Contact: Tracey Moriarty
703-787-1571
The EA considers potential environmental impacts and socioeconomic effects from issuing renewable energy leases and related site characterization activities within the Wind Energy Area. Site characterization activities include geophysical, geotechnical, archaeological and biological surveys needed to develop specific project proposals on those leases.
The EA also considers environmental impacts associated with potential site assessment activities, including installation and operation of meteorological towers and buoys, in support of leases that may be issued.
“Responsible development of abundant wind energy in places like offshore Massachusetts is a key part of the Obama Administration’s all of the above energy strategy,” said BOEM Director Tommy P. Beaudreau. “At the same time, we must ensure that the potential effects of wind energy development on other resources, such as marine mammals and fishing, are closely analyzed and that appropriate protections are put in place.”
BOEM is requesting public comments on the adequacy of the environmental analysis and of the measures designed to reduce or eliminate potential environmental impacts. BOEM will consider such comments before determining whether to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact, or conduct additional analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Comments may be submitted via BOEM’s website at: http://www.boem.gov/About-BOEM/Public-Engagement/Public-Engagement-Opportunities.aspx (click on the “Open Comment Documents” link) or mailed to:
Office of Renewable Energy Programs
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
381 Elden Street, HM 1328
Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817
BOEM will conduct public information meetings to provide additional opportunities for comment on the EA at the following locations:
- Boston: Tuesday, November 13, 1-3 PM
Meeting Centers, Winthrop Room
101 Federal Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
- New Bedford: Tuesday, November 13, 7-9 PM
Fairfield Inn, The Sea Loft Room
185 MacArthur Drive
New Bedford, MA 02740
- Martha's Vineyard: Wednesday, November 14, 5-7 PM
Katherine Cornell Theatre
54 Spring Street
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
- Nantucket: Thursday, November 15, 5-7 PM
Nantucket Police Station, Training Room
4 Fairgrounds Road
Nantucket, MA 02554
Anyone wishing to attend that requires a hearing impaired interpreter, should request one by Nov. 6 by contacting Jeffrey Range at CDR Associates (jrange@mediate.org).
The EA and information on the public information meetings can be found online at http://boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/State-Activities/Massachusetts.aspx.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management manages the exploration and development of the nation's offshore energy and mineral resources. The Bureau seeks to balance economic development, energy production, and environmental protection through oil and gas leasing, renewable energy generation and environmental reviews and studies.