EPA’s Responses to Public Comments on the Proposed Geologic Sequestration Rule

On July 25, 2008, EPA published the proposed “Federal Requirements Under the Underground 

Injection Control (UIC) Program for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Geologic Sequestration (GS) Wells” (73 FR 

43492). Following publication of the proposed rule, the Agency invited the public to comment over a 

150-day comment period (including a 30-day extension), which ended on December 24, 2008. EPA 

received submittals from 190 commenters (this number includes a few comment letters received 

after the close of the public comment period). 

EPA held two public hearings on the proposed rule on September 30, 2008, in Chicago, Illinois, and 

October 2, 2008, in Denver, Colorado. Eleven people commented at the Chicago hearing, and 19 

people provided comments at the Denver hearing (some stakeholders commented at both). 

Attendees' comments were transcribed and responded to in the same way that the Agency addressed 

written comments (i.e., those submitted to the EPA docket). 

EPA reviewed, evaluated, and responded to all comments submitted. EPA prepared line-by-line 

responses to each commenter’s submittal. The rulemaking docket contains responses to each 

comment letter (i.e., from individual commenters or organizations). These responses are also

compiled and presented according to topic area (e.g., on testing and monitoring requirements for 

Class VI wells). 

Note: responses to comments on EPA’s Notice of Data Availability and Request for Comment (74 FR 

44802) are available elsewhere in the rulemaking docket. 

To view EPA's responses to a particular comment letter: 

For each comment letter, EPA created a corresponding commenter-specific response document. See 

Attachment 1 for a list of all commenters, the associated docket number of the original comment 

(from www.regulations.gov), and the docket number of EPA’s response. 

The table in Attachment 1 is presented in alphabetical order by the organization of the commenter 

(or the commenter’s name, where no organization was provided). Please note the correct docket 

number for organizations that submitted multiple comments; higher docket numbers correspond to 

later submittals.

To view EPA's responses to all comments on a specific topic: 

The final rulemaking docket also contains a compilation of all comments on a given topic (e.g., on 

testing and monitoring requirements for Class VI wells), and EPA's responses to each individual 

comment. Note that, due to the nature of the comments and “common themes” in the submitted

comments, there is a great deal of repetition in these sections. Conversely, some topics may not have 

any comments associated with them.

The table below presents: (1) the major topic areas into which EPA organized individual comments; 

(2) the associated EPA-assigned comment codes, and, (3) the docket ID where the topic-specific 

compiled summary may be found. For a detailed list of all comment codes, see Attachment 2. 

1
Summary of Comment Code Topics on the Proposed GS Rule

Topic Comment 

Codes

Docket ID

1.1 General comments (e.g., comments about the proposed rule, including 

terminology, definitions, and the regulatory text; the need for more flexibility or 

stringency; comments on other rules/issues; and general comments about GS)

1000 to 1390 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0578 

1.2 EPA's Authority (includes comments supporting/opposing the rulemaking or 

EPA's authority to regulate CO2 injection, other related authorities, and State 

regulatory efforts on GS)

1400 to 1540 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0579 

1.3 Risk Associated with GS (e.g., risks to USDWs; induced seismicity; 

RCRA/CERCLA issues; and human health and ecosystem impacts)

1600 to 1680 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0580 

1.4 Scientific Background (e.g., research on identifying risks to USDWs, field 

research on GS, technical workshops and stakeholder outreach on the rule, and 

EPA's Technical Guidance for Pilot GS Projects)

1800 to 1980 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0581 

1.5 Need for a New Class of Well (comments related to the appropriateness of 

Class I, Class II, or Class V requirements to GS and grandfathering existing wells)

2000 to 2066

1.6 Target Geologic Formations (includes comments on GS in deep saline 

formations, depleted oil and gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, basalts, etc.)

