US research paper questions viability of carbon capture and storage
Document from Houston University claims governments overestimated CCS value
The Guardian (U.K.), April 26, 2010
A new research paper from American academics is threatening to blow a hole in growing political support for carbon capture and storage as a weapon in the fight against global warming.
The document from Houston University claims that governments wanting to use CCS have overestimated its value and says it would take a reservoir the size of a small US state to hold the CO2 produced by one power station.
Previous modelling has hugely underestimated the space needed to store CO2 because it was based on the "totally erroneous" premise that the pressure feeding the carbon into the rock structures would be constant, argues Michael Economides, professor of chemical engineering at Houston, and his co-author Christene Ehlig-Economides, professor of energy engineering at Texas A&M University
"It is like putting a bicycle pump up against a wall. It would be hard to inject CO2 into a closed system without eventually producing so much pressure that it fractured the rock and allowed the carbon to migrate to other zones and possibly escape to the surface," Economides said.
The paper concludes that CCS "is not a practical means to provide any substantive reduction in CO2 emissions, although it has been repeatedly presented as such by others."
The report has come at a critical time when British and other governments worldwide have started to fast-track a series of CCS prototype schemes as a way of removing carbon from the atmosphere and helping with climate change..
On 8 April, Royal assent was given on to what is now the Energy Act 2010, which made law plans to raise a levy on power users to establish four CCS projects in Britain. Ministers see this as a potentially planet-friendly way of building new coal fired power stations, such as the one E.ON wants to construct at Kingsnorth, in Kent.
The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), which lobbies on behalf of the sector, says Britain is now at the forefront of new technology with a legislative framework in place that offers the opportunity for long-term investment.
Projects are proceeding in the US, such as the experimental coal-fired Mountaineer plant in New Haven, West Virginia, which began small-scale carbon capture last year, as well as in Canada, China and other countries.
Jeff Chapman, chief executive of the CCSA, believes Economides has made inappropriate assumptions about the science and geology. He believes the conclusions in the paper are wrong and says his views are backed up by rebuttals from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the Pacific Northwest National laboratory and the American Petroleum Institute.
The British Geological Survey confirmed it was looking at the Economides findings and was hoping to shortly produce a peer-reviewed analysis.
Economides, who has a PHD from Stanford University, said he had seen the arguments against his paper from the API and dismissed them as "nonsense" saying vested interests are protecting a new concept foisted on the world by geologists without proper thought.
"I was a [practising] petroleum engineer for many years and soon realised that geologists did not understand flow and the laws of physics, against which you can't argue."
Chapman pointed out that Statoil, a Norwegian oil company, had been injecting CO2 into an old reservoir on the North Sea Sleipner field for some time as a successful experiment in carbon storage. But Economides says the Sleipner scheme involved a million tonnes over three years, while one 500mW commercial station would need to absorb and store 3m tonnes annually for 25 years.Economides, who admits he veers towards being something of a climate change sceptic, says the oil and coal industries see these schemes as potential solutions so they can keep on doing what they have been doing in the past, but "CCS is the last refuge of the scoundrel," he said.
Monday, May 24, 2010
US research paper questions viability of carbon capture and storage
Monday, May 17, 2010
There is near scientific unanimity that global climate change is occurring, that it is caused and/or exacerbated by human activities, and that the effects on human health and well-being are potentially very serious. Children are noted as particularly vulnerable.
We know that some of the major direct health effects of global climate change include:
- Casualties and trauma during floods, typhoons, storms, hurricanes and other natural disasters; and
- Increased morbidity and mortality due to ischemic heart disease, respiratory disease, and disease of the nervous system, kidneys, etc. during hot weather.
Indirect health effects include:
- Increased incidence of infectious and parasitogenic diseases due to increased rainfalls;
- Higher risk of intestinal infections due to the breakdown of water supply and sanitation networks; and
- Increased morbidity and mortality from suspended particulates in air and other air pollutants during forest fires.
World-wide, other issues such as forced migration, food security, and limited access to resources including arable land and water will have an impact on all members of society. All of these potential effects have enormous outcomes for children.
With the World Health Organization estimating that 34% of all childhood illnesses throughout the world are due to modifiable environmental factors, our role in the field of climate change is crucial. The goals of CEHN are to educate the wider public about the children’s environmental health consequences of climate disruption and to provide interventions and alternatives.
For more resources on climate disruption, visit our partners:
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Local Watershed Links
Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber's mission is to promote the advancement of the economic, industrial, professional, commercial, cultural, and civic welfare of the Canton/Stark County area.
