Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Projects (CCUS)
CCUS Project Management & Carbon Storage Solutions
Silverthorne Seismic oversees and coordinates the strategy and processing of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage. CCUS management ensures proper site operations and management, including CO2 injection and monitoring, well maintenance, plume modeling, supervision, and compliance reporting throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Should you want to outsource the management and coordination of a multivariable team and have Geological & Ecological assessment in one house, we may be a fit for your project. Silverthorne Carbon Capture management offers seamless integration of specialized teams and technologies. Our skills include:
As trusted contractors for Carbon Capture storage projects, Silverthorne handles the data collection, land rights, business case, cost estimation, risk assessment, and gap analysis for your project’s kickoff.
Our geoscientists qualify the geologic and ecological criteria of your project by using well-established technologies and proven solutions.
Get specific reporting with built-out studies collected from your exact site and wells.
Silverthorne’s experienced geoscientists monitor your data quality control for enhanced interpretation. Our professionals can output Static, as well as Dynamic Modeling.
Take advantage of Silverthorne Seismic’s expertise in surface acquisition and/or Downhole Seismic. All characterization is handled in-house, including the merge of geologic and seismic data to process and interpret your potential CO2 Production Deliverables.
Leave the application for State and Federal permits to us.
Includes the management of:
- Site and Monitoring Design
- Drilling, Recompletion, or Completion of Disposal Well (Class II or VI Well)
- Installation of Monitoring Control and Interpretation
- Completion of Surface and Operations Equipment
Spans the stretch from CO2 delivery and site operation to Post-Injection closure. We keep compliance with Class II /VI regulatory requirements necessary for Operations. Your model is updated throughout the lifespan of the project up to the point of decommission.
Note: our services do not include CO2 transport.
FAQ General CCUS Questions
CCUS is the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources or directly from the atmosphere, then transporting and permanently storing it in underground geological formations. This technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting climate change mitigation goals. The process involves three main components: capturing CO2 from emission sources, transporting it to storage sites, and injecting it into suitable geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, or unmineable coal seams.
Seismic data is critical for CCUS projects because it provides detailed imaging of subsurface geological formations to identify suitable CO2 storage sites. Seismic surveys help geoscientists evaluate rock properties, detect faults and fractures, assess storage capacity, and monitor CO2 plume migration after injection. Both 2D and 3D seismic data are used during site characterization to ensure the selected formation has adequate porosity, permeability, and containment features to safely store CO2 for thousands of years.
Carbon storage and carbon sequestration are often used interchangeably, though carbon sequestration technically refers to the long-term removal and storage of CO2 from the atmosphere, while carbon storage specifically describes the physical containment of captured CO2 in geological formations. Both terms relate to CCUS operations where CO2 is permanently stored underground in carefully selected and monitored geological formations.
FAQ CCUS Project Development
A complete CCUS project includes seven major phases:
- Site Identification & Assessment - Evaluating potential storage locations using geological data, seismic surveys, and existing well information
- Feasibility Studies - Conducting detailed technical and economic analyses to confirm site viability
- Development Strategy Creation - Designing the injection approach, monitoring plan, and operational framework
- Regulatory Permitting - Obtaining Class II or Class VI well permits and environmental approvals
- Construction - Drilling injection wells, installing monitoring equipment, and building surface facilities
- Operations - Managing CO2 injection, monitoring plume movement, and ensuring regulatory compliance
- Post-Injection Closure - Decommissioning wells and continuing long-term monitoring after injection ceases
CCUS site assessment typically takes 6-18 months depending on project complexity, data availability, and site characteristics. The process involves reviewing existing geological and seismic data, conducting new seismic surveys if needed, analyzing well logs, performing laboratory tests on core samples, and developing preliminary geological models. Sites with existing oil and gas infrastructure and comprehensive data sets can be assessed more quickly, while greenfield sites in uncharacterized basins may require additional time for data acquisition and analysis.
An ideal CO2 storage site requires several key geological characteristics:
- Deep saline formations or depleted reservoirs at depths greater than 800 meters where CO2 remains in a supercritical state
- High porosity and permeability rock formations to accommodate large volumes of CO2
- Impermeable caprock layers (such as shale or salt) above the storage formation to prevent CO2 migration
- Structural or stratigraphic traps to contain the CO2 plume
- Absence of active faults that could provide migration pathways
- Distance from drinking water aquifers to protect groundwater resources
- Adequate storage capacity to meet project injection volumes
Suitable geography allowing access for CO2 delivery infrastructure
A feasibility study is a comprehensive business and technical analysis that evaluates whether a CCUS project is economically viable and technically sound. It includes cost estimates, risk assessments, regulatory requirements, timeline projections, and return on investment calculations. Preliminary modeling, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the geological and engineering aspects by creating static (geological structure and rock properties) and dynamic (CO2 flow and pressure behavior) models to predict how CO2 will behave in the subsurface over time. Both are essential components of the project development phase.