2100 to 2200 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0582 

1.7 Regulatory Alternatives Considered 2300 to 2340

1.8 Adaptive Rulemaking Approach 2400

2.1 Geologic Siting (comments on the need for injection/confining zones and 

required permit information)

3100 to 3150 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0584 

2.2 AoR and Corrective Action (e.g., delineating the AoR using computational 

models, identifying and addressing wells that need corrective action, AoR 

reevaluations, phased corrective action, and AoR and corrective action plans)

3200 to 3700 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0585 

2.3 Injection Well Construction (including well construction procedures, e.g., for 

surface casing, long-string casing, tubing and packer; horizontal well drilling 

techniques; use of corrosion-resistant materials and cements; and pre-injection 

logging and testing)

3800 to 3866 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0586 

2.4 Operating Requirements (e.g., injection pressure limitations, use of hydraulic 

fracturing for GS, down-hole shut-off devices, corrosion monitoring and control, 

injection depth, and use of tracers)

4000 to 4490 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0587 

2.5 Mechanical Integrity Testing (internal and external) 4500 to 4546

2.6 Testing and Monitoring (e.g., testing and monitoring plans and required 

monitoring, including well testing, ground water quality monitoring, CO2 plume and 

pressure front tracking, and air monitoring and/or soil gas monitoring)

4600 to 4670 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0588 

2.7 Recordkeeping & Reporting (e.g., submissions required for permit applications, 

operational recordkeeping and reporting, and electronic reporting) 

4700 to 4760 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0589 

2.8 Injection Well Plugging, Post-Injection Site Care, and Site Closure 5000 to 5300

2.9 Financial Responsibility and long-term care requirements 5400 to 5460 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0590 

2.10 Involving the Public in Permitting Decisions 5500 to 5560 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0583 2.11 Class VI Primacy, including independent primacy for Class VI 5600 

2.12 Duration of Class VI Permits 5700 

2.13 Emergency and Remedial Response 5800 

2.14 Other administrative requirements 5900 

3. Cost and Benefits of the Proposed Rule 6000 to 6300 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-

0591 4. Statutory and Executive Orders 7000 to 8000

2
Attachment 1: Reference table for locating EPA’s responses to individual comments on the 

proposed GS rule (73 FR 43492)

Commenter Docket ID - Comment Docket ID – EPA Response 

A. J. Mayer International on behalf of the 

American Energy Security Initiative 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0230 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0607 

Alston & Bird LLP EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0261 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0610 

Ameren Corporation EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0198 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0703 

Ameren Corporation on behalf of USWAG – 

copy of testimony at Denver hearing

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0111 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0597 

American Electric Power (AEP) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0294 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0609 

American Gas Association EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0228 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0611 

American Petroleum Institute EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0170 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0702 

American Petroleum Institute EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0191 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0709 

American Petroleum Institute (API) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0289 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0615 

American Petroleum Institute (API), on behalf 

of Multi-Stakeholder Discussion (MSD) group

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0290 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0612 

American Petroleum Institute (API), on behalf 

of Multi-Stakeholder Discussion (MSD) group

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0298 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0613 

American Public Power Association EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0169 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0710 

American Water Works Association (AWWA) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0181 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0713 

American Water Works Association (AWWA); 

American Public Power Association (APPA) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0204 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0714 

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0200 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0706 

Anonymous Public Comment EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0101 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0598 

Anonymous Public Comment EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0288 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0614 

Anonymous public comment EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0138 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0599

Anonymous public comment EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0147 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0600 

Anonymous public comment EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0194 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0707 

Anonymous public comment EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0195 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0708 

Arizona Department of Environmental 

Quality (ADEQ)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0286 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0608 

Arizona Public Service Company EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0187 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0711 

Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies 

(AMWA) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0206 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0704 

Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies 

(AMWA) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0213 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0705 

Association of State Drinking Water 

Administrators (ASDWA)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0172 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0712 

B. Sachau EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0105 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0601

Bardwell Consulting EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0115 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0592

Basin Electric Power Cooperative (BEPC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0260 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0618 

Battelle Energy Technology (BET) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0229 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0617 

Blue Source EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0232 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0619 

BP Alternative Energy – copy of testimony at 

Chicago hearing

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0116 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0593 

BP Alternative Energy – copy of testimony at 

Chicago hearing

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0118 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0594 

BP Alternative Energy North America, Inc. 

