EPA Approves Carbon Storage Permit in Putnam County, Illinois

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a permit for Marquis Carbon Injection LLC to inject and store carbon dioxide underground at its proposed injection well in Putnam County, Illinois. 

“Following a thorough, science-based technical review and extensive public engagement, EPA is approving this permit with stringent safeguards and long-term monitoring to protect underground sources of drinking water,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel. “This carbon storage project is expected to spur economic development in Putnam County by supporting local jobs and attracting private investment.”

“After a lengthy review period, I am pleased the EPA moved forward to approve this vital project for central Illinois. This project is a win for agriculture, manufacturing, and biofuels industries in Putnam County and across the region,”said U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood. “The approval of this carbon sequestration project will create new jobs and help secure investments that drive local economic growth across my district. I support Marquis Carbon Injection’s commitment to our farmers and the future of biofuels production.”

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With this permit, Marquis will be allowed to construct a well to inject up to 1.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year over a period of six years, or 9 million metric tons in total. Marquis will also be required to monitor the well during the injection phase and for 12 years after to ensure the stored carbon dioxide remains confined within the injection zone and underground sources of drinking water are not endangered. The permit was issued following extensive review and public engagement. EPA determined that the well meets all requirements for approval, including stringent safety measures. 

The deep formation where the injected carbon would be permanently stored is between 3,094 and 4,854 feet beneath the surface and is protected by an approximately 400-foot-thick confining zone composed of impermeable shale and carbonates preventing the upward migration of sequestered carbon from the storage reservoir into underground sources of drinking water. EPA has concluded that well materials, intended operation of the well and the underlying geology of the proposed storage site are appropriate to prevent endangerment of underground sources of drinking water. Throughout the injection process, EPA will maintain robust oversight. 

The process of permanently storing carbon underground is known as “carbon sequestration.” Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA developed specific and rigorous criteria to protect underground sources of drinking water from carbon dioxide stored underground.

For more information on EPA’s injection permit process, click here.