SPECIAL REMINDER FROM TOWN OF FENWICK ISLAND THAT COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED US WIND PROJECT ARE DUE MONDAY
On September 29, 2023, BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) announced the availability of the DRAFT Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Maryland Offshore Wind project. “The Maryland Offshore Wind project” (Docket No: BOEM-2023-0050) are the ocean leases associated with US Wind, a subsidiary of an Italian based company.
The Notice of Availability for the Maryland Offshore Wind DRAFT EIS was published in the Federal Register on October 6, 2023, opening a 45-day public comment period which ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 20, 2023.
The input received informs preparation of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). US Wind, Inc. is seeking approval for The Maryland Offshore Wind Project, which includes the installation of up to 121 turbines (938’ in height), up to four (4) offshore substation platforms, one (1) meteorological tower, four (4+/-) offshore export cable corridors with landfall occurring within Delaware Seashore State Park. The lease area is approximately 8.7 nautical miles (nm) (10 miles) offshore and approximately 9 nm (10 miles) from Sussex County, Delaware. And, yes, we WILL SEE the turbines, day and night from our beach in Fenwick.
Public Commenting Information ends on November 20, 2023.
- You may submit written comments electronically via http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. BOEM-2023-0050 and clicking on “Comment” and submitting your comment.
- Comments must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on November 20, 2023.
- See this Regulations.gov How-To Guide for more instructions on how to submit and view comments and answers to frequently asked questions.
- You may also submit written comments by mail. Enclose your comment in an envelope labeled, “Maryland Offshore Wind DEIS” addressed to Program Chief, Office of Renewable Energy Programs, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166. Comments must be postmarked no later than November 20, 2023.
The Town encourages residents to submit comments.
To the extent you are opposed to the planned windfarms planned off of our coast, please find a sample statement which can be utilized as you find appropriate:
I am opposed to the US Wind offshore wind projects. I am concerned about the adverse effects to our human and natural environment; the unacceptable threats to federally-listed endangered species; the environmental damage to our ocean floor, marine life and coastal areas; the negative impact on local tourism and associated businesses so vital to the State of Delaware’s economy; the interference with defense-related and navigational radar; the effect on commercial and local fishing operations which provide food security; reduced ability of the US Coast Guard to conduct search and rescue missions, and the loss of our pristine, unobstructed ocean views. For these reasons, I encourage BOEM to make a determination that is Alternative A-No Action Alternative for the US Wind (Docket No: BOEM-2023-0050).
Remember, the time to submit comments expires Monday, November 20th at midnight so please get your comments filed with BOEM before that time.
Regards,
Natalie Magdeburger
Mayor/Council President of the Town of Fenwick Island
