LOC-NESS Wilkinson Basin Study Research Permit

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Overview

On May 14, 2024, the EPA received two complete permit applications from a researcher at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for the transportation and disposition of materials at two locations in ocean waters seaward of state jurisdiction in Massachusetts. The two research studies were proposed as part of an ocean alkalinity enhancement research program referred to as "Locking Ocean Carbon in the Northeast Shelf and Slope" Project, or LOC-NESS Project.

The applicant originally proposed two sequential research activities, referred to as the LOC-NESS Martha's Vineyard Study ("Phase 1") and LOC-NESS Wilkinson Basin Study ("Phase 2"). Each study would require the transportation and controlled release of 50% sodium hydroxide (an alkaline solution) mixed with a water tracer dye into surface ocean waters. The applicant designed the studies (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.

The applicant subsequently withdrew the permit application for the LOC-NESS Martha's Vineyard Study after completing additional laboratory research and engagements with local stakeholders and interest groups, including fishing organizations. In April 2025, the EPA issued an MPRSA research permit for the transportation and release for the LOC-NESS Wilkinson Basin Study into ocean waters at the Wilkinson Basin location.

Project Timeline

  • May 14, 2024: The EPA received a complete application for LOC-NESS Wilkinson Basin Study 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. 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.
  • August 14, 2024: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution issued a press release stating that the proposed LOC-NESS Martha’s Vineyard Study would be postponed until summer 2025 due to last-minute changes in research vessel availability. The LOC-NESS Wilkinson Basin Study was expected to be postponed by one year to summer 2026.
  • November to December 2024: The applicant informed the EPA that additional laboratory and modeling analyses had been completed to address several of the research objectives (e.g., engineering and fluid dilution modelling) for the LOC-NESS Martha's Vineyard Study. The applicant also conducted several outreach events with local stakeholders and interest groups to collect input and share information about the proposed research study. The applicant subsequently withdrew the permit application for the LOC-NESS Martha’s Vineyard Study and updated the permit application for the LOC-NESS Wilkinson Basin Study. 
  • January 15 to February 14, 2025: The EPA requested comment on additional information and proposed updates to tentative permit conditions for the LOC-NESS Wilkinson Basin Study. The EPA held a public listening session on February 12, 2025, during the public comment period.  
  • February 2025: The EPA concluded consultations with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act.
  • March 2025: The EPA concluded consultations with NOAA Fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
  • April 2025: The EPA concluded consultations with NOAA Fisheries under the Endangered Species Act.
  • April 2025: After considering all comments received, the EPA issued an MPRSA research permit to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution based on the EPA's determination that the disposition of materials would not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, or amenities; the marine environment; ecological systems; or economic potentialities. 

Supporting Documents and Reports

Additional supporting documents are available in the docket on Regulations.gov (Docket ID EPA-HQ-OW-2024-0189).

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Last updated on April 23, 2025