Why is it considered safe to sequester CO₂ deep underground?

Geological storage is safe for many reasons. There are natural barriers, such as the multiple containment formations made of impermeable rock and substantial pressure over the formation, which keeps the CO₂ in a dense state. There are also manmade, engineered barriers such as the specialty cement around the casing that resists chemical change, as well as multiple casings over the center pipe injection line that contains the CO₂ within the injection well and injection zone.

In addition, before CO₂ can be sequestered underground, stringent federal and state regulations require project operators to evaluate and address all risks. This evaluation includes carefully and thoroughly understanding the underground rock formations for their ability to trap CO₂ and make sure it will remain in place. We are performing such testing on this site, and if geological conditions do not meet these stringent requirements, no sequestration will take place.