Project Macoma Individual Permit

Comment From: Roopa Dandamudi

8/18/24 @ 4:14 PM

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Comment From: Todd Pelman

8/18/24 @ 3:50 PM

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Comment From: Randy Volker

8/17/24 @ 6:03 PM

The Community Boating Program, a Washington State Non-Profit Corporation and Federally recognized public charity (501c3) is providing these comments about Project Macoma.

The Community Boating Program's purpose is to provide access to boating oppo...↓rtunities to youth and adults on the Olympic Peninsula. We do this primarily through our youth and adult boating instruction programs. Our organization routinely utilizes the waters at the west end of Port Angeles Harbor, where we conduct our youth sailing programs and other on-the-water activities. Our programs operate from March through October with over 300 participants in 2024. In addition to on-the-water activities, we have a boat storage yard on land located adjacent to Terminal 7 that is leased from the Port of Port Angeles. It has come to our attention that Project Macoma is seeking approval to discharge highly alkaline effluent into Port Angeles Harbor near Terminal 7. Given our routine use of these waters, we have vested interest in the developments regarding the placement of infrastructure both onshore, at Terminal 7, and the effluent outfall in the harbor.

We understand that the effluent to be discharged through the Project Macoma outfall will have varying high pH levels and contain numerous chemicals. These high pH levels and chemicals could impact the safety of our youth sailors and instructors as well as the operation of our equipment. Our on-the-water dinghy sailing programs regularly operate in the waters around Terminal 7 less than 300 feet from the proposed effluent outfall location. Our youth sailors routinely come into water contact by spray during sailing or total immersion during dinghy capsize drills which is part of dinghy sailing safety training program. Our organized kayak outings transit between Terminal 7 and the shore which is less than 100 feet from the proposed outfall location and continue around the western shore of the harbor. The Port of Port Angeles Boat Launch Ramp is located adjacent to Terminal 7, approximately 400 feet from the proposed outfall location. This boat launch is probably the most active in Clallam County with 1000's of boaters per week utilizing these facilities during the spring and summer months. Given the recreational use of these waters so near to the Project Macoma proposed outfall, we are concerned that this recreational use by the public will be impacted.

The tidal currents in Port Angeles Harbor are not easily predicted because it is an enclosed body of water open to the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the eastern end and has significant variations in water depth and bottom contours. This results in countercurrents and eddies during tidal cycles and uneven and inconsistent tidal currents throughout the harbor. Additionally, mixed semi-diurnal tides with seasonal variations add to the complexity of predicting tidal currents in the harbor. The proposed outfall location is at the head of the harbor in an area that does not experience significant tidal action. Material that is seen floating in the harbor may be resident in harbor for many days, especially at the head of the harbor where the proposed outfall will be located. The discharge plan for Project Macoma simply states that the discharge of high pH effluent will occur at ebb tides. Given all the tidal variations and dynamics of the tidal activity in the harbor, there is a concern of effluent buildup in tidally challenged areas. More consideration should be given to discharge times to assure adequate mixing and dispersal of the effluent outfall. Additionally, water monitoring should be done in areas used for recreation not just at the boundaries of the mixing zone. If this monitoring indicates water conditions are above acceptable levels, the public should be warned in real-time.

Since the Project Macoma infrastructure and associated effluent discharge could impact the existing recreational use of the Port Angeles Harbor waters near the project and present unknown safety, logistical, operational, and financial impacts to our youth programs, we request that these concerns be addressed before approval of this permit.

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Comment From: Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin

8/17/24 @ 12:02 PM

(comment attached in PDF file)

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Comment From: Brad Ack

8/16/24 @ 8:51 PM

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Comment From: Jason Grillo

8/16/24 @ 3:29 PM

August 16, 2024

Gayle Garbush
Southwest Region Office
PO Box 47775
Olympia, WA 98504-7775

SUPPORT: Project Macoma's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Wastewater Discharge Permit

Dear Ms. Garbush:

Thank you for the Departme...↓nt of Ecology's continued attention to the health of our natural environment and to the department's forthcoming determination regarding Project Macoma. Project Macoma is the proposed 2-year pilot project seeking to remove legacy carbon pollution from the atmosphere and improve water quality in Port Angeles.

AirMiners is committed to advancing climate resilience by removing excess CO2 pollution from the atmosphere worldwide through marine and other carbon dioxide removal methods. Given our mission, and the necessary and overriding public interest in the outcomes of Project Macoma, we are eager to support the pilot project's NPDES Wastewater Discharge Permit application.

For background, AirMiners is a public benefit corporation dedicated to accelerating the pace of removing the first billion tons of excess carbon dioxide pollution from the atmosphere. We operate a global community of over 2,500 carbon removal innovators across all methods of CDR, and have graduated 150 startup companies from our accelerator program. Our team works with new marine CDR companies regularly, and have frequently featured key challenges and opportunities for marine carbon removal projects in our biweekly webinar series.

