Class VI well permit

April 21, 2025

The picturesque California Delta, often referred to as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, is emerging as a geological treasure trove in California’s ambitious journey toward reaching net-zero carbon emissions. Its unique geology presents a compelling case for carbon sequestration, an essential strategy in the battle against climate change. Recent developments, including a collaborative effort between SCS and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) on a Class VI permit application for Pelican Renewables, indicate the region’s growing importance in California’s carbon mitigation strategy.

Geological Foundations of Carbon Sequestration in the California Delta

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a vast inland delta formed by the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers as they meet the waters of the San Francisco Bay. Its unique geology makes it an ideal candidate for carbon sequestration:

1. Sedimentary Riches: The delta’s soil predominantly comprises thick sedimentary deposits. These layers of sediment offer substantial storage capacity for carbon dioxide, providing an opportunity to trap and store emissions safely underground.
2. Aquifers Beneath: Deep beneath the delta’s surface lie extensive aquifers, isolated from the atmosphere. These natural reservoirs can serve as secure carbon storage sites, minimizing the risk of CO2 leakage.
3. Stability Amidst Earthquakes: Compared to other parts of California, the delta region experiences relatively low seismic activity. This geological stability is vital for the long-term integrity of carbon storage sites.
4. Proximity to Emission Sources: The delta’s strategic location close to major emission sources, including industrial facilities and urban centers like Sacramento and San Francisco, reduces transportation costs and emissions of moving captured CO2.

California’s Net Zero Carbon Goal and Carbon Sequestration in the Delta

California has set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, a milestone in the fight against climate change. Achieving this objective necessitates reducing emissions and actively removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere. Carbon sequestration in the California Delta can be pivotal in this endeavor. The delta’s geological potential aligns seamlessly with the state’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.

Collaborative Efforts: SCS and LLNL’s Class VI Permit Application

The collaboration between SCS and the prestigious Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) underscores the seriousness with which carbon sequestration is being pursued in the California Delta. The joint Class VI permit application underlines the commitment to conducting carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities with the highest safety and environmental standards. This initiative is a testament to the growing synergy between scientific research and private enterprise in addressing climate challenges.

References and Further Reading

For a deeper dive into California’s efforts to reach net zero, “Getting to Neutral” by LLNL is a valuable resource. This publication outlines the exploration of various strategies and technologies to achieve California’s ambitious carbon reduction goals, including carbon sequestration in regions like the California Delta.

In conclusion, the California Delta’s geological attributes make it an attractive destination for carbon sequestration, a critical component in California’s mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Collaborative endeavors like SCS’s ongoing partnership with LLNL highlight the commitment to responsible carbon capture and storage practices. As we continue to innovate and harness the potential of our natural surroundings, the California Delta’s role in addressing climate change becomes increasingly evident and essential.

Related Resources

• 2025 Award-Winning Carbon Capture and Sequestration Achievements
• Carbon Sequestration & Deep Well Injection
• USEPA Site on Class VI Wells

November 2, 2023

SCS Engineers explains how site characterization provides groundwater protection during carbon dioxide injection. Geologist Lindsey Hawksworth discusses the process by which the EPA permits Class VI wells for carbon storage and sequestration. She takes viewers through the steps of determining if a proposed project site has a suitable injection zone to receive carbon dioxide and a confining zone that prevents fluid movement out of the injection zone. Her guidance may help viewers determine if their Class VI wells operate as permitted. And, importantly, it helps detect risks that may lead to groundwater endangerment and potential reevaluation of the area of review where potential threats may exist. Spend 10 minutes with this sharp young professional!

Watch Groundwater Protection During Carbon Dioxide Injection

Meet Lindsey Hawksworth, an SCS Project Professional. Lindsey provides groundwater sampling and monitoring, permitting, and field services management for groundwater protection. If you want to work with smart people like Lindsey, visit SCS Engineers. Reach out to her at or on LinkedIn with comments and questions.

See the SCS Engineers’ library of Clean Air and Greenhouse Gas Reduction videos for more educational content from our professionals. Visit our Carbon Sequestration & Deep Well Injection site where you’ll find more information about how to permanently isolate fluids and gases in deep geologic formations to ensure these materials stay there and don’t impact useable resources or the environment.