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Commissioners adopt CO2 geological sequestration ordinance after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with supporters and residents raising safety concerns, the Jay County Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 2026-11, establishing local standards for CO2 geological sequestration tied to a proposed POET Biorefining project.
The Jay County Commissioners on July 13 unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026-11, creating local standards for CO2 geological carbon sequestration aimed at governing a proposed project by POET Biorefining.
Adam Homan, General Manager of POET Biorefining, spoke in support of the ordinance and told commissioners it was developed "to make sure it is safe and feasible on top of EPA requirements." County attorney Wes Schemenaur and John Hemmelgarn, Director of Jay‑Portland Building and Planning, explained that drilling and permitting also involve state and federal oversight and that the ordinance limits injection to local CO2 sources.
Residents raised concerns at the hearing. Tom Hopkins questioned the safety of the project and the risk of carbon seeping into water reserves; Jane Brewer asked for maps showing areas that could be affected. County officials said the ordinance includes safety procedures and that EPA review and an EPA Class 6 permit are part of the regulatory process.
Tony Muzzin, representing DTE Vantage (hired by POET), described technical safeguards: seismic testing in 2024, test drilling and rock sampling, a cap rock seal, and a Chrome 25 casing in the well. He said the company "have set aside $15 million toward correcting any issues in the $75 million dollar investment" and reported plans for early-detection testing with the City of Portland Water Department and outreach efforts to potentially affected landowners.
Commissioner Doug Horn moved to approve Ordinance 2026-11 as presented; Duane Monroe seconded and the motion passed by unanimous vote. The ordinance adoption authorizes the county standards; EPA permitting and additional state/federal reviews remain separate processes.
