MPRSA Research Permit: Carboniferous, Inc. Research Project

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Overview

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 154 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.

In March 2026, the EPA issued an MPRSA research permit for the transportation and disposition activities for the Carboniferous, Inc. Research Project. Additional information on the EPA's assessment of the project is provided below.

Map of Carboniferous, Inc. Research Project study area and transit route; details provided in caption.
Map of Carboniferous, Inc. Research Project Study Area and transit route. The Study Area is located within the Orca Basin, approximately 168 mi offshore of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana (148 miles in geodesic distance). The expected vessel transit route from the Port of Departure (black triangle) to the Study Area (orange marker) is shown as a dotted line. Source: Map prepared by the EPA with data from Carboniferous, Inc.

Project Timeline

  • May 13, 2025: The EPA received a complete permit application from Carboniferous, Inc. for the transportation and placement of up to 20 biomass packages into the ocean as part of a research project.
  • May 14, 2025: The EPA initiated Tribal Consultation for a "Permit Application under MPRSA for a Scientific Research Activity by Carboniferous, Inc." with the federally recognized Indian Tribes located in the states along the coast of the Gulf of America (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas). Information for the Tribal Consultation is available on the EPA's Tribal Consultation Opportunities Tracking System.
  • June 12 to July 14, 2025: The EPA published a notice on June 12, 2025, inviting public review and comment on the EPA's tentative determination to issue a research permit and the conditions of the proposed permit. The EPA held a public listening session on June 25, 2025, during the public comment period.
  • September 24 to October 24, 2025: The EPA solicited data and information to support or refute assertions on specific topics already raised during the public comment period. 
  • March 2026: After concluding applicable interagency coordination and consultation processes, and considering all comments received, the EPA issued an MPRSA research permit to Carboniferous, Inc. based on the EPA's determination that the disposition of materials would not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, or amenities; the marine environment; ecological systems; or economic potentialities. 

Supporting Documents and Reports

Supporting documents are available in the public docket on Regulations.gov (Docket ID EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0198). Documents in the docket include:

Marine Protection Permitting

Marine Protection Permitting Program Regional Contacts
Marine Protection Permitting Program Regional Contacts to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 27, 2026