Climos hires Tetra Tech for environmental analysis

San Francisco-based Climos, which is developing an ocean iron fertilization system for carbon capture, said it hired Pasadena, Calif.'s Tetra Tech (Nasdaq: TTEK) to initiate a detailed environmental analysis of the carbon capture method.

Tetra Tech provides consulting, engineering, and technical services.

Under ocean iron fertilization, or OIF, small amounts of iron are sprinkled in the ocean to encourage the growth of plankton, which can absorb carbon dioxide (see Plankton to the rescue).

"The Tetra Tech R&D Group has followed OIF over the 20 years that it has been studied by the science community and have a familiarity with the material that is unique in their industry," said Bill Kohrs, VP of finance and operations at Climos.

"They worked with us to assemble an impressive team of internal and external experts in science, environmental policy and international regulations in response to our needs."

Earlier this month, Climos raised $3.5 million in a Series A round of financing led by Braemar Energy Ventures. Tesla Motors chairman Elon Musk also participated in the round (see Cleantech cash goes in all directions).

Climos said it would work with Tetra Tech to develop a conceptual model, which would review the scientific background, experimental history, and recent research results for OIF, as well as a master environmental report to provide an environmental management framework to evaluate the characteristics and sensitivities of the affected marine environment.

Climos said it plans to use the studies to engage governments, non-governmental organizations, the scientific community and the carbon market in discussion on ways to move forward with further development of OIF.