Great Plains Organic Waste Sequestration

The Great Plains Organic Waste Sequestration project permanently stores organic waste deep underground in Hutchinson, Kansas, preventing carbon from re-entering the atmosphere. Organic wastes like biosolids, livestock manure, and agricultural residues are typically left to decompose, sent to landfills, or otherwise disposed of — releasing their carbon back into the atmosphere. Using a proprietary slurry injection technology, the project collects these waste materials, minimally processes them on site, and injects them underground for permanent geologic storage.

The facility operates across a network of 60 salt caverns spanning 232 acres, with wells 500–800 feet below ground and a total capacity of 2–3 million metric tonnes of organic waste. The project is designed to remove an estimated 30,000–50,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year. On arrival, feedstocks are mixed with recovered brine to form a slurry, then ground and injected into the caverns at low pressure. Injected carbon is expected to remain sequestered for over 10,000 years, with the impermeable salt formation serving as the primary containment barrier.

The project also addresses public health and environmental justice concerns tied to conventional waste disposal. When manure is land-applied, runoff can trigger algae blooms that produce toxins harmful to human health. Biosolids sent to landfills generate toxic leachate, while incinerated biosolids can release heavy metals, PFAS, and dioxins. Research has found that waste sites and polluting facilities are disproportionately located in BIPOC and low-income communities. By keeping these materials underground, the project aims to reduce these local harms. Community engagement — including site tours, open houses, and public outreach — is built into ongoing operations.

Vaulted Deep owns and operates the facility. Advantek Waste Management Services LLC serves as an ongoing technology and operating partner that incubated Vaulted. Monthly and quarterly reports are submitted to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) covering groundwater quality, injection volumes, and subsurface stability.