Crossroads RC & D
Crossroads provides technical assistance to projects related to the environment such as water quality planning and implementation, with a focus on rural resources and businesses. Types of services provided by Crossroads include fund raising, strategic planning, project planning, board development, grant writing, and natural resource technical expertise.
Earth Acton Partnership (EAP)
EAP is a Canton-based environmental not-for-profit organization funded by grants, contributions, and memberships. Their goal is to restore greenspace in urban areas to help solve storm water run-off problems associated with development.
Medina County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
Medina County SWCD promotes the conservation of natural resources in Medina County, Ohio, by providing current and accurate information, technical assistance, education, and cost-share programs.
Medina Summit Land Conservancy
This nonprofit land trust is dedicated to protecting land in Summit and Medina Counties from development.
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Assessment
This website from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District is devoted to promoting the mission of the District and explains the proposed maintenance assessment for land parcels within the Muskingum River Watershed.
Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning & Development Organization (NEFCO)
NEFCO was created as a voluntary organization to enable local officials to discuss problems facing the Region and to develop strategies to cope with them. NEFCO also serves as a forum through which local, state and federal planning programs can be more effectively coordinated.
NEFCO Fact Sheet (PDF)
Portage Lakes Advisory Council (PLAC)
The Portage Lakes Advisory Council (PLAC) is a non-political, not-for-profit corporation in Summit County, Ohio, existing for persons interested in the well being of the Portage Lakes and improving the quality of life within its environs.
This site is the place to go to find information about Stark County’s elected officials, County agencies, County jobs, and links to other local agencies and cities.
Stark County Drainage Task Force
The Stark County Drainage Task Force was organized after Stark County suffered sever flooding in July 2003. The website provides an overview of the Task Force's goals and objectives as well as useful information on drainage and stormwater management specific to Stark County.
Stark County Health Department – Environmental
This site contains information on all the Health Department’s Environmental programs and services, including the mosquito program, animal bits, lead analysis, public health complaints, well water samples, permits, and septic system inspections.
The mission of the Stark County Park District is to acquire, preserve and develop natural areas accessible to all residents of Stark County for purposes of passive recreation, conservation, education and outdoor nature appreciation.
Stark Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
Stark SWCD is dedicated to conserving natural resources by educating, guiding and assisting the citizens of Stark County, Ohio. This site contains information about their programs, including agricultural assistance and storm water management.
Summit County Health Department - Environmental Health Division
The Environmental Health Division is the inspectional arm of the Summit County Health District. Some of the programs and services provided by the Environmental Health Division include home sewage disposal, mosquito control, emergency planning and response, and well water safety.
Summit County Storm Water Initiative
The County's NPDES Storm Water Phase II initiative run through the Summit County Engineer's office that promotes a cooperative, coordinated, cost effective, comprehensive, and continued watershed management system program in the County.
Summit Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
The Summit SWCD provides local leadership and technical assistance for innovative programs to conserve soils, improve water quality, and enhance natural resources in Summit County, Ohio.
Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
Wayne SWCD provides a wide range of conservation services and programs to the citizens of Wayne County, Ohio.
Western Reserve RC & D
The Western Reserve Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) area includes Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Summit, and Wayne Counties. They work to plan, promote, and implement conservation and sustainable uses of natural resources, in both rural and urban areas.
State Watershed Links
Clean Ohio Fund
In November 2000, voters approved the $400 million Clean Ohio Fund program to preserve green space and farmland, improve outdoor recreation, and revitalize blighted neighborhoods by cleaning up and redeveloping polluted properties.
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Division of Surface Water
The Division of Water’s mission is to protect, enhance and restore all waters in the state for the health, safety and welfare of present and future generations. This site contains sections on Ohio EPA publications, water resource rules and laws, policies and guidance, and surface water programs.
Ohio EPA's 2004 Sport Fish Consumption Advisory
Here you will find information on fish consumption advisories issued by the Ohio Department of Health for sport fish caught in Ohio waters. The Department of Health, in cooperation with Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, issues this advice under Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3701).
Ohio EPA's Study on the Lower Middle Branch of Nimishillen Creek
The Ohio EPA conducted an aquatic ecological assessment along a portion of the Middle Branch of Nimishillen Creek around the IUSI-Union Metal facility located in Canton.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
ODNR is responsible for mineral extraction, monitoring of dam safety, managing water resources, mapping major geological structures, and promoting recycling and litter prevention in Ohio. They also have jurisdiction over more than 120,000 acres of inland waters (lakes and ponds), 7,000 miles of streams, 481 miles of the Ohio River, and 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie. In addition, ODNR owns 74 state parks, 20 state forests, 123 state nature preserves, and 96 wildlife areas.
