During the Decatur City Council meeting on March 20, 2023, significant concerns were raised regarding the safety of carbon sequestration operations following a recent CO2 leak linked to ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company). The leak, which occurred through a corroded well less than ten years old, was first reported by the media rather than by ADM or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), raising alarms about the lack of communication and safeguards for public health.

City Council members had previously been assured of the safety of carbon sequestration practices, but the incident has prompted questions about the adequacy of emergency response protocols. Notably, the U.S. Department of Labor identified a lack of preventative maintenance as a contributing factor in a separate explosion at ADM's West plant, which injured three workers. This has intensified scrutiny on ADM's operational safety measures, particularly in a city with over 68,000 residents and the company's North American headquarters.

As the council prepares to vote on the Macon County multi-hazard mitigation plan, which includes carbon sequestration and explosions as hazardous threats, the specifics of response plans for potential leaks or explosions remain unclear. City leaders are expected to demand that ADM adhere strictly to its emergency response and remediation plans, cease CO2 injection into unauthorized zones, and ensure proper monitoring of injection wells as per EPA regulations.

While the recent leak did not affect water quality, the city’s recent approval of an easement for ADM to expand its carbon sequestration activities under Lake Decatur has raised further concerns. City officials are calling for accountability to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of both workers and residents.