ADM stops CO2 injections after detecting a potential leak

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ADM stops CO2 injections after detecting a potential leak

One of the country's longest-running carbon sequestration projects has ceased operations.

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

In late September, ADM notified the EPA that it had detected possible movement of brine (salt water) between different wells at a depth of about 5,000 feet. The company says there is no impact to surface or groundwater sources or a threat to public health.

In a statement to Brownfield, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it agreed with ADM's decision and had requested additional information about the nature of the leak and the company's plan to resume 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 authorities say there is no danger to the population. The EPA said it will provide updates as they become available.

ADM was the first American company to receive a carbon storage permit from the EPA more than a decade ago.