Development of Science-Based Permitting Guidance for Geologic Sequestration
of CO₂ in Deep Saline Aquifers Based on Modeling and Risk Assessment
Project # 42210

Primary Performing Organization
University of Texas at Austin

This project will develop science-based guidelines that can help officials formulate appropriate permitting procedures.  The study to be performed will develop permitting guidelines based upon a review of permitting procedures in comparable programs, such as deep well injection, gas storage systems, and radioactive waste disposal.  The result can provide decision makers with a reasonable estimate of the potential performance of a CO₂ disposal system, and a better understanding of how uncertainties affect that estimate.  Specific objectives of the project are to:

• develop science-based permitting guidance;
• perform reservoir and seal modeling;
• perform risk and consequence assessments; and
• determine the implications of permitting.

The results of these analyses will provide input needed to develop permitting protocols that will provide operators, regulators, and the public with confidence that the permitting process will ensure the selection of safe, optimal sites for CO₂ sequestration.

Contact:
Project Manager: William O’Dowd, william.odowd@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• Development of Science-based Permitting Guidance Fact Sheet