CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has been a prominent issue in Central Illinois for several years. To ensure that this process is conducted safely, Champaign County is now establishing a task force.

In this region, the Mahomet Aquifer, along with other smaller underground water systems, serves essential purposes such as providing water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Proper implementation of CCS is crucial to avoid adverse effects on these water sources.

The task force will include Chair Dr. Christopher Stohr, CUPH Administrator Julie Pryde, among others. They emphasize the need for a committed service team to address the complexity of the issue.

“The task force is undertaken to study both the carbon sequestration and the need for that, plus any activities that might interfere with that,” Stor said. “As well as looking at trying to preserve the remaining groundwater quality.”

Stohr said the task force has already met once and has another meeting scheduled for late this month. The task force will also hear from geologists to better understand carbon sequestration.