A comparative review of hydrologic issues involved in geologic storage of CO2 and injection disposal of liquid waste

The paper presents a comparison of hydrologic issues and technical approaches used in deep-well injection and disposal of liquid wastes, and those issues and approaches associated with injection and storage of CO2 in deep brine formations. These comparisons have been discussed in nine areas: injection well integrity; abandoned well problems; buoyancy effects; multiphase flow effects; heterogeneity and flow channeling; multilayer isolation effects; caprock effectiveness and hydromechanics; site characterization and monitoring; effects of CO2 storage on groundwater resources. There are considerable similarities, as well as significant differences. Scientifically and technically, these two fields can learn much from each other. The discussions presented in this paper should help to focus on the key scientific issues facing deep injection of fluids. A substantial but by no means exhaustive reference list has been provided for further studies into the subject.