Kauai Source Permitting

NPAL Permits/ Authorizations NPAL Frequently Asked Questions Source Operations Summary Draft Environmental Impact Statement Final Environmental Impact Statement NPAL Source Transmission Schedules

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego received approval to retain in place and reuse the power cable and sound source previously installed and used by the Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate (ATOC) Project for an additional five years. The source is located on the seafloor at a depth of 807 meters (2648 ft.), approximately 8 nautical miles (14.8 km) north of Kauai at 22°20.94'N, 159° 34.18'W. As part of the NPAL project, transmissions are continuing in order to 1) perform the second phase of research on the feasibility and value of large-scale acoustic thermometry; 2) study the behavior of sound transmissions in the ocean over long distances; and 3) conduct studies on the possible long-term effects from the sound transmissions on marine life. In order to retain in place and reuse the power cable and the sound source, the NPAL project underwent a complete environmental review. In addition to preparing an Environmental Impact Statement, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Office of Naval Research received permits/authorizations from the National Marine Fisheries Service, the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, the State of Hawaii Office of Planning and the Department of the Navy.