Underground carbon dioxide (CO2) storage involves injecting captured emissions into deep saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas reservoirs. While the technology is a primary method for climate mitigation, it presents several potential safety risks that require rigorous monitoring and engineering controls. One of the primary concerns is the risk of leakage from the injection site or along geological faults. If CO2 escapes to the surface, it can displace oxygen in low lying areas, creating an asphyxiation hazard for humans and animals.
Another significant concern involves groundwater contamination. If CO2 leaks into freshwater aquifers, it can react with water to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH level of the water. This acidification can leach heavy metals from surrounding rocks into the drinking water supply. Furthermore, there is a risk of induced seismicity, where high pressure injection fluids may trigger small earthquakes or tremors in the subsurface. To mitigate these risks, operators must conduct extensive site characterization and implement continuous monitoring systems to detect pressure changes and gas migration.
Regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversee storage projects to ensure compliance with safety standards. For more information on carbon capture and sequestration regulations, visit epa.gov.
