The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced that it is seeking public comment as it prepares an Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze potential impacts from proposed wind energy research activities off the coast of Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) has requested a research lease and proposes to design, develop, and demonstrate a grid-connected, 12-megawatt (MW) offshore wind test facility on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off the coast of Virginia. The proposed project area is located adjacent to the BOEM-designated Wind Energy Area (WEA) offshore Virginia, and will inform the future production of renewable energy within the WEA.
On March 14, 2014, BOEM will publish in the Federal Register a "Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment" regarding the proposed project for a 30-day public comment period.
Comments
Once published, BOEM will accept comments that are postmarked by April 14, 2014, via one of the following ways:
Electronically:
http://www.boem.gov/About-BOEM/Public-Engagement/Public-Engagement-Opportunities.aspx
Click on the "Open Comment Documents" link and follow the instructions to view relevant materials and submit comments.
In written form, deliver to:
Office of Renewable Energy Programs
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
381 Elden Street, HM 1328
erndon, Virginia 20170-4817.
Public hearing
In addition to the request for written comments, BOEM will hold a public meeting to solicit comments on the scope of the EA. The meeting will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 3, 2014, at the following location:
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
- 717 General Booth Blvd
- Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Read the Notice of Intent for additional details and background information.
For more information: www.BOEM.gov
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management promotes energy independence, environmental protection, and economic development through responsible, science-based management of offshore conventional and renewable energy resources.