The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it is accepting public comments on two tentative permits under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act for a climate change mitigation study proposed off the coast of Cape Cod. The study, initiated by a researcher at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, will investigate ocean alkalinity enhancement as a potential method for removing and storing carbon dioxide from ocean waters.

The proposed research is part of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s "LOC-NESS Project." According to the EPA, this study aims to advance scientific understanding of ocean alkalinity enhancement and its possible effects on human health, marine environments, and other oceanic uses. The agency does not foresee any measurable environmental or other impacts beyond the monitoring periods of the study.

Under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, the EPA can issue research permits for material transportation and disposition into the ocean when it determines that the scientific merit outweighs potential environmental or other damages. If granted, these would be the first permits by the EPA to authorize research on ocean alkalinity enhancement.

Public comments are welcomed on these tentative permits. Information regarding the proposed activities and tentative determinations can be found on the Federal Rulemaking Portal under Docket ID Nos. EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0591 and EPA-HQ-OW-2024-0189. All received comments during the public comment period will inform final determinations and conditions for permitted activities.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution proposes a two-phased study. Phase 1 will take place over several days in summer 2024 south of Martha’s Vineyard, approximately 9.5 miles from Nomans Land Island's nearest shoreline in Massachusetts. Phase 2 is scheduled for summer 2025 within Wilkinson Basin, about 38 miles from Cape Cod's nearest shoreline in Massachusetts. Both phases involve controlled releases of sodium hydroxide solution into surface ocean waters with multi-day monitoring of temporary water chemistry shifts and other environmental changes.

The EPA will host a virtual listening session on June 17, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EDT to provide details on both phases of the proposed research activities and tentative determinations. Registration in advance is required for participation.

There is increasing interest among federal agencies, researchers, industry stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations in exploring marine carbon dioxide removal techniques like ocean alkalinity enhancement to mitigate climate change impacts. The EPA acknowledges that further research is necessary to understand these techniques' effectiveness and potential environmental benefits or risks.

Further information about permitting marine carbon dioxide removal activities can be found on the EPA’s website.

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