LOC-NESS Phase 1 and Phase 2 – Overview and Project Status

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Overview

On May 14, 2024, the EPA received two complete permit applications from a researcher at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. The applicant applied for two MPRSA research permits to authorize the transportation and disposition of material into ocean waters offshore of Massachusetts as part of an ocean alkalinity enhancement research project referred to as the Locking away Ocean Carbon in the Northeast Shelf and Slope Project, or LOC-NESS Project. Ocean alkalinity enhancement is a form of marine carbon dioxide removal.  

The applicant proposed two sequential research activities, referred to here as LOC-NESS Phase 1 and LOC-NESS Phase 2, each involving the transportation and controlled release of 50% sodium hydroxide (an alkaline solution) mixed with a water tracer dye into surface waters seaward of the territorial waters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The applicant designed the LOC-NESS Phase 1 and Phase 2 research study (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of the research team’s approach to monitor changes in ocean alkalinity and subsequent carbon dioxide uptake by the ocean resulting from the alkaline solution additions and (2) to collect scientific information to better understand any potential adverse impacts to human health, the marine environment and other uses of the ocean. 

LOC-NESS Phase 1 Proposed Research Permit No. EPA-HQ-MPRSA-2024-001

Project Status 

The EPA has not yet reached a final determination on whether to issue an MPRSA research permit for the LOC-NESS Phase 1 research project (proposed permit No. EPA-HQ-MPRSA-2024-001). The EPA is awaiting updated information from the applicant regarding the Phase 1 research project, now proposed for summer 2025, before resuming the permitting process. 

Project Updates

  • May 14, 2024: The EPA received a complete application for LOC-NESS Phase 1 from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for a research project proposed to occur during the summer of 2024 in ocean waters south of Martha’s Vineyard, approximately 9.5 miles south of the nearest shoreline in Nomans Land Island, Massachusetts.
  • May 30 to July 11, 2024: The EPA published a notice on May 30, 2024, inviting public review and comment on the EPA’s tentative determination and the conditions of the proposed permit during a public comment period. Among other things, the EPA requested comment on the location of the proposed activities, the potential effects of the project and the proposed conditions for a research permit. The EPA held a public listening session on June 17, 2024, during the public comment period.
  • July 22, 2024: The EPA provided an update that the applicant proposed a shift in project dates from August 2024 to September 2024.
  • August 14, 2024: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution issued a press release stating that the proposed LOC-NESS Phase 1 project would be postponed until summer 2025 due to last-minute changes in research vessel availability for the proposed dates in September 2024.

Supporting Documents 

A copy of the permit and information supporting the EPA’s decision to issue an MPRSA research permit for LOC-NESS Phase 1 are available on the Federal Rulemaking Portal at Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0591.   

Documents available in the docket include, but are not limited to: 

LOC-NESS Phase 2 Proposed Research Permit No. EPA-HQ-MPRSA-2024-002 

Project Status  

The EPA has not yet reached a final determination on whether to issue an MPRSA research permit for the LOC-NESS Phase 2 research project (proposed permit No. EPA-HQ-MPRSA-2024-002). The EPA is awaiting updated information from the applicant regarding the Phase 2 research project, now proposed for summer 2026, before resuming the permitting process. 

Project Updates

  • May 14, 2024: The EPA received a complete application for LOC-NESS Phase 2 from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for a research project proposed to occur during the summer of 2025 in the Wilkinson Basin, approximately 38 miles from the nearest shoreline in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
  • May 30 to July 11, 2024: The EPA published a notice on May 30, 2024, inviting public review and comment on the EPA’s tentative determination and the conditions of the proposed permit during a public comment period. The EPA held a public listening session on June 17, 2024, during the public comment period. Among other things, the EPA requested comment on the location of the proposed activities, the potential effects of the project and the proposed conditions for a research permit.
  • August 14, 2024: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution issued a press release stating that the proposed LOC-NESS Phase 1 project would be postponed until summer 2025 due to last-minute changes in research vessel availability. As a result, the Phase 2 project dates would also shift by one year to summer 2026.

Supporting Documents  

Ocean Dumping

Marine Protection Permitting Program Regional Contacts
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Last updated on September 25, 2024