The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced the publication of its environmental assessment (EA) of proposed wind energy related research activities offshore Virginia.
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 cable to shore. The proposed project would be located 24 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia Beach adjacent to the Virginia commercial lease area.
This research project would inform the future 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.