HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0894.000 1998-2000
Pacific International
ZAWt, Center for
High Technology
Research
August 14, 2(HH)
Council Chair James Y. Arakaki
Council Chair & Presiding Officer
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Subject: Draft Environmental Assessment
Ocean Sequestration of C02 Field Experiment
Dear Council Chair Arakaki:
In follow-up to our correspondence and discussions last year, the Pacific International Center
for High Technology Research (PICHTR) would like to inform you that a draft Environmental
Assessment (EA) has been prepared by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the "Ocean
Sequestration Of C02 Field Experiment" (or "Field Experiment") and is now available for
public review and comment. PICHTR is administering this small international scientific
experiment. Other participants include DOE, and a group of international organizations from
Japan, United States, Norway, Canada, Switzerland, and Australia.
The purpose of the Field Experiment is to evaluate the dispersion and diffusion of liquid
carbon dioxide droplets in ocean waters. The planned experiment is tentatively scheduled for
mid-2001 within the Ocean Research Corridor of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii
Authority at Ke2hole Point, Hawaii.
If the action is approved, DOE would participate in a series of tests involving the intermittent
release of liquid carbon dioxide at a depth of about 2,600 feet (800 meters), approximately 1.6
miles (-2.6 kilometers) from the coastline. The carbon dioxide would be supplied through
flexible tubing from a surface vessel to a nozzle attached to a retrievable platform resting on
the ocean floor. This arrangement is a result of a design change made earlier this year from a
land-based experiment to a vessel-based experiment. All testing would be completed within a
two-week period. Monitoring of the released carbon dioxide droplets would be accomplished
using one or two remotely operated vehicles, which are controlled from surface vessels, and
bottom arrays of measurement equipment.
DOE prepared the draft EA in fulfillment of its responsibilities under the National
Environmental Policy Act. It is inviting the public and interested agencies to provide oral,
written, or e-mailed comments on the draft Environmental Assessment to DOE by the close of
the public review period on September 8, 2000. It will consider the comments it receives in bQ
preparing the final Environmental Assessment. Comm. No. ~ 1
File No. 'RES
Ref. To:
AW 1 7 2000
2800 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 190 • Honolulu, Hawaii 96822-1843 • Ph: (808) 5409OAat
Council Chair James Y. Arakaki
August 14, 2000
Page 2
A copy of the EA is currently available at the Hawaii County Planning Director's Office in
Hilo and also public libraries in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Alternatively, we could send you a
copy directly if you request one. If you have any questions or require any further
information, please contact Gdrard Nihous at (808) 539-3855 or Lam Neill at (808) 539-3870.
Sincerely,
Keith Matsumoto
Acting President & CEO
cc: Lloyd Lorenzi, U.S. Department of Energy
Perry White, Planning Solutions, Inc.