June, 2005
Vol 2 Chapter 27: The Regulatory Climate Governing the Disposal of Liquid Wastes in Deep Geological Formations: A Paradigm for Regulations for the Subsurface Storage of CO2
John A. Apps
Abstract: Federal and state regulations covering the deep injection disposal of liquid waste have evolved over the last 30 years in response to legislation designed to protect underground sources of drinking water (USDW). These regulations apply to so-called Class I wells, and address issues relating to the confinement of hazardous and nonhazardous wastes below the lowermost USDW. They have been made progressively more stringent with time, and are now quite effective in protecting USDWs. The deep injection disposal of compressed carbon dioxide (CO2) into similar environments will undoubtedly require similar regulation. Accordingly, the history relating to the development of legislation to protect groundwater supplies, and resulting regulations is reviewed and conclusions drawn regarding the extent to which these regulations might eventually be applied to CO2 injection.
Carbon Dioxide Capture for Storage in Deep Geologic Formations – Results from the CO2 Capture Project Geologic Storage of Carbon Dioxide with Monitoring and Verification - Volume 2
Edited by: Sally M. Benson, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
(586 Kb) Download