FAQ's
What is the WPCI?
WPCI is a proposed pipeline right-of-way (ROW) network designed to connect sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) to existing oil fields that are suitable for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), via CO2 flooding. The WPCI was a product of Governor Mead’s Energy Strategy.
What is the purpose of the WPCI?
The WPCI is intended to address future needs for pipeline infrastructure within Wyoming that would transport CO2, and eventually resulting products. By establishing corridors on federal lands, companies that wish to construct pipelines in the WPCI will be able to do so with shorter timetables, as a large portion of the federal planning process will be completed. Additionally, by consolidating infrastructure within the WPCI, impacts to other resources will be minimized.
What is enhanced oil recovery?
Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is the process of obtaining stranded oil not recovered from an oil reservoir through conventional extraction processes.
Who were the responsible parties in the WPCI planning process?
The Wyoming Pipeline Authority (WPA), now known as the Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA), was the main proponent of the project. The WPA received ROW grants or other instruments that were deemed appropriate by federal agencies. ROWs are assigned to companies who wish to build within the WPCI, under the oversight of federal land managing agencies. The State of Wyoming acted as the co-lead in the planning process. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was the lead federal agency in the planning process. The BLM coordinated with the State of Wyoming to ensure the administrative processes were complete, as well as issuing the Record of Decision.
How many miles of pipeline corridor are there?
The WPCI established approximately 1,150 miles of pipeline corridor on federal lands.
How wide are the pipeline corridors?
Trunk corridors are 300 feet wide and can contain up to five 24-inch pipelines. Lateral corridors are 200 feet wide and can contain up to three 24-inch pipelines.
What federally managed lands are crossed by the WPCI?
As proposed, the WPCI crosses BLM lands in 9 field office areas. Additionally, small amounts of U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Department of Defense managed lands are crossed.
Who paid for the WPCI?
The Wyoming Legislature allocated Abandoned Mine Land (AML) funds for the project during the 2012 Budget Session. These funds were used for the WPCI planning process.
What is the benefit for Wyoming?
Wo et al. (2009) at the University of Wyoming, School of Energy Resources estimate that 1.2 to 1.8 billion barrels of oil may be recovered by CO2 flooding, providing significant revenues to Wyoming. CO2 flooding could also sequester up to 20 trillion cubic feet of CO2, benefitting the state due to national CO2 regulation.
How were impacts to other resources addressed?
The State of Wyoming worked with the BLM and other federal, state, and local entities to address potential resource impacts from the WPCI. An environmental analysis was completed per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to permit the proposed pipeline corridors on federally managed lands. Qualified project proponents who intend to build within the WPCI must also complete project-specific permits and surveys before construction can begin.
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