(BP)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0225 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0715 

Bureau of Water, Division of Environment, 

Kansas Department of Health & Environment

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0108 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0595 

Camco International EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0112 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0602 

3
Commenter Docket ID - Comment Docket ID – EPA Response 

Canitron Systems Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0120 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0603 

Carbon Capture and Storage Alliance EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0178 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0717 

Carbon Sequestration Council EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0190 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0716 

Carnegie Mellon University on behalf of the 

CCS Reg Project

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0233 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0620 

Chesapeake Energy EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0271 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0621 

Chicago Public Hearing Transcript EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0185 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0720 

Clean Air Task Force EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0250 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0623 

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0292 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0622 

Clean Coal Technology Foundation of Texas EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0254 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0624 

Coal Utilization Research Council EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0227 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0625 

Coal Utilization Research Council EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0255 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0625 

Colorado Department of Public Health and 

Environment

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0182 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0718 

Colorado Ground Water Association (CGWA) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0196 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0719 

Connecticut Department of Public Health EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0283 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0626 

ConocoPhillips EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0192 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0721 

Council of Industrial Boiler Owners (CIBO) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0139 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0604 

Dallas County Park Cities Municipal Utility 

District

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0119 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0605 

Denbury Resources, Inc. (DRI) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0215 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0723 

Denver Public Hearing Transcript EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0256 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0758

Dominion EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0175 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0724 

DTE Energy EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0160 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0606 

DTE Energy EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0197 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0606 

Duke Energy EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0209 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0725 

Eastman Chemical Company EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0210 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0726 

Edison Electric Institute EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0177 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0727 

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0168 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0729 

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0285 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0729 

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0295 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0668 

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0293 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0669 

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0296 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0670 

ExxonMobil Production Company (a Division 

of Exxon Mobil Corporation) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0257 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0671 

Fasken Oil and Ranch, LTD EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0281 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0672 

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0273 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0674 

FutureGen Alliance (FGIA) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0167 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0730 

G. C. Blount EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0107 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0628 

Gasification Technologies Council (GTC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0158 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0633 

Global Energy, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0141 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0629 

Great River Energy EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0171 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0731 

Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0155 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0630 

Greenpeace International EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0129 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0631 

Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0259 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0675 

Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0297 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0676 

Group Against Smog and Pollution, Inc. 

(GASP)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0110 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0632

4
Commenter Docket ID - Comment Docket ID – EPA Response 

Harvard Law School's Environmental Law & 

Policy Clinic

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0183 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0732 

Harvard Law School's Environmental Law & 

Policy Clinic

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0287 See response to revised submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0732 

Holliday Environmental Services, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0114 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0634 

Holliday Environmental Services, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0127 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0635 

Holliday Environmental Services, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0106 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0634 

Holliday Environmental Services, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0113 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0634 

Holliday Environmental Services, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0128 See response to revised submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0635 

Hydrogen Energy International EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0224 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0733 

Hydrogen Energy International – copy of 

testimony at Chicago hearing

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0117 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0636 

Illinois Stage Geological Survey EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0180 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0734 

Illinois Stage Geological Survey EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0221 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0735 

Independent Petroleum Association of 

America et al.

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0179 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0736 

Indiana Department of Natural Resources 

(IDNR)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0236 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0677

Indiana Department of Natural Resources 

(IDNR)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0245 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0677

Indiana Department of Natural Resources 

(IDNR)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0275 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0677

Inter Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0284 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0678

Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission 

(IOGCC) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0263 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0679

Joint Global Change Research Institute, 

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0156 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0648

Joint Global Change Research Institute, 

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0164 See response to revised submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0648 

Joint Global Change Research Institute, 

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0165 See response to revised submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0648 

Joint Global Change Research Institute, 

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0208 See response to revised submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0648 

Kansas Corporation Commission – copy of 

testimony at Denver hearing

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0121 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0596 

Kentucky Public Service Commission EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0231 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0680

