EPA clears way for CO2 project to proceed
Wabash Valley Resources received the final permits to begin constructing two injection wells for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, the Environmental Protection Agency reported in a press release Friday.
The final permits contain no changes from the 2024 permits for the projects, one in West Terre Haute and one in Vermillion County. The EPA opted not to exercise its discretion to allow additional public notice and comment.
Pete Rimsans, WVR's VP of government relations, issued a statement on behalf of the company:
"Today, following an internal administrative review, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) permits for Wabash Carbon Services. The permits clear the way for one of the nation's most advanced carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects.
"The decision, which follows a remand from the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) to EPA Region 5, marks a turning point for American energy and agricultural security," the statement continued.
The statement then quoted Dan Williams, chief operating officer of WVR: 'We sincerely appreciate the EPA restoring momentum to a permitting process. Their decisive action reflects a renewed national commitment to leveraging America's abundant resources in clean and innovative ways that promote American infrastructure, American jobs and American-made energy solutions.'
It concluded, "The finalized permits authorize WVR to construct injection wells for the safe and permanent sequestration of captured CO₂ deep underground, supporting the company's $2.5 billion investment in low-carbon ammonia fertilizer production.
"By transforming a shuttered coal gasification facility into a manufacturing hub, WVR is demonstrating the future of American fossil fuel infrastructure and a reliable energy addition to the nation's supply."
In 2023, Indiana Senate Bill 451 authorized carbon sequestration in West Terre Haute and Vermillion County, paving the way for the deep underground injection wells. Former District 38 Sen. Jon Ford championed the bill, which was immediately unpopular locally.
Citizens and the Vigo County Commissioners publicly expressed anger that WVR was able to embark on such an enterprise without input from local leaders and residents alike and expressed concern about the wells' environmental impact on the area.
On July 7, 2023, the EPA issued WVR two draft Underground Injection Control permits to construct wells for injection of carbon dioxide for permanent sequestration.
A public meeting regarding the draft permits was in Terre Haute in August of 2023. Things quickly grew contentious, with residents expressing concern about the resulting damages from a potential leak in the underground well. WVR provided statistics showing that since the 1950s, only nine fatalities have resulted — four in the '60s and five in the '90s, which saw 18 accidents, the most of any decade.
Concerned Citizens against Wabash Valley Resources was formed, and vociferously protested WVR's efforts every step of the way in a series of frequent appearances at Vigo County officials' meetings and Facebook posts.
In July of 2024, Vigo County Commissioners received the brunt of residents' anger during discussions of the Community Benefits Agreement that WVR had proposed. Speakers during the meeting's public comments section were unmoved on WVR's proposal to endow the Wabash Valley Community Foundation with $3 million.
Commissioner Mike Morris said, 'If the community does not take this money, that does not stop [WVR's] plan. The plan will go ahead.'
In September of 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office announced a conditional commitment of a $1.559 billion loan to WVR to finance its waste-to-ammonia fertilizer production facility in West Terre Haute so it can employ carbon capture and sequestration technology.
In March this year, the Environmental Appeals Board issued a statement that said WVR's project "ensures non-endangerment of USDWs [underground sources of drinking water]." It raised no new issues or substantial questions.
At this point, Concerned Citizens against Wabash Valley Resources' last recourse may be to take the issue to court. Resident Whitney Boyce said in July of 2024, 'Litigation is not our goal, but if that's what it takes to get the protections in place for our community, that's what's going to have to happen.'
Construction of the plant is expected to create 500 jobs and 125 full-time employees will work at the facility.
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