Monitoring, mitigation, and verification, also known as MMV, are techniques employed to determine the safe storage of CO2 from geologic sequestration processes. These techniques include instruments that monitor CO2 in storage reservoirs to determine movement as well as change in physical and chemical states. Models are also incorporated to predict movement, chemical reactions, and permanence of CO2 storage in the formation.

SWP and the other six partnerships are also working to determine best practices and procedures for detecting changes in the storage formations that could lead to a loss of CO2 and/or negative impacts to human health and the environment. In addition to broadening knowledge about safeguards to CO2 storage and further advancement of carbon sequestration technologies, the establishment of MMV protocols and procedures will also allow for the safe storage of CO2 on a commercial level. This then provides opportunities for an emissions reduction credit system, which would contribute to the economic viability of carbon capture and storage projects.