We agree with the Tier II analysis that finds that the drawdown of atmospheric CO2 affected by Ebb Carbon's technology is necessary and in the public interest. Permanently removing CO2 from the atmosphere is necessary to keep global warming below 1.5°C or 2.0°C above pre industrial levels to avert the worst consequences of climate change. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine have emphasized that pilot projects like Project Macoma are critical for advancing the field of marine carbon dioxide removal. This 2-year pilot project offers an opportunity to rigorously test and validate a promising approach to carbon dioxide removal that is permanent, net-negative, additional, and verifiable.

Furthermore, developing this technology in Washington State will help the state meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, combat the impacts of ocean acidification, and continue leading in the development and deployment of innovative negative emissions technologies.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on this important matter and for Ecology's continued dedication to protecting communities and ecosystems from the worst impacts of climate change.

Sincerely,

Jason C. Grillo
Co-Founder, Director of Strategic Partnerships
AirMiners PBC
Gig Harbor, Washington

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Comment From: Sophie Gill

8/16/24 @ 1:06 PM

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Comment From: Christina Angelides

8/16/24 @ 1:03 PM

Dear Ms. Garbush:

Thank you for the Department of Ecology's continued attention to the health of our natural environment and to the department's forthcoming determination regarding Ebb Carbon's Project Macoma. Project Macoma is the proposed 2-year ...↓pilot project seeking to remove legacy carbon pollution from the atmosphere and address coastal acidification in Port Angeles.

On behalf of Elemental Excelerator, I strongly urge the Department of Ecology to issue Project Macoma a final NPDES Wastewater Discharge Permit under Chapter 90.48 Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Chapter 173-216 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

Elemental Excelerator is a nonprofit investor in climate technologies with deep community impact. We bring more than a decade of experience across the climate sector, with an active and maturing portfolio of 160+ companies. Elemental fills two gaps fundamental to addressing climate change: funding projects for climate technologies in communities, and embedding equity and access into climate solutions. We are committed to advancing emerging technologies in decarbonization that leverage natural resources to achieve necessary carbon removal levels while fostering resilience and sustainability for communities on the frontlines. Ebb Carbon joined Elemental's portfolio in 2023 and has worked closely with the Elemental team to scale this vision of climate and community impact through implementation of Project Macoma in Washington state.

For over two years, Ebb Carbon has engaged independent experts, scientists, NGOs, local stakeholders and Tribes throughout the state of Washington to ensure Project Macoma can operate safely and responsibly while delivering benefits to the community. With Elemental's support and partnership, Ebb has been working closely with local tribal nations and other community partners to design governance and decision making around the project, share research, and evaluate its impacts. The pilot project aims to diversify the regional economy by creating jobs and provide the community the chance to engage with and help shape this promising technology at the ground floor.

We agree with the Tier II analysis that finds that the drawdown of atmospheric CO2 affected by Ebb Carbon's technology is necessary and in the public interest. Permanently removing CO2 from the atmosphere is necessary to keep global warming below 1.5°C or 2.0°C above pre industrial levels to avert the worst consequences of climate change. Washington State, its communities, and economy are particularly vulnerable to the effects of both climate change and coastal acidification. Innovative, science-based pilot projects like Project Macoma are sorely needed to advance rigorous research and development solving for these existential threats.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on this important matter and for Ecology's continued dedication to protecting communities and ecosystems from the worst impacts of climate change.

Sincerely,

Christina Angelides
Managing Director, Policy
Authorized Signatory
Elemental Excelerator

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Comment From: Jim McEntire

8/16/24 @ 12:59 PM

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Comment From: Diane Hoskins

8/16/24 @ 12:45 PM

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Comment From: Mark Ozias

8/15/24 @ 3:10 PM

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Comment From: Sara Nawaz

8/14/24 @ 8:58 PM

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Comment From: Allyce Miller

8/13/24 @ 4:19 PM

Wastewater that is warm in temperature and low in PH that is discharged at the rate that is intended to be discharged will without a doubt negatively impact the forage fish and juvenile salmonids that use the top of the water column in the port. Ther...↓

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Comment From: Joanna Klitzke

8/13/24 @ 2:32 PM

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Comment From: Karen O'Donnell

8/12/24 @ 7:44 PM

I am an avid sailor, kayaker, and I crab out of the harbor. And as well fish outside ediz for salmon when I can get friends to take me on their boats. I understand that there is funding from the federal government using our the citizens tax dollars. ...↓

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Comment From: Chris Boyd

8/12/24 @ 9:44 AM

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Comment From: Marcela Mulholland

8/07/24 @ 12:31 PM

August 5, 2024

Gayle Garbush
Southwest Region Office
PO Box 47775
Olympia, WA 98504-7775

SUPPORT: Project Macoma's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Wastewater Discharge Permit

Dear Ms. Garbush:

Thank you for the Department...↓ of Ecology's continued attention to the health of our natural environment and to the department's forthcoming determination regarding Project Macoma. Project Macoma is the proposed 2-year pilot project seeking to remove legacy carbon pollution from the atmosphere and improve water quality in Port Angeles.

