Public Notice: Carboniferous, Inc. Research Project Permitting
Summary
On May 13, 2025, the EPA received a complete permit application from Carboniferous, Inc. for a research permit under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. As part of its research project, the applicant proposes to transport and place up to 20 biomass packages within a 3.14 square mile Study Area on the seafloor (centered at 26°56'04.3"N 91°19'37.6"W (NAD 1983)) in the Orca Basin. The Orca Basin is a 61 square mile anoxic, hypersaline basin located 2,200 meters below the ocean surface on the continental shelf in the Gulf of America. The closest U.S. shoreline to the Study Area is Raccoon Island, Louisiana, approximately 168 miles northeast of the study area. Each biomass package would contain up to 1 metric ton of compressed sugarcane bagasse (bound together with burlap bags, manila rope, and bailing twine) and would be attached to a steel anchor using steel shackles. Each biomass package and anchor would be connected to a Sampler System, a steel frame affixed with scientific monitoring equipment designed to collect samples from the seawater surrounding the biomass package. The biomass packages and steel anchors would remain on the seafloor after the conclusion of the research project.
Read more about the Carboniferous, Inc. Research Project Overview and Permitting Status.
Applicants or Respondents
Carboniferous, Inc.United States