{ "currentVersion": 10.41, "id": 6, "name": "Permit for LOC-NESS Wilkinson Basin Study", "type": "Feature Layer", "description": "In April 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a MPRSA (Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act) research permit to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution based on the EPA's determination that the disposition of materials (see more detail below) would not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, or amenities; the marine environment; ecological systems; or economic potentialities.\n
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\nIn January 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invited public comment on its tentative determination to issue a research permit pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). This follows after the EPA invited public comment in January 2025, held a public listening session in February 2025, and consulted with NOAA and the US Fish & Wildlife Service between February and April 2025.\n
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\nIn May 2024, a researcher at WHOI submitted two complete permit applications to the EPA for two sequential research activities, referred to as the LOC-NESS Phase 1 Martha\u2019s Vineyard Study and LOC-NESS Phase 2 Wilkinson Basin Study, 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 state waters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The applicant designed the studies (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of the research team\u2019s 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.\n
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\nThis map layer shows some of the spatial information contained in the permit application for the LOC-NESS Wilkinson Basin Study.\n
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\nCurrent status and supporting documents:<\/b>\n
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