Project Macoma - Announcement Availability of Draft Permit and Second Notice of The Tier II Anti-Degradation Necessary and Overriding Public Interest Determination

The permit allows Project Macoma to send (discharge) processed oceanwater to the Port Angeles Harbor. Comments are due by Aug. 18, 2024.

Project Macoma has applied for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 90.48 Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Chapter 173-216 Washington Administrative Code (WAC). The Public Notice of Application was posted on April 3, 2024, and April 10, 2024.

This 2-year long pilot project uses innovative technology to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the ocean and evaluates the effects of releasing high alkaline water back into Port Angeles Harbor. By studying this discharge and its effects on the environment, this innovative technology can be developed further. The project will gradually ramp up operations, with monitoring and controls in place to ensure that any adverse impacts on aquatic life are addressed.

After evaluating the permit application and other available information, a draft permit has been developed which would allow the discharge of processed oceanwater from Project Macoma’s modular treatment facility to the Port Angeles Harbor. The processed oceanwater must meet the requirements of the Washington State Water Pollution Control Act and applicable regulations for a permit to be issued. A tentative determination has been made on the effluent limitations and special permit conditions that will prevent and control pollution. A final determination will not be made until all timely comments received in response to this notice have been evaluated.

The Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters WAC 173-201A-320 Tier II- Protection of waters of higher quality than the standards requires that, whenever a water quality constituent is of a higher quality than a criterion designated for that water, a new discharge that is expected to cause a measurable change in the quality of the water may not be allowed unless the Ecology determines that the lowering of water quality is necessary and in the overriding public interest.

Previously, a 30-day Public Notice was posted on April 3, 2024, to solicit comments regarding the project proposal. Comments received have since been evaluated and responded to in the draft permit and fact sheet. Ecology is initiating this second Public Notice pertaining to the Tier II Antidegradation. The draft permit and fact sheet provides permit requirements to ensure aquatic life and uses remain protected. It includes the public comments and provides Ecology’s responses.

You may view the documents for Project Macoma or visit the Water Quality Permitting and Reporting Information System (PARIS) website.

Background

We regulate wastewater released from municipalities and industries using the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Wastewater Discharge Permit. This permit regulates wastewater that goes directly into lakes, rivers, Puget Sound, or the ocean (surface water). All wastewater must be treated before it goes into surface water to protect human health and aquatic life. Learn more about water quality individual permits.