BLM seeks comment on Montana carbon sequestration project in Carter County

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposal to permanently store carbon dioxide in underground rock formations on public land in Carter County. The Denbury Carbon Solutions, LLC project would store carbon dioxide in more than 100,000 acres of subsurface pore space.

Carbon sequestration is the process of safely injecting carbon dioxide—the most common greenhouse gas—deep underground, permanently preventing it from entering the atmosphere and contributing to the climate crisis. The BLM issued a policy update in June 2022 allowing for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide on public lands, one of many efforts to help combat atmospheric carbon pollution.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the public to learn not only about the project but also about carbon sequestration on public lands,” said Eric Lepisto, Miles City Field Manager. “This process aims to solicit public input on issues, impacts, and potential alternatives the BLM will address in subsequent work.”

The project would include construction and maintenance of roads, well pads, pipelines, pump stations, an electric powerline, and operation of underground injection control Class 6 wells under the jurisdiction of Environmental Protection Agency Region 8.

The 30-day public comment period is now open through Oct. 27, 2023. A public meeting is scheduled Oct. 12, from 4-6 p.m. at the Ekalaka Event Center --located at 209 Speelmon West (Ekalaka, Mont.)-- to provide information and gather comments.

Relevant documents, maps and a venue for submitting comments are available on the BLM e-Planning project website: https://eplanning.blm.gov. Search using the NEPA number: DOI-BLM-MT-C020-2023-0070-EA.

For more information, contact Irma Nansel, Planning & Environmental Coordinator at inansel@blm.gov or 406-233-3653.