Kentucky Public Service Commission EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0269 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0680

L. L. Smith EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0136 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0638 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 

(Berkeley Lab) U.S. Department of Energy 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0149 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0637 

Lignite Energy Council (LEC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0162 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0639 

Mendocino County Water Agency, State of 

California

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0102 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0641 

Metropolitan Water District of Southern 

California (MWDSC) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0279 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0683

Michigan Department of Environmental 

Quality (MDEQ) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0264 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0681

Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0159 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0642

5
Commenter Docket ID - Comment Docket ID – EPA Response 

Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0199 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0642 

Montana Department of Environmental 

Quality (MDEQ)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0152 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0640

Montana Department of Environmental 

Quality (MDEQ) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0268 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0640 

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0235 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0682

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0258 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0685

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0277 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0685

National Ground Water Association EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0142 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0644

National Rural Electric Cooperative 

Association (NRECA) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0163 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0643

National Rural Electric Cooperative 

Association (NRECA) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0276 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0643

National Tribal Air Association EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0126 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0645

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0291 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0686

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0272 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0689

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0251 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0689

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, 

Bureau of Water Pollution Control

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0222 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0738

New Mexico Oil Conservation Division 

(NMOCD)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0237 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0687

New York State Dept. of Environmental 

Conservation Div. of Mineral Resources

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0186 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0740

NiSource, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0188 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0739

North American Carbon Capture and Storage 

Association (NACCSA) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0265 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0684

North American Coal Corporation (NAC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0214 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0737

North Dakota Industrial Commission EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0241 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0688

NRG Energy, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0234 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0696

Oglethorpe Power Corporation EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0189 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0741

Oklahoma Corporation Commission EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0247 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0691

Oklahoma Department of Environmental 

Quality (DEQ)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0218 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0722

Oklahoma Independent Petroleum 

Association

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0239 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0690

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0146 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0646

Oregon Water Resources Department EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0270 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0692

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0207 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0742

Peabody Energy EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0262 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0693

Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental 

Protection

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0130 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0647 

Praxair Services, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0144 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0649 

Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0122 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0650 

San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0161 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0651 

San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0274 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0651 

Sandia Technologies, LLC EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0238 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0694 

Sandridge Energy Corporation EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0219 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0743

Schlumberger Carbon Services EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0226 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0744

6
Commenter Docket ID - Comment Docket ID – EPA Response 

Shell Exploration and Production Company 

(SEPCo) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0211 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0745

Sierra Club National Global Warming and 

Energy Committee 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0267 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0653 

Sierra Club National Global Warming and 

Energy Committee and Sierra Club CaliforniaNevada Regional Conservation Committee on 

Energy and Climate Change

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0133 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0653 

Sierra Club National Global Warming and 

Energy Committee and Sierra Club CaliforniaNevada Regional Conservation Committee on 

Energy and Climate Change

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0140 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0653 

Sierra Club National Global Warming and 

Energy Committee and Sierra Club CaliforniaNevada Regional Conservation Committee on 

Energy and Climate Change

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0154 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0653 

Sierra Environmental Law Program, Sierra 

Club

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0242 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0695

South Dakota Department of Environment 

and Natural Resources

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0153 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0652 

Southern Company EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0201 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0746

Southern Company, on behalf of Edison 

Electric Institute – copy of testimony at 

Chicago hearing 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0109 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0627 

Southern States Energy Board EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0176 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0747

Southern States Energy Board EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0174 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0747

Spectra Energy Corp EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0151 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0654 

State of Wyoming EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0150 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0655 

State of Wyoming EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0282 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0655 

SUEZ Energy Generation NA, LLC EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0131 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0656 

Tampa Electric Company EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0212 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0748

Tennessee Valley Authority EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0145 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0658 

Texas Carbon Capture and Storage 

Association

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0223 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0749

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality 

(TCEQ) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0280 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0697

Texas Independent Producers and Royalty 

Owners Association (TIPRO)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0184 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0750

Texas Pipeline Association (TPA) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0143 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0657 

The Center of Environment, Energy & Natural 

Resources Law, University of Houston Law 

Center 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0103 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0659 

The Energy and Environmental Research 

Center at the University of North Dakota

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0220 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0728 

The Energy and Environmental Research 

Center at the University of North Dakota

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0252 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0728 

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0266 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0673

Tri-State Generation and Transmission 

Association, Inc.

