
