OCEAN CITY, NJ — The Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM) has released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Ocean Wind 1, moving the offshore wind project one step closer to reality.
The more than 2,000 page document analyzes the effect that the 98-wind turbine generators, cables and three onshore substations would have on the coast of New Jersey. It evaluates multiple alternatives
Members of the public commented on this study when it was released in draft form this past summer, via three public hearings and virtual comments. BOEM received a total of 1,389 comments during this time period. Read more: Offshore Wind Needs More Review Time, Conservation Groups Say
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Potential Impacts
This report does note that there will be adverse impacts created by the project. Many opponents of offshore wind at the Jersey Shore have expressed concerns about views (negligible to major, according to the EIS) and its impact on tourism (moderate, but minor beneficial).
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Over the past several months, there has been growing concern regarding the impacts of sonar technology used for mapping offshore wind projects on marine mammals, though experts have denied any connection between the two.
The EIS says that there would be a minor adverse impact on toothed whales and pinnipeds, though it also says this would occur without the project. All alternatives include a minor beneficial impact on those groups as well. The impact on baleen whales would be moderate.
There would also be a moderate to major impact on the North Atlantic right whale, though again this would occur without the project as these mammals are already among the most endangered whale species in the world.
What Comes Next
Ocean Wind 1 is still awaiting federal approval to be built. BOEM plans to issue a decision on its approval sometime this summer.
If approved in full, the wind farm would power up to half a million homes, BOEM said.
“BOEM considered these comments and stakeholders’ feedback when developing the final EIS, a critical step to ensure the project can move forward while balancing the needs and interests of everyone who may be affected by the development,” BOEM said.
You can take a look at the EIS documents here.
Further Reading
Offshore Wind Developer Sues Ocean City Over Transmission Line
No Link Between NJ Marine Mammal Deaths And Offshore Wind, Groups Say
Offshore Wind Too Rushed, Unsafe For Jersey Shore, Van Drew Says
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