Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) has been cited for violating federal environmental regulations following a leak at its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in Illinois.
The Illinois Industrial CCS Project aims to showcase the secure storage of carbon dioxide underground.
Interest in these initiatives has surged following the Biden administration’s recent expansion of tax credits for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.
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The leak at the Illinois CCS project drew the attention of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and it found that ADM breached safe drinking water standards and underground injection permits.
An EPA inspection found that carbon dioxide injected underground had migrated into unauthorized areas.
In addition, ADM did not follow its emergency response plan or monitoring protocols, raising concerns that the leak might contaminate nearby soil and groundwater.
In response to the EPA’s notice, the company acknowledged corrosion in one of its monitoring wells and mentioned that it has implemented measures to resolve the problem.
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ADM spokesperson Jackie Anderson assured there was no impact on surface or groundwater sources or any threat to public health.
She expressed confidence in the safety and effectiveness of CCS technology, emphasizing its potential to create new industries and economic opportunities across Illinois.
Despite ADM’s confidence in the safety and effectiveness of CCS technology, the incident has heightened local communities’ concerns about the potential risks of such projects.
The Carbon Capture Coalition, an industry trade group, emphasized that the event underscores the need for strong monitoring systems for CO2 injections.