During a two-year collaboration, SCS Engineers and EPA refined the CP Model and introduced the Endangerment Potential Map—a spatial visualization of migration risk across the site. Instead of relying on a single evaluation point, the EPA suggested a spatially distributed map, which SCS Engineers created. The map spatially depicts potential brine migration, integrating modeled pressure increases, salinity, and subsurface geologic conditions.
The map’s benefits reveal higher and lower endangerment potential zones, ultimately providing the EPA with a significant safety margin.
The model doesn’t just redefine pressure calculations—it makes Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) a viable emissions reduction stopgap as industries pursue operational decarbonization. For sectors like ethanol processing, where CO2 is inherent to production, CCS isn’t merely transitional—it can be a cornerstone of their CO2 management strategy.
This article is published in Carbon Capture Magazine, Issue 2, 2025. You may share this article using your email or the icons at the bottom of the page.
About the Authors:
Kacey Garber has professional experience as a geologist and hydrogeologist. Her expertise includes Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) permitting for CO2 storage projects, Class I UIC permitting for liquid waste disposal, and environmental permitting and groundwater studies for landfills and coal combustion residual disposal sites.
Tara Gross is a project advisor providing strategic insight and technical oversight for key initiatives, including critical minerals, oil and gas, carbon capture, utilization, storage, underground injection control Class I, II, and VI well permitting, lithium extraction, and Department of Energy grant programs.
Dr. Charles Hostetler is an experienced project manager and subject matter expert in geochemistry, hydrogeology, risk assessment, environmental regulations and permitting, and natural resources assessment. He serves clients in the coal combustion residue, solid waste, real estate, manufacturing, mining, nuclear waste, and governmental sectors.
SCS Engineers welcomes you to contact our authors. Reach them on our website. Learn more about this CO2 management strategy here.
