FAQs

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) helps manufacturers, industrial producers and power plants meet environmental requirements in a cost-effective manner. CCS captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions before they enter the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ is liquified, transported and permanently stored deep underground beneath a thick layer of impermeable caprock. The CO₂ then naturally mineralizes and dissolves over time.

CO₂ is odorless, colorless and incombustible. It can be safely transported with pipelines and injected into geologically secure storage areas. Injection wells are rigorously permitted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which also governs the siting, operation, testing and long-term maintenance of the wells.

The EPA has developed extensive criteria to ensure that carbon storage does not threaten underground drinking water. We know that this is particularly important to Central Florida, which is blessed with the abundance of the Floridan Aquifer. Sequestered CO₂ is stored deep underground (3,000 – 12,000 feet), far below the water table, and is sealed in place by thick layers of caprock. Seismic imaging will identify the location of the CO₂ in the storage field and deep monitoring will confirm that no CO₂ migrates upward. Groundwater monitoring wells will ensure local drinking water remains protected.

Yes, pipelines are the safest means of transport. With over 5,000 miles of CO₂ pipelines in the United States, leaks are rare. One notable exception was a 2020 incident in Mississippi, which involved harmful hydrogen sulfide. Unlike that situation, the proposed Mangrove CCS Hub will only transport CO₂ that is 98% pure and will use specialized carbon steel for maximum safety.

Subterranean storage sites are chosen for their ability to hold substances for millions of years. CO₂ resides in porous rock, sealed by caprock, and is monitored 24/7. If CO₂ migration is ever detected, we will stop injections, identify the leak and repair it. Though quite rare, such leaks are typically found near the injection site and are easy to repair. Throughout the lifecycle of the project, we work with local authorities to ensure they have the training and equipment to respond effectively to any situation that may occur.

Our CO₂ pipelines will exceed federal safety design requirements and the operating standards of other existing carbon projects. The CO₂ transported will be required to be a very pure stream, coupled with additional purification equipment on-site to ensure we are reaching the threshold of 98% pure product. That said, even the remaining 2% is composed of inert, non-toxic compounds.

A CCS project utilizes “pore space” deep below ground to store CO₂ (similar to the way a sponge can absorb water). Except for the relatively small number of above-ground injection wells, monitoring equipment and monitoring wells, nothing changes above the surface. Landowners can continue to use their land just as they always have.

CO₂ is an inert gas that occurs both naturally and as a byproduct of industrial processes. It is neither flammable nor explosive. CO₂ is exhaled when humans breathe out and is emitted into the atmosphere at refineries, manufacturing facilities and power plants. Due to growing environmental regulations and climate mandates, these businesses must reduce their CO₂ emissions despite its inert nature. At extremely high concentrations, carbon dioxide temporarily displaces oxygen but dissipates very, very quickly.

Ongoing safety is our single highest priority throughout the lifespan of the project. Maintenance personnel will perform line locates, site monitoring, ongoing maintenance and, if needed, emergency response. The storage field will have continuous monitoring to detect pressure changes or anomalies. The deep underground location and robust design features prevent CO₂ from reaching the groundwater or surface.