More time to comment on ocean test
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The Environmental Protection Agency has extended its public comment period and will hold public hearings on a controversial experiment off Kaua'i that is aimed at determining how effectively the deep ocean stores carbon dioxide.
As part of the experiment, proposed for a spot about four miles from Nawiliwili in water 3,000 feet deep, the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research would oversee the pumping of about 5,000 gallons of liquid carbon dioxide into the water.
Scientists would then study how the liquid disperses and how it affects sea life.
The technology center is acting on behalf of an international consortium studying techniques for combating global climate change.
The Pacific Whale Foundation has called for public protest of the plan, which is a scaled-down model of a test proposed three years ago off Keahole Point on the Big Island that also faced opposition.
"We need to act now to protect our state's unique and treasured marine environment," said Greg Kaufman, Pacific Whale Foundation president.
One threat cited by the Maui-based group is that the introduction of the liquid carbon dioxide immediately acidifies the water, and the acidity could be toxic to marine life.
Gerard Nihous, climate change program manager for the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research, said the experiment has been designed so that the acidity of the water at the release site will be within the ocean's natural range within four hours.
The environmental assessment for the project concluded that any effect on marine life would be minimal, but the EPA said it would require monitoring of impacts on marine life if it approves the testing.
Public hearing dates and other details have not been announced, but the EPA said hearings probably should take place before mid-May.
The public comment period has been extended through May 14. Copies of the environmental study are available at the EPA Pacific Islands Office in Honolulu, at the Lihu'e Public Library and online.
