Protest held against controversial chemical testing at St Ives Bay
Campaigners say the proposed experiment will discharge hundreds of tonnes of magnesium hydroxide into our sea
Last updated 24th Apr 2023
A protest has been held against controversial chemical testing off St Ives Bay.
Campaigners from 'Save St Ives Bay' have expressed serious concern about the proposed experiment - which they say will discharge hundreds of tonnes of Magnesium Hydroxide into the sea.
A spokesperson said: "A potentially high risk chemical experiment facilitated by SW water is about to happen right here in St Ives Bay. In June, hundreds of tonnes of Magnesium Hydroxide will be pumped into out ocean via the sewage outflow pipe near Godrevy Lighthouse."
According to their website, Planetary Technology is introducing the first Accelerated Carbon Transition (ACT) Platform to address the challenges of the climate crisis.
Objectors claim it's a "massive distraction from the incredibly urgent work of emission reduction."
Mike Kelland, CEO of Planetary Technologies, said: "We are absolutely confident that our test is both safe and necessary in the fight against climate change. We understand that new things can be daunting, but the climate crisis is on our doorstep and the time to act is now.
"At Planetary Technologies, we have developed a technology which promises to do two things – remove carbon from the atmosphere and rebalance the pH level of our oceans to support marine life – at the speed and scale the climate crisis warrants. What we are planning is a small, initial test using a small amount of substance - which is already used in wastewater treatment - to an outfall. Therefore, we’re not ‘dumping’ any chemicals into the ocean.
"This approach is not entirely new - we have a strong base of lab and open-world research as well as extensive evidence from everyday use that tells us this is safe and effective. Anything we do will be under the regulator’s supervision and with all required approvals.
"Proactive engagement, transparency, and accountability are at the heart of what we do. We have talked to hundreds of people in Cornwall, answering questions in person and on our website for all to see, and making adjustments to our plans in line with legitimate feedback. Our hope is that we can earn the trust of the people of Cornwall as we continue to engage with the community so that together, we can save our planet.”
In a statement on their Facebook Page, the 'Save St Ives Bay' group, oppose the group: "We are passionate about reaching net zero and protecting our local ecosystem - but that doesn't mean accepting every Carbon Dioxide Removal Scheme comes our way. We need to interrogate every aspect of this plan.
"That why we are asking for a delay in the next phase of testing so that there is more clarity on the potential risks and to allow a proper Environmental Impact Assessment to be undertaken. We also want to see a proper public consultation independently organised and run.
"Finally we need much more clarity on scaling up which is the ultimate aim of Planetary Technology and would involve much larger quantities of Magnesium Hydroxide being pumped into the bay."
What is Planetary Technology?
Planetary Technology (PT) are a Canadian Company. They state that they are a venture backed start up - funded by individuals and small investment firms (like the Province of Nova Scotia Venture Firm) plus grants for technology development.
The UK Government Greenhouse Gas Removals Programme provided a grant which funded the search for the ideal location for their experiment. The result of this search ended with us here in St.Ives Bay and the ongoing experiments facilitated by SW Water.
Speeches and a paddle out took place yesterday (Sunday 16 April) at Gwithian Beach.