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Jun
1
Written by:
news editor
6/1/2010 1:00 AM
6/1/2010 ODNR, Division of Geological Survey continues to lead the research effort for carbon sequestration options in Ohio.
Exploring Eastern Ohio’s Deep Geologic Formations May Lead to Improved Air Quality
Ohio Geological Survey continues to lead research efforts
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Geological Survey continues to lead the research effort for carbon sequestration options in Ohio. Geologic sequestration will be a key component in the state’s efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions while retaining the economic benefits of the energy produced from coal-fired power plants and other industrial facilities.
The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) approved a grant through its Ohio Coal Development Office (OCDO) to the Division of Geological Survey of up to $790,591. The funds are to be used for the 18-month project, “Conducting Research to Better Define the Sequestration Options in Eastern Ohio and the Appalachian Basin.”
The division’s research efforts involve a comprehensive characterization of geologic sequestration options in the Eastern Ohio and upper Ohio River Valley area. All existing data will be compiled and interpreted to provide baseline knowledge for filling in large data gaps.
“We currently do not have adequate geologic data to properly define Eastern Ohio’s deep geologic-carbon sequestration options. Yet this region has one of the largest concentrations of large carbon dioxide emission point sources in the United States,” said Larry Wickstrom, chief of the Division of Geological Survey. “This grant will help us develop tools to make decisions on how we can improve air quality while ensuring a strong energy supply for Ohio’s economic growth.”
The Division of Geological Survey will conduct its research alongside Battelle Memorial Institute, which also received a grant from the OAQDA. Battelle and ODNR have been leaders within a regional consortium—Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (MRCSP)— for several years. Under the OCDO grants, the two organizations will work together to obtain new geologic data from planned drilling by the oil and gas industry and investigate the viability of a long-term, multimillion dollar effort, which includes forming a consortium of public and private entities that have a vested interest in supporting the identification of sequestration opportunities in the region.
For more information on geologic carbon sequestration and the Division of Geological Survey’s research, visit the division’s carbon sequestration Web page. To learn more about the OAQDA, a non-regulatory government agency created to help Ohio businesses comply with clean air regulations, visit its Web site at www.ohioairquality.org.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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For further information, contact:
Chris Perry, ODNR Geological Survey
614. 265. 6584
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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