By Emily Burleigh

The Leesville City Council unanimously passed a resolution on Monday stating the council’s opposition to carbon capture drilling in Vernon Parish.

Aethon Energy Operating LCC. – a private equity firm based out of Dallas – applied for a permit to drill a Class V stratigraphic test well near Leesville. The well would inject non-hazardous fluids 9,510 feet below ground level to test the area for carbon capture and storage capability.

Carbon capture and storage is the process of capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industry and storing it underground to mitigate the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions.

The resolution approved by the council states that the city is “committed to promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible practices” in Vernon Parish communities. The council’s opposition to carbon capture is supported by “growing evidence” of negative impacts on groundwater resources, air quality and local ecosystem health.

The project, “Flowering Peach Well No. 001,” test would be within a one-mile radius of nine registered water wells; The principal regional aquifers in the area are the Williamson Creek Aquifer, Carnahan Bayou Aquifer and Catahoula Aquifer. The base of the lowest underground water source is about 2,475 feet below ground level.

A public meeting regarding the permit that was scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Leesville Municipal Golf Course was canceled and is set to be rescheduled at a later date and different venue, according to the Department of Energy and Natural Resources.