FAQ Regulatory & Permitting
Class II wells are permitted by state regulatory agencies under the Safe Drinking Water Act and are primarily used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations where CO2 is injected to increase oil production. These wells have been used for decades and have established regulatory frameworks.
Class VI wells are specifically designed for permanent geological storage of CO2 and are regulated by the EPA. These wells require more stringent monitoring, reporting, and financial assurance requirements than Class II wells. Class VI permits include comprehensive requirements for site characterization, area of review assessment, corrective action plans, injection well construction, mechanical integrity testing, monitoring plans, and post-injection site care.
Projects using CO2 injection solely for permanent storage typically require Class VI permits, while projects combining CO2 storage with oil recovery may operate under Class II regulations.
CCUS projects typically require multiple permits at federal, state, and local levels:
Federal Permits:
- Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit from EPA
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review
- Endangered Species Act consultation (if applicable)
- Clean Air Act permits for CO2 handling facilities
State Permits:
- Class II UIC permit (if using for EOR)
- Well drilling and completion permits
- Air quality permits
- Water discharge permits
- Land use and zoning approvals
Additional Requirements:
- Pore space ownership and access agreements
- Surface access rights
- Pipeline right-of-way permits (if applicable)
- Financial assurance instruments
The specific permits needed depend on project location, scale, and whether CO2 injection is used for storage only or combined with enhanced oil recovery.
The CCUS permitting timeline varies significantly based on well class and jurisdiction:
Class II Wells (State-Regulated): Typically 6-12 months from application submission to permit approval, depending on state agency workload and project complexity.
Class VI Wells (EPA-Regulated): Generally 18-36 months or longer due to comprehensive technical review requirements, public comment periods, and detailed site characterization needs. EPA has established streamlined review processes in some states with primacy.
Factors affecting timeline include completeness of the application, public engagement requirements, environmental review complexity, need for additional technical studies, and regulatory agency capacity. Starting the permitting process early in project development is critical for maintaining project schedules.
A feasibility study is a comprehensive business and technical analysis that evaluates whether a CCUS project is economically viable and technically sound. It includes cost estimates, risk assessments, regulatory requirements, timeline projections, and return on investment calculations. Preliminary modeling, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the geological and engineering aspects by creating static (geological structure and rock properties) and dynamic (CO2 flow and pressure behavior) models to predict how CO2 will behave in the subsurface over time. Both are essential components of the project development phase.
FAQ Technical Operations
CO2 plume modeling uses computer simulations to predict how injected CO2 will move and spread through underground rock formations over time. These models incorporate geological data, rock properties, fluid characteristics, injection rates, and pressure conditions to forecast plume migration, pressure buildup, and potential interaction with nearby wells or geological features.
Plume modeling is essential for:
- Ensuring CO2 remains within the permitted injection zone
- Designing effective monitoring programs
- Meeting regulatory requirements for area of review assessments
- Optimizing injection strategies to maximize storage efficiency
- Identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies
- Demonstrating long-term storage security to regulators and stakeholders
Models are continuously updated throughout the project lifecycle as actual injection and monitoring data become available.
CCUS projects require comprehensive monitoring throughout injection and post-injection phases:
Operational Monitoring:
- Continuous measurement of injection pressure, flow rate, and temperature
- Mechanical integrity testing of injection wells
- Groundwater quality monitoring in overlying aquifers
- Surface and atmospheric monitoring for potential leakage
- Seismic monitoring to detect induced seismicity
Subsurface Monitoring:
- Time-lapse (4D) seismic surveys to track CO2 plume migration
- Pressure monitoring in the injection zone and overlying formations
- Downhole monitoring using observation wells
- Geochemical sampling to detect CO2 presence
Reporting Requirements:
- Quarterly operational reports to regulatory agencies
- Annual mechanical integrity demonstrations
- Post-injection site care monitoring for 50+ years
- Immediate notification of any abnormal conditions
Monitoring data ensures safe operations, regulatory compliance, and early detection of any issues requiring corrective action.
Seismic data plays multiple critical roles in CCUS site characterization:
Initial Site Evaluation:
- Identifying geological structures suitable for CO2 storage
- Mapping reservoir depth, thickness, and lateral extent
- Detecting faults, fractures, and potential leakage pathways
- Characterizing caprock integrity and continuity
Detailed Characterization:
- Creating 3D geological models of the storage complex
- Estimating rock properties including porosity and permeability through seismic inversion
- Mapping internal reservoir heterogeneity
- Identifying existing wells that may require remediation
Monitoring and Verification:
- Baseline (pre-injection) seismic surveys for future comparison
- Time-lapse seismic to track CO2 plume movement during injection
- Verification of containment and storage permanence
Both surface seismic (2D and 3D) and downhole seismic methods (vertical seismic profiling) are used depending on project needs and site conditions.
