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ADM pauses CO2 injections after finding potential leak

One of the longest operating carbon sequestration projects in the country has paused its operations.                

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) confirmed in a statement to Brownfield the company has temporarily stopped CO2 injections at its Decatur, Illinois, site “as a proactive measure” after detecting a suspected leak in one of its two monitoring wells.   

In late September ADM notified EPA it detected potential brine (salty water) movement between different wells around 5,000 feet deep. The company says there is no impact to surface or groundwater sources, nor any threat to public health.

In a statement to Brownfield, the U.S. EPA said it agreed with ADM’s decision and has requested additional information about the nature of the leak and the company’s plan for resuming operations. Previously, on September 19, EPA issued a proposed enforcement order to ADM for alleged violations related to holes in the other monitoring well at the site. 

The agency says there is no threat to the public.  EPA stated it will provide updates as they’re available.

ADM was the first American company to be granted a carbon sequestration well permit by the EPA more than a decade ago.