Hundreds of residents gathered at a public meeting on Tuesday to voice their opposition to a state pilot project proposing the underground storage of carbon dioxide emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has drafted a permit that would grant Wabash Valley Resources permission to inject CO2 into wells situated in Vigo and Vermillion counties. Fears raised by residents revolve around the project’s proximity to fault lines and abandoned mines. During the meeting, Wabash Valley Resources reportedly acknowledged financial constraints, emphasizing the need for the permit to secure a federal loan guarantee. Concerns were voiced about the project’s reliance on taxpayer funding. Some residents referred to a past incident where a CO2 pipeline rupture in Mississippi resulted in hospitalizations. Vigo County Commissioner Mike Morris pointed out the project’s unique potential, describing it as a significant investment with potential benefits for farmers and carbon sequestration efforts. The EPA is set to oversee the project for a period of 12 years.