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0216 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0751

Tri-State Generation and Transmission 

Association, Inc.

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0278 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0751

7
Commenter Docket ID - Comment Docket ID – EPA Response 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0148 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0660 

Underground Injection Technology Group 

(UIT Group)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0243 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0698

Underground Injection Technology Group 

(UIT Group)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0244 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0698

Underground Injection Technology Group 

(UIT Group)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0246 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0698

United States Geological Survey (USGS) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0166 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0752 

University of Utah Energy and Geoscience 

Institute on behalf of the Southwest Regional 

Partnership

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0134 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0661

Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0193 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0753

Utah Division of Water Quality EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0253 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0699

Utility Solid Waste Activities Group (USWAG) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0173 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0754

Virginia Department of Environmental 

Quality (DEQ)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0157 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0662 

W. J. Curran EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0137 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0663 

Washington State, Department of Ecology EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0123 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0664 

Washington State, Department of Ecology EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0202 See response to duplicate submittal 

at: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0664 

Water Environment Association of Texas 

(WEAT) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0203 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0755

Western Business Roundtable EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0249 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0700

Western Energy Supply and Transmission 

Associates 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0248 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0701 

Western Organization of Resource Councils EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0240 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0616

Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources 

(WDNR)

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0135 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0665 

World Resources Institute (WRI) EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0124 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0666 

Wyoming Department of Environmental 

Quality (DEQ) 

EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0205 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0756

Wyoming State Geological Survey EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0132 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0667 

Xcel Energy, Inc. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0217 EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0390-0757

