The Pine Hills Storage Hub, a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project in Covington County, is facing pushback at the regional level, with county, state and Florida communities opposing the proposed site.
Dubbed "Alabama's flagship carbon facility," the site would provide decarbonization to support power companies, pulp and paper mills and lime, cement and steel producers. Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage said the project will store carbon dioxide deep underground and that above-ground land will remain useful for timber, recreation and hunting.
The Covington County Commission passed a resolution opposing the Pine Hills project. Now, nearby Coffee County Commissioner Clint Grantham is planning to introduce a resolution opposing the project as well.
"Pine Hills Storage Hub proposal involves the injection of large volumes of compressed carbon dioxide deep underground for long-term storage," Grantham said in a statement. "The project would use high-pressure injection wells to place captured carbon dioxide into extremely deep geologic formations beneath the surface. The intent of the project is to store the gas underground for extended periods of time."
State lawmakers are also considering two bills to oppose the storage hub. House Bill 61 (HB61) by State Rep. Matthew Hammett (R-Andalusia) would prohibit all Class V and Class VI EPA Carbon Storage sites in Covington County. State Sen. Josh Carnley (R-Ino) introduced the Senate version, Senate Bill 266 (SB266). The lawmakers believe the project would trample on the people's rights by using land as a dumping ground for out-of-state emissions.
Those who oppose the bills cite personal property rights, saying the EPA and ADEM heavily regulate carbon facilities.
While there are federal and state regulations, Grantham said he has not received answers to questions concerning long-term monitoring and responsibility. Further, he said there were issues with the site's initial permit application. He said the EPA is waiting for missing information before approving the project.
"Projects of this type involve complex engineering and geological considerations," Grantham continued. "When large volumes of material are injected underground under pressure, it raises important questions about how those injections interact with surrounding rock formations, underground fluids, and nearby aquifers. These issues deserve careful scrutiny and clear answers before a project of this scale moves forward."
Grantham detailed the scientific basis for his concerns.
"One of the most serious concerns involves the potential movement of brine that exists in deeper geological formations," he explained. "In many areas of south Alabama, high salinity water is present in deep formations below the freshwater aquifers that supply our communities. Injecting large volumes of material under pressure can increase formation pressure and potentially push those saline fluids upward through fractures, porous rock layers, or existing well bores. If brine were to migrate upward into freshwater aquifers, it could introduce salt and other dissolved minerals into groundwater that communities depend on for drinking water and agriculture.
"Protecting freshwater aquifers must be a priority in any project that involves deep underground injection," he continued. "In my estimation, those protections do not and cannot exist with this proposed project."
Reliant Carbon Capture & Storage said the project would be federally monitored 24/7 for many years if the permit is approved. They said the project is needed to meet energy demands. The process would create jobs and promote economic growth.
"Reliant is committed to Covington County's continued success," Reliant stated. "The company pledges to set up a Community Benefit Fund that will economically benefit the county and its cities. Reliant further commits to financially support local emergency personnel infrastructure and training."
Reliant has vowed to work with community leaders and stakeholders on the process and impact.
Florida's Walton and Okaloosa Counties have also opposed the project, citing concerns about regional aquifers.
"Although the Pine Hills facility would be located in Covington County, projects of this nature have regional implications," Grantham stated. "Water resources, geological formations, and infrastructure do not stop at county lines. Decisions that affect one part of South Alabama can have consequences across neighboring counties and communities."
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