FAQ
At Bayou Bend, we understand the importance of making carbon transportation and storage both safe and beneficial for local communities. We aim to provide clear answers to common questions about our project and its impact.
Bayou Bend is a joint venture between Chevron, Equinor and TotalEnergies that is proposing to transport and store CO₂ from industrial sources in Southeast Texas.
Carbon storage is a technology that has been used for decades. CO₂ pipelines throughout the United States have been in operation for several decades, with more than 5,000 miles of pipelines currently in operation.
A carbon storage site must have specific underground characteristics in order to safely trap large volumes of CO₂. We believe that Southeast Texas geology has these unique traits. Bayou Bend encompasses approximately 140,000 acres for CO₂ storage.
Bayou Bend aims to support Southeast Texas industries as contributors to the local economy and community.
The expanded Bayou Bend project has approximately 140,000 acres for CO₂ storage.
Bayou Bend leased approximately 40,000 acres beneath state waters off the coast of Jefferson County from the Texas General Land Office and another approximately 100,000 acres from private landowners in Jefferson and Chambers Counties.
Numerous regulatory agencies provide oversight for these types of projects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Underground Injection Control (UIC) program controls the permit process required for underground injection and storage of CO₂ — pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) controls aspects of the project, including pipelines that cross navigable waters or wetlands. EPA and USACE uphold compliance with federal laws and regulations. State agencies, including the Texas Railroad Commission and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, promote compliance with state laws and regulations. Local agencies are involved at county and municipal level with respect to compliance with land use requirements and local laws and ordinances.
Chevron, Equinor and TotalEnergies have substantial expertise in project development and operations. Chevron will contribute its technical expertise and project capabilities to develop and operate this project. TotalEnergies’ involvement will be instrumental for the reduction of direct emissions for their U.S. operations. Equinor brings international experience in energy and lower-carbon efforts.