EPA

FILE - A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sign is seen outside the Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center, Feb. 17, 2023, in Cincinnati.  (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, File)

 Joshua A. Bickel

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is restarting carbon sequestration after The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a compliance order to ensure compliance of their carbon sequestration well. 

The EPA said the company violated its underground injection permit when it failed to monitor the well in an unauthorized zone 5,000 feet below ground. 

The agency learned of the release of injected carbon dioxide and brine in the zone last year.

ADM and the EPA said carbon dioxide did not get above ground, and there was no threat to public health. Drinking water was also unaffected. 

According to the EPA, ADM has already taken steps to be in compliance with the order, which is meant to ensure future injections are safe and that ADM does the necessary reporting and documenting for the carbon sequestration. 

According to an ADM spokesperson, they have been implementing a plan to re-complete their two existing deep monitoring wells.

ADM said work in the wells is almost done, and they will restart CO2 injections in the coming days. 

New features of the re-completion project include new equipment and chrome steel for better corrosion resistance.

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.