Regional Geologic History, CO2 Source Inventory, and Groundwater Risk Assessment of a Potential CO2 Sequestration Site on the Rock Springs Uplift in Southwest Wyoming

Abstract

The location of a potential carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project in southwest Wyoming is evaluated with emphasis on the site location, geologic history, location of potential drinking-water aquifers, and proximity to sources of both anthropogenic and natural CO2. Natural and anthropogenic CO2 sources were mapped in Wyoming to define their relation to enhanced oil recovery opportunities and prospective storage sites. Of the nearly 60 Mt of anthropogenic CO2 emissions reported in Wyoming, half were located in the Greater Green River Basin (GGRB) in southwest Wyoming. The Rock Springs Uplift (RSU) CO2 storage site is located in the GGRB, and is a promising structure for commercial CO2 storage/surge tank development. Successful economic utilization of natural and anthropogenic CO2 depends on near-by sources, infrastructure, areas of resource depletion suitable for enhanced recovery, and areas of potential storage.