DETECTION AND OPTIONS FOR REMEDIATION OF LEAKAGE FROM UNDERGROUND CO_2 STORAGE PROJECTS

摘要

Geologic storage projects of CO_2 are designed to maintain secure storage thousands of years or longer. However, in some cases leakage may occur and remediation measures, either to stop the leak or to prevent human or ecosystem impacts, will be needed. This study addresses two issues: 1) the possibility for early detection of leakage from geologic storage projects and 2) the availability of remediation options for many of the types of leakage that may occur. Remediation options are discussed for damaged injection wells, leaking abandoned wells, over pressured reservoirs, CO_2 accumulations in shallow groundwater, secondary contamination of groundwater by acidification, vadose zone and soil gas accumulations, and surface releases. Examples of remediation options for buildings and surface water are also discussed. This study concludes that even small rates leakage should be possible to detect and demonstrates that remediation options are available for many of the leakage scenarios that can be envisioned.