Static Modeling creates a three-dimensional representation of the geological framework and rock properties that don't change over the project timeline. This includes:
- Stratigraphic layers and structural features
- Rock properties (porosity, permeability, mineralogy)
- Fluid saturation distribution
- Fault locations and seal properties
- Geological framework for the storage complex
Dynamic Modeling simulates how fluids (CO2, brine, oil, gas) move through the static geological framework over time in response to injection. This includes:
- CO2 plume migration patterns
- Pressure changes in the reservoir
- Displacement of native fluids
- Multi-phase flow behavior
- Long-term fate of injected CO2 (dissolution, mineralization)
Both models work together: the static model provides the geological foundation, while the dynamic model predicts operational performance and long-term storage behavior. Models are updated as new data becomes available during operations.
Post-injection site care begins after CO2 injection ceases and continues for at least 50 years or until the EPA approves site closure. This phase includes:
Immediate Post-Injection (Years 1-5):
- Continued monitoring of CO2 plume stabilization
- Pressure decline monitoring
- Well plugging and abandonment per regulatory requirements
- Decommissioning of surface facilities
- Enhanced monitoring frequency to verify plume stability
Long-Term Post-Injection (Years 5-50+):
- Reduced but ongoing monitoring of groundwater, pressure, and plume position
- Regular reporting to regulatory agencies
- Maintenance of financial assurance mechanisms
- Corrective action if any issues are detected
Site Closure Approval:
- Demonstration that CO2 plume is stable and contained
- No anticipated migration or leakage risk
- Meeting all regulatory closure criteria
- Transfer of long-term stewardship responsibility
Financial assurance instruments remain in place throughout post-injection care to ensure adequate funding for monitoring and any necessary corrective actions.
FAQ Project Management & Services
Silverthorne offers comprehensive, end-to-end CCUS project management including:
- Site Identification & Assessment - Data collection, geological evaluation, business case development, and gap analysis
- Development Strategy Creation - Geological and ecological qualification using proven technologies
- Feasibility Studies - Site-specific reporting and technical analysis
- Preliminary Modeling - Static and dynamic modeling with quality control oversight
- Site Characterization - Surface and downhole seismic acquisition, data processing, and interpretation
- Regulatory Permitting - State and federal permit applications and approval coordination
- Construction Management - Well drilling, monitoring installation, and surface equipment completion
- Operations Management - CO2 injection oversight, monitoring, compliance reporting, and post-injection closure
All services are coordinated through a single point of contact with consolidated invoicing and progress reporting.
Integrated CCUS project management through a single provider offers significant advantages:
Efficiency Benefits:
- Single point of contact eliminates coordination challenges
- Consolidated invoicing simplifies financial management
- Streamlined communication between geological, engineering, and regulatory teams
- Unified progress reporting and project tracking
Technical Benefits:
- Seamless integration of seismic, geological, and engineering data
- Consistent quality control across all project phases
- In-house expertise in both surface and downhole geophysics
- Holistic approach to site characterization and modeling
Risk Reduction:
- Accountability with one contractor managing entire project
- Reduced potential for miscommunication between multiple vendors
- Comprehensive understanding of project from start to finish
- Proactive problem-solving across all disciplines
Cost Effectiveness:
- Reduced administrative overhead
- Elimination of redundant work between contractors
- Optimized workflows and resource allocation
- Predictable project costs and timelines
No, Silverthorne's CCUS services focus on site assessment, characterization, permitting, construction, and operations management. CO2 transportation via pipeline or other methods is handled separately by specialized CO2 transport companies. Silverthorne can coordinate with transport providers to ensure proper delivery specifications and infrastructure requirements are met at the injection site.
A typical CCUS project timeline from initial site identification to active CO2 injection ranges from 3-7 years, broken down approximately as follows:
Site Identification & Assessment: 6-18 months Feasibility & Development Planning: 6-12 months
Permitting (Class VI): 18-36 months Construction & Well Completion: 12-24 months Commissioning & Start-up: 3-6 months
Timelines vary based on:
- Site complexity and data availability
- Regulatory jurisdiction and permit type
- Stakeholder engagement requirements
- Funding and resource availability
- Infrastructure development needs
Projects converting existing oil and gas operations to CCUS can often proceed faster due to existing infrastructure and data, while greenfield projects in new areas typically require longer development periods.
Ready to Start Your CCUS Project?
Contact Silverthorne Seismic today to discuss your carbon capture and storage needs. Our team of geoscientists and engineers will guide you through every phase of your CCUS project with comprehensive, single-source management.
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