Researchers have begun injecting carbon dioxide below ground near Wallula to test the ability of deep geologic basalt formations to permanently store the greenhouse gas.
Battelle researchers will join Boise Inc. representatives and members of the Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership July 26 at Boise's Wallula plant to discuss the project with invited guests and media.
The basalt left from lava flows near Wallula includes layers of solid rock and other layers with as many holes as a sponge, which have the potential for storing carbon dioxide.
The gas is expected to flow through the holes and infuse itself in water trapped in the rock. As the carbonated water reacts with elements in the basalt, it should turn into calcium carbonate, the same substance that makes up limestone.