The Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE), launched in 2016, aims to accelerate CCUS deployment by identifying and characterizing suitable geologic storage sites. CarbonSAFE's vision is to understand and support the development of a CCUS storage complex through multiple phases of the project: Integrated Carbon Capture and Storage Pre-Feasibility, Storage Complex Feasibility, Site Characterization and Permitting, and, ultimately, Construction.
The Wyoming CarbonSAFE Project, located at Dry Fork Station near Gillette, Wyoming, is one of the initial 13 CCUS project sites in the U.S. This project is currently in its third phase, focusing on completing site characterization, acquiring Class VI permits for construction, integrating Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.'s CO2 capture assessment, and conducting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses to progress towards commercializing a large-scale CCUS project at Dry Fork Station.
To support this phase, the University of Wyoming engaged Trihydro to provide technical assistance for ten Class VI well permit applications at the Dry Fork Station. Trihydro's contributions included drafting comprehensive testing and monitoring plans, post-injection site care protocols, corrective action strategies, and quality assurance and surveillance procedures. Additionally, Trihydro assisted in formatting and organizing the permit applications, streamlining the overall application process for UW.
Trihydro is also leading the design of the shallow-subsurface baseline monitoring program, which includes atmospheric, soil gas, seismic, and groundwater monitoring. The monitoring program was incorporated into the testing and monitoring plans and when implemented, will contribute to a robust baseline monitoring program by providing a reference point for the shallow subsurface should any future complaints arise.
After completing Phase III and upon DOE approval, the project will proceed to Phase IV, constructing the commercial-scale secure geologic storage facility and preparing it for CO2 injection.