On behalf of the Carbon Removal Alliance, I strongly urge Ecology to issue Project Macoma a final NPDES Wastewater Discharge Permit under Chapter 90.48 Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Chapter 173-216 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

The Carbon Removal Alliance narrows the gap between innovators and policymakers working to remove carbon from our atmosphere. We're a coalition made up of 25 of the industry's most promising companies. Led by long-time carbon removal thinkers with close ties in Washington, the Alliance translates the realities of building carbon removal projects into federal programs that help the field scale. Unlike typical trade associations, we're a nonprofit driven by our principles of high-quality and permanent removals. Alliance members are responsible for virtually all of the permanent carbon removal to date and represent an emerging class of companies who can help the US meet its climate goals. We're building an industry worthy of public and private sector investment — one that's categorically good for the climate, economy, and people. We believe that Project Macoma is aligned with this vision.

We agree with the Tier II analysis that finds that the drawdown of atmospheric CO2 affected by Ebb Carbon's technology is necessary and in the public interest. Permanently removing CO2 from the atmosphere is necessary to keep global warming below 1.5°C or 2.0°C above pre industrial levels to avert the worst consequences of climate change. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine have emphasized that pilot projects like Project Macoma are critical for advancing the field of marine carbon dioxide removal. This 2-year pilot project offers an opportunity to rigorously test and validate a promising approach to carbon dioxide removal that is permanent, net-negative, additional, and verifiable.

Furthermore, developing this technology in Washington State will help the state meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, combat the impacts of ocean acidification, and continue leading in the development and deployment of innovative negative emissions technologies.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on this important matter and for Ecology's continued dedication to protecting communities and ecosystems from the worst impacts of climate change.

Sincerely,

Marcela Mulholland

Marcela Mulholland
Deputy Director of Partnerships
Carbon Removal Alliance

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Comment From: Randy Harrison

7/27/24 @ 8:04 AM

I am not a scientist and know right from the start this is a terrible thing. From a very basic concept it is wrong. Humans want to change the chemistry of the ocean water. And you think it will not have an adverse affect. Have we learned nothing abou...↓

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Comment From: Jeff Jones

7/25/24 @ 6:27 PM

Yes, please! What are we waiting for? If anyone doesn't want to try something ASAP, they either don't have children or they hate their children

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Comment From: Ray Ward

7/25/24 @ 8:27 AM

There are many theoretical ideas on this subject. Here we have a chance for a real world test. People are getting up in arms over "highly caustic" discharge, when in reality my understanding is it will be pH 9. Folks are buying and drinking Ph 9 w...↓

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Comment From: Cooper Lange

7/25/24 @ 12:40 AM

Please deny this permit. We should not be willingly trading a potential, ephemeral "good" (carbon capture) for the immediate, direct, local harm (dumping of warm, caustic water) that would be suffered by our marine environment. Especially considering...↓

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Comment From: Will Johnson

7/24/24 @ 10:15 PM

What is the biology science around concentrated alkalinity in seawater effects on sea life, esp fin fish fry.

Why is it presumed that when we pump (insert foreign substance here) into the ocean, it will magically dilute.

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Comment From: Bret McGuire

7/24/24 @ 3:06 PM

this is a horrible idea. what if it pollutes are fragile seawater?

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Comment From: Alex Wilson

7/24/24 @ 2:44 PM

The permit should be denied until Project Macoma can make certain the outflow of warm, alkaline water will not impact the marine life in the area through proper treatment. Other similar projects treat their outflow, to make it less alkaline and to co...↓

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Comment From: Pamela Caldwell

7/24/24 @ 8:33 AM

Go for it!

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Comment From: Mario Irelan

7/21/24 @ 6:01 PM

Project is not worth using public resources. Whether that is energy connection to the port or restricted area to the public.

It will never be viable. Reducing carbon from the source like enhancing access to EV chargers is much better.

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Comment From: Ida Domazlicky

7/19/24 @ 4:23 PM

I am strongly in favor of allowing this project to be given a chance to fight climate change. Our grandchildren's future depends on it.

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Comment From: William Lider

7/19/24 @ 10:58 AM

What do you plan to do with the CO2 that you do remove from seawater?

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