Project Vesta Reasearch Project Informational Meeting

An environmental research organization named Project Vesta is proposing a project in Duck in 2023.  As best I know, here's a description of their organization and proposed project:

1. Vesta researches alternatives that address environmental issues.  One of the issues is reducing CO2 in the atmosphere, which is a greenhouse gas.
2. Vesta is relatively new, has 2 research projects currently underway (both outside of NC), and their proposed project in Duck would be #3.
3. As I understand it, the proposed project in Duck:
   • Would place about 10K cubic yards of olivine sand approximately 1500 feet off-shore in an area north of the Army Pier where the water depth is about 15-25 feet..  The max height of the sand placed on the ocean floor offshore would initially be 5 feet or less.  This sand would then move around and level out over time as most ocean sand does.
   • Olivine sand absorbs CO2, which they hope would reduce measurable amounts of this greenhouse gas in the project area.
   • The olivine sand would be mined, milled and prepared so it matches the native sands on the Duck beaches.
   • The olivine sand would be brought in on barge(s) with no planned impact on roads or beaches in Duck.
   • The olivine sand would slightly supplement the 2022 beach nourishment sand, but the olivine sand would be small and only add about 3% to the nourishment sand.
   • Over time, Vesta would monitor the olivine sand, how it migrates on the ocean floor and how much CO2 it absorbs.
   • Vesta  asked the Town of Duck for a letter of support, which I think was provided.  As far as I know, Vesta has not asked the Town for funding.

This is a research project at this time with likely limited long term benefit or impact on Duck's beaches.  

While Vesta has met with the Town, they are now reaching out to Duck property owners to describe their project and address any property owner questions/concerns.  They hope property owners will agree with and support their project.

If you have questions or concerns about this research project, you can attend an informational meeting in person at Keller Hall on Nov 17th at 5:30 PM or you can sign up for Zoom attendance by emailing [email protected] or you can email your questions/concerns directly to Vesta at [email protected]