8
Attachment 2: Topic-specific comment codes for the proposed GS rule (73 FR 43492)

Comment Code Description Code

1. General and Administrative Comments 1000

1.1 General comments about the rulemaking 1200

1.1.1 Comments about the proposed rule 1210

1.1.1.1 Terminology and definitions 1220

1.1.1.2 General comments on the regulatory text 1230

1.1.1.3 Suggested changes/edits to rule language 1240

1.1.1.4 Flexibility is needed (performance-based standards) 1250

1.1.1.5 More certainty/stringency is needed 1260

1.1.2 Comments on other rules/issues 1270

1.1.2.1 General comments on climate change/ global warming 1280

1.1.2.2 Comments that EPA should regulate CO2 as a pollutant 1290

1.1.2.3 Comments on other aspects of CCS (capture, transport) 1300

1.1.2.4 Comments on other "out of scope" issues, e.g., pore space ownership 1310

1.1.3 General comments about GS 1320

1.1.3.1 Support use of GS in general 1330

1.1.3.2 Oppose use of GS in general 1340

1.1.3.3 Comments on the need for GS technology 1350

1.1.3.4 Effectiveness of trapping mechanisms 1360

1.1.3.5 US storage capacity 1370

1.1.3.6 Deployment of GS 1380

1.1.4 Comments on materials in the rulemaking docket 1390

1.2 Comments on EPA's Authority to Regulate Injection of CO2 1400

1.2.1 Comments in support of EPA/rulemaking 1410

1.2.1.1 Support the GS rulemaking 1420

1.2.1.2 Support EPA's authority to regulate CO2 injection 1430

1.2.1.3 EPA should develop guidance 1435

1.2.2 Comments opposing EPA/rulemaking 1440

1.2.2.1 Oppose the GS rulemaking 1450

1.2.2.2 Oppose EPA's authority to regulate CO2 injection 1460

1.2.2.2.1 CO2 injection is exempt from UIC 1470

1.2.2.2.2 CO2 is not a pollutant 1480

1.2.2.2.3 CO2 is not a fluid 1490

1.2.2.2.4 Some other agency should regulate GS 1500

1.2.2.3 Need for additional study 1510

1.2.3 Other authorities (e.g., CAA, MPRSA, London Convention) 1520

1.2.3.1 State regulatory efforts on GS 1530

1.2.3.2 Climate change legislation 1540

1.3 Risk Associated with CO2 GS 1600

1.3.1 Risks to USDWs 1610

1.3.1.1 Leaching and mobilization of contaminants; reactions in injection zone 1612

1.3.1.2 Impurities in captured CO2; purity standards for CO2 1614

1.3.1.3 Fluid movement 1616

1.3.1.4 Impacts on drinking water treatment 1618

1.3.2 Induced seismicity 1620

1.3.3 RCRA/hazardous waste issues 1630

1.3.4 CERCLA issues 1640

1.3.5 Human health impacts 1650

1.3.5.1 Concerns about Lake Nyos and Mammoth Mountain-type events 1655

9
Comment Code Description Code

1.3.6 Ecosystem impacts (soil, air, surface water) 1660

1.3.7 Other/miscellaneous risks 1670

1.3.8 Don't overstate risk, don't stigmatize CO2 1680

1.4 Scientific Background/Informing the Proposal 1800

1.4.1 Research on identifying risks to USDWs 1810

1.4.1.1 Vulnerability Evaluation Framework (VEF) 1820

1.4.1.2 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) research 1830

1.4.1.3 Other research 1840

1.4.2 CO2 GS Field Research 1850

1.4.2.1 DOE Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships 1852

1.4.2.2 Other Pilot Projects 1854

1.4.2.3 Other U.S. Research (Princeton University, MIT) 1856

1.4.2.4 International GS efforts 1858

1.4.3 Technical workshops 1900

1.4.4 Stakeholder outreach 1910

1.4.4.1 Public stakeholder meetings 1920

1.4.4.2 Consultations with State, Tribal, and local Associations (e.g., GWPC, IOGCC) 1930

1.4.4.3 Consultations with Industry; experience with other wells 1940

1.4.4.4 Consultations with electric and water utilities 1950

1.4.4.5 Consultations with NGOs, e.g., environmental and citizens groups 1960

1.4.4.6 Need for other consultations 1970

1.4.5 EPA's Technical Guidance for Pilot GS Projects 1980

1.5 Need for a New Class of Injection Well 2000

1.5.1 Support Class VI designation 2020

1.5.2 Oppose Class VI designation 2040

1.5.2.1 Oppose Class VI/ Support Class I 2042

1.5.2.2 Oppose Class VI/ Support Class II 2044

1.5.2.3 Continuing to classify CO2 injection for EOR/EGR as Class II/ dividing line between Class II and VI 2046

1.5.2.4 Oppose Class VI/ Support Class V experimental technology well 2048

1.5.3 Comments on grandfathering of existing wells 2060

1.5.3.1 Grandfathering construction of Class I wells 2062

