BOEM releases draft environmental analysis for Offshore Wind Energy Project

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is set to publish a draft environmental analysis of the proposed South Fork Wind Farm and is requesting public comment. The draft environmental analysis, referred to as the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the proposed action described in the South Fork Wind Construction and Operations Plan and reasonable alternatives to the proposed action.

South Fork Wind is proposing to construct up to 15 wind turbines with a capacity of 6 to 12 megawatts per turbine that will be located offshore approximately 19 miles southeast of Block Island, Rhode Island, and 35 miles east of Montauk Point, New York.

The Notice of Availability (NOA) for the Draft EIS will publish in the Federal Register on Jan. 8. NOA publication opens a 45-day public comment period. During this time, BOEM will conduct three virtual public meetings and accept comments on the Draft EIS. The input received via this process will inform the preparation of the Final EIS. Comments on the Draft EIS should be submitted or postmarked no later than Feb. 22.

Once the EIS is finalized, BOEM will use the findings to inform its decision on whether to approve South Fork Wind’s proposed project.