Walton County commissioners agree to oppose Covington County CO2 disposal wells after state lawmaker warns of groundwater risk
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Summary
After a presentation by Alabama state Rep. Matthew Hammett, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners voted to send letters opposing proposed Class V/VI CO2 injection wells in neighboring Covington County and to ask federal lobbyists to press the issue with EPA Region 4 and federal lawmakers.
State Rep. Matthew Hammett of Alabama told Walton County commissioners on Nov. 12 that developers have applied for a Class VI carbon capture and storage permit in southern Covington County, and he urged Walton County to oppose the project because of shared groundwater and public-safety risks.
"If it's just a 1% chance something can happen, that's too much," Hammett said, describing proposed injection volumes and pipeline lengths and urging the board to contact Alabama' and federal officials. He said he had pre-filed House Bill 64 to allow a local constitutional amendment banning Class V and Class VI disposal wells in Covington County and asked Walton County to send a letter opposing the permit to Gov. Kay Ivey, the Alabama Oil and Gas Board and federal representatives.
Commissioners discussed jurisdictional limits and regulatory steps: Hammett noted federal agency permits and Alabama Oil and Gas Board approval are prerequisites, and staff cautioned that EPA primacy for Class VI wells differs among states. Several commissioners said they were alarmed by the proximity of proposed sites to regional drinking-water sources and schools.
The board voted to send a letter of opposition and to include EPA Region 4 on the distribution list. Chair (unnamed) said county administration would draft a strong opposition letter and circulation plan; commissioners also directed Walton County's federal lobbyist to assist with outreach to congressional offices.
Why this matters: Commissioners said a permit and subsequent construction could affect Walton County's aquifer and emergency-response burden despite the project being in Alabama. The board's action seeks to add regional voices during permit review and to increase pressure on state and federal regulators.
What comes next: Staff will draft the county's opposition letter for commissioner review and will coordinate with federal lobbyists and with Rep. Hammett's office on follow-up actions. The board discussed parallel outreach by Florida agencies and invited public input at future meetings.
Attribution: Representative Matthew Hammett, state representative for Alabama's 92nd District; Kristin Merrifield, owner of Merrifield & Pilchow Realty, spoke during public comment urging the county to take a proactive stance.