1.5.3.2 Grandfathering construction of Class II wells 2064

1.5.3.3 Grandfathering construction of Class V wells 2066

1.6 Target Geologic Formations for GS 2100

1.6.1 Deep saline formations 2120

1.6.1.1 Comments in favor of injection into deep saline 2123

1.6.1.2 Comments opposing injection into deep saline 2126

1.6.2 Depleted oil and gas reservoirs 2140

1.6.2.1 Comments in favor of injection into depleted reservoirs 2143

1.6.2.2 Comments opposing injection into depleted reservoirs 2146

1.6.3 Unmineable coal seams 2160

1.6.3.1 Comments in favor of injection into unmineable coal seams 2163

1.6.3.2 Comments opposing injection into unmineable coal seams 2166

1.6.4 Other formation types 2200

1.7 Comments on the Alternatives Considered 2300

1.7.1 Comments on the evaluation process 2310

1.7.2 Comments on Alternative 1 2320

1.7.3 Comments on Alternative 2 2330

1.7.4 Comments on Alternative 4 2340

1.8 Comments on EPA's adaptive rulemaking process 2400

10
Comment Code Description Code

2. Proposed Regulatory Alternative 3000

2.1 Proposed Geologic Siting Requirements (40 CFR 146.83) 3100

2.1.1 Proposed siting requirements (i.e., injection/confining zones, trapping mechanism) 3110

2.1.2 Need to identify additional confining and containment zones 3120

2.1.3 Comments that operators should submit more (or different) geologic data than proposed 3130

2.1.4 Comments that the proposed geologic data requirements are too stringent 3140

2.1.5 Comments on required permit information (40 CFR 146.82) 3150

2.2 Proposed Area of Review and Corrective Action Requirements (40 CFR 146.84) 3200

2.2.1 Delineating the AoR/Modeling CO2 movement 3300

2.2.1.1 Comments in favor of requiring computational models to delineate the AoR 3310

2.2.1.2 Comments opposed to requiring computational models to delineate the AoR 3320

2.2.1.3 Applicability /adequacy of computational models 3330

2.2.1.4 Specific delineation models 3340

2.2.1.5 Use of proprietary models for GS sites 3350

2.2.2 Corrective Action 3400

2.2.2.1 Scope of the inventory process (e.g., reliance on publicly available information, depth of wells) 3420

2.2.2.2 Evaluation of wells in the AoR (e.g., types of data to be reviewed) 3440

2.2.2.3 Acceptable corrective action techniques for GS sites (e.g., cements) 3460

2.2.3 Area of Review Reevaluation 3500

2.2.3.1 AoR reevaluation frequency 3530

2.2.3.2 Conditions that merit reevaluation of the AoR 3560

2.2.4 Phased Corrective Action 3600

2.2.4.1 Comments in favor of allowing phased corrective action 3630

2.2.4.2 Comments opposed to allowing phased corrective action 3660

2.2.5 Comments on the requirement for an AoR and corrective action plan 3700

2.3 Proposed Injection Well Construction Requirements (40 CFR 146.86) 3800

2.3.1 Well construction procedures 3820

2.3.1.1 Depth of surface casing 3822

2.3.1.2 Cementing of long-string casing 3824

2.3.1.3 Packer requirements 3826

2.3.2 Horizontal well drilling techniques 3840

2.3.3 Well component degradation 3860

2.3.3.1 Use of corrosion-resistant construction materials 3862

2.3.3.2 Use of corrosion-resistant cements 3864

2.3.3.3 Logging and testing requirements (40 CFR 146.87) 3866

2.4 Proposed Injection Well Operating Requirements (40 CFR 146.88) 4000

2.4.1 Injection parameters 4100

2.4.1.1 Injection pressure limitations 4110

2.4.1.2 Allowing hydraulic fracturing during GS 4120

2.4.1.3 Appropriateness of using fracturing for well stimulation 4130

2.4.1.4 Use of fracturing for GS in specific geologic settings 4140

2.4.2 Down-hole shut-off valves in GS wells 4200

2.4.3 Corrosion monitoring and control 4250

2.4.4 Injection Depth 4300

2.4.4.1 Injection beneath the lowermost formation containing a USDW 4320

2.4.4.1.1 Comments in favor of requiring injection below the lowermost USDW 4322

2.4.4.1.2 Comments opposed to requiring injection below the lowermost USDW 4324

2.4.4.2 Minimum injection depth 4340

2.4.4.2.1 Comments in favor of setting a minimum injection depth 4342

2.4.4.2.2 Comments opposed to setting a minimum injection depth 4344

11
Comment Code Description Code

2.4.4.3 Allowing injection above or between USDWs 4400

2.4.4.3.1 Comments in favor of allowing injection above/between USDWs in certain circumstances 4410

