The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced today that it has extended the public comment period for its environmental assessment (EA) of the Commonwealth of Virginia's proposed offshore wind research activities. The comment period has been extended from Jan. 2, 2015, to Jan. 16, 2015.
The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) has submitted a research activities plan that describes the proposed construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning of the Virginia Offshore Wind Technology Advancement Project (VOWTAP).
DMME's proposed project would consist of the installation and operation of two 6-megawatt wind turbine generators and a cable to shore. The proposed project would be located 24 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia Beach adjacent to the Virginia commercial wind lease area.
This research project would inform the future commercial production of offshore wind energy.
BOEM's EA considers reasonably foreseeable environmental and socioeconomic consequences associated with the approval of the offshore wind research activities. BOEM will consider public comments on the EA before determining whether to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact, or conduct additional analyses under NEPA.
To view the EA and submit comments, visit BOEM's website at: http://www.boem.gov/Public-Engagement-Opportunities/ (click on the "Open Comment Documents" link). You may also deliver comments to the following address.
Office of Renewable Energy Programs
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
381 Elden Street, HM 1328
Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817
More information about this project can be found here: http://www.boem.gov/VOWTAP/.