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation – Water Quality
The Ohio Farm Bureau has over 200,000 members and is the largest general farm organization in Ohio representing all 88 Ohio counties. Part of the Farm Bureau’s mission is working with agricultural producers throughout the state to minimize pollution to surface water (streams, lakes, wetlands) and groundwater.
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
The Ohio State University Extension
Their mission is to help people improve lives through an educational process using scientific knowledge on identified issues and needs. The Extension is broadly recognized throughout the state as a premier educational network for food, agriculture and environmental sciences.
Ohio Watershed Network
This site provides information to community members and environmental professionals who want to protect the resources in their watershed. The site contains articles on topical issues relating to watershed management, a virtual watershed tour, information on other watershed groups in Ohio, and other resources and reference materials.
STREAMS, which stands for STream Restoration, Ecology, & Aquatic Management Solutions, is a website for a multi-agency group dedicated to improving the function and quality of Ohio streams through education on the use of natural channel design concepts.
Federal Watershed Links
United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources and Environment
The goal of the Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Mission Area is to ensure the health of the land through sustainable management. The NRE is composed of the Forest Service and theNatural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) which assist with rural development and help communities with natural resource concerns, such as erosion control, watershed protection, and forestry.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) - Office of Water
The USEPA has been working for over 30 years to provide the American people a cleaner, healthier environment. Below is a link to their Office of Water which is charged with safeguarding America's water resources.
Stream Systems Technology Center
The Stream Systems Technology Center, or "STREAM TEAM " is a national technical center chartered to improve knowledge of stream systems and watershed hydrology, develop operational tools and technology, provide training and technical support, and identify research needs for the purpose of coordinating development of needed technology to secure favorable conditions of water flows.
Surf Your Watershed: USEPA has developed a website dedicated to environmental issues and information for the entire Tuscarawas River Basin. You can find up-to-date information ranging from water quality data to population statistics.
United States Geological Service (USGS)
The USGS is a federal agency that serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to: a) describe and understand the earth; b) minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; c) manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and d) enhance and protect our quality of life. One of the services USGS provides is establishing a network of monitoring/gaging stations on hundreds of streams across the country. Below are links to not only the USGS website, but to all the stream-gaging stations located in the watersheds.
USGS Website: www.usgs.gov
Chippewa Creek Stream Gage: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/uv?03116077
Nimishillen Creek Mainstem Stream Gage: www.waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/uv?03118500
Nimishillen Creek Middle Branch Stream Gage: www.waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/uv?03118000
Tuscarawas River at Massillon Stream Gage: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/uv?03117000
Wolf Creek Stream Gage: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/uv?410014081362600
Other Watershed Links
American Rivers is a national nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring healthy natural rivers and the variety of life they sustain for people, fish, and wildlife.
Center for Watershed Protection
This is a nonprofit corporation that provides local governments, activists, and watershed organizations around the country with the technical tools for protecting some of the nation's most precious natural resources: our streams, lakes and rivers.
Izaak Walton League - Save Our Streams (SOS) Program
Save Our Streams (SOS) is a national watershed education and outreach program oraganized by the Izaak Walton League of America. For more than 30 years, SOS has developed innovative educational programs for various groups and individuals throughout the country.
Know Your Watershed
Know Your Watershed is a coordinated national efforts to encourage the formation of local, voluntary watershed partnerships and help assure that these partnerships successfully attain their goals.
National Watershed Coalition NEW!!
An organization that advocates dealing with natural resource problems and issues using watershed as the planning and implementation unit. This site provides information about watersheds, legislation affecting watersheds, and various brochures and reports.
Project WET (Watershed Education for Teachers)
Project WET is a nonprofit water education program and publisher for educators and young people ages 5-18. The program facilitates and promotes awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of water resources through dissemination of classroom-ready teaching aids and the establishment of internationally sponsored programs.
This organization has assumed primary responsibility for building and supporting the river and watershed movement. They help groups learn how to organize in their communities, and provide tools and training they need to be effective.
The WaterWeb consortium was created to promote the sharing of information concerning water and the environment. This organization seeks to bring together educational, governmental, nonprofit, and commercial entities interested in water research, conservation, and management. It’s a good site to find information on many water topics.