2.4.4.3.2 Comments opposing injection above/between USDWs in all cases 4420

2.4.4.3.3 Injection into coal seams above USDWs 4430

2.4.4.3.4 Injection into organic-rich shales above USDWs 4440

2.4.4.4 Use of aquifer exemptions 4450

2.4.4.4.1 Comments in favor of allowing aquifer exemptions in certain circumstances 4460

2.4.4.4.2 Comments opposing aquifer exemptions in all cases 4470

2.4.4.4.3 Under what conditions aquifer exemptions should be approved? 4480

2.4.5 Use of tracers and potential impact on human health or ecosystems 4490

2.5 Proposed Mechanical Integrity Testing (MIT) Requirements (40 CFR 146.89) 4500

2.5.1 Continuous internal mechanical integrity monitoring 4520

2.5.2 Proposed external MIT requirements 4540

2.5.2.1 MIT procedures and methods for GS 4543

2.5.2.2 MIT frequency 4546

2.6 Proposed Plume and Pressure Front Monitoring Requirements (40 CFR 146.90) 4600

2.6.1 Testing and monitoring plan requirement 4610

2.6.2 Injectate monitoring 4620

2.6.3 Corrosion monitoring 4630

2.6.4 Pressure fall-off testing 4640

2.6.5 CO2 plume and pressure front tracking 4650

2.6.5.1 Plume tracking techniques/geophysical methods 4655

2.6.6 Geochemical monitoring 4660

2.6.7 Surface air monitoring and/or soil gas monitoring 4670

2.7 Proposed Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements (40 CFR 146.91) 4700

2.7.1 Proposed submissions required for permit applications 4710

2.7.2 Operational recordkeeping and reporting 4720

2.7.3 Reporting associated with closure and post-injection site care 4730

2.7.4 Electronic reporting 4740

2.7.5 Comments on the merit of annual reports 4750

2.7.6 Proposed reporting frequency 4760

2.8 Proposed Well Plugging and Post-Injection Site Care Requirements 5000

2.8.1 Injection well plugging activities (40 CFR 146.92) 5100

2.8.2 Post injection site care (40 CFR 146.93) 5200

2.8.2.1 Post-injection monitoring activities 5220

2.8.2.2 Post injection timeframe 5240

2.8.2.3 Adjusting the post-injection timeframe 5260

2.8.2.4 USDW non-endangerment demonstrations 5280

2.8.3 Site closure activities (40 CFR 146.93) 5300

2.9 Proposed Financial Responsibility and Long-Term Care Requirements 5400

2.9.1 Comments on proposed financial responsibility requirements (40 CFR 146.85) 5430

2.9.1.1 Need to adjust financial responsibility mechanisms 5432

2.9.1.2 Need for additional instruments 5434

2.9.1.3 Allowing separate financial demonstrations for plugging and abandonment and post-injection site 

care 

5436

2.9.2 Comments on transfer of liability for long-term care 5460

2.10 Comments on Involving the Public in Permitting Decisions 5500

2.10.1 Appropriateness of existing public participation requirements (Part 25 and Part 124) for GS 5520

2.10.2 Need for additional public participation requirements/ use of new information technology 5540

2.10.3 Enhancing the public participation process 5560

12
Comment Code Description Code

2.11 Comments related to UIC Program primacy for Class VI wells 5600

2.11.1 Allowing partial primacy for Class VI wells 5610

2.12 Comments on the proposed duration of Class VI permits 5700

2.13 Comments on emergency and remedial response (40 CFR 146.94) 5800

2.14 Other administrative requirements under 40 CFR 144 5900

3. Cost of the Proposed Rule 6000

3.1 Comments on the cost estimates 6100

3.2 Comments on costing methodology 6200

3.2.1 Comments on the timeframe of the costing analysis 6210

3.2.2 Assumptions about the number of monitoring wells 6220

3.3 Benefits of the proposed rule 6300

4. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews 7000

4.1 Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review 7100

4.2 Paperwork Reduction Act 7200

4.3 Regulatory Flexibility Act 7300

4.4 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 7400

4.5 Executive Order 13132: Federalism 7500

4.6 Executive Order 13175: Tribal Consultation and Coordination 7600

4.7 Executive Order 13045: Children's Health Protection 7700

4.8 Executive Order 13211: Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use 7800

4.9 National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act 7900

4.1 Executive Order 12898: Environmental Justice 8000

13