Current Project Status
The Nova Scotia department of Environmental and Climate Change (ECC) has concluded that there are no environmental assessment triggers for our project.
We have subsequently received approvals to conduct the trial at the Tufts Cove facility based on our monitoring plans.
We continue to work transparently and cooperatively with regulatory and community groups to ensure the safety of the trial as we move forward.
Most Recent Update
Dalhousie has just completed a dye tracer experiment to verify and improve modeling of magnesium hydroxide release from Tufts Cove (with particular attention to mixing and distribution patterns). This is a prerequisite for later field trials – we must know how any alkalinity that we release will move in the bay and out to the open ocean.
We are working with Dalhousie to prepare for our first addition of alkalinity to the outfall in September. Details about the planned addition are available in this announcement, also provided to the community.
Timeline
Completion of in-lab and large scale “swimming pool” (mesocosm) experimental program.
Community outreach begins, including a CBC Interview with Will Burt.
Completion of a mesocosm-scale study of alkalinity in Halifax Harbour.
NS ECC concludes that Planetary’s proposed trial is of sufficiently small impact and should not require a full Environmental Assessment. Site planning commences for a September 2023 start date.
Version 2.0 of the Planetary MRV Framework published, incorporating input and data from early trials and community feedback.
Dalhousie is granted $154M by Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
Dye tracer release experiment completed.
Field trials (set to) begin.
See information about the first planned addition here.
Field trials (set to) complete.
Target for initial data and analysis publication.