The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is set to initiate environmental review of a proposed New Jersey offshore wind project tomorrow (Mar. 18): the approximately 81,129-acre lease area, OCS-A 0549, also known as Atlantic Shores North.
BOEM will publish a NOI to prepare an EIS for the Construction and Operations Plan (COP) submitted by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind.
At its closest point, the project is located 8.4 miles from the New Jersey coast and approximately 60 miles from New York, says BOEM.
The proposal currently includes installation of up to 157 wind turbine generators, eight offshore substations, one permanent meteorological tower and two temporary metocean buoys. The COP also proposes two potential export cable corridors that would make landfall at Sea Girt, N.J. and in either the New York City area or near Asbury Park, N.J.
“BOEM is continuing to implement the Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy agenda, while maintaining a careful approach to prevent, reduce and address any adverse effects on ocean users and the marine ecosystem,” says Elizabeth Klein, BOEM director. “As an integral part of our environmental assessments, we will continue to actively solicit feedback from Tribes; federal, state and local government partners; the fishing community and the public to help guide our actions.”
The publication of the NOI will open a 45-day public comment period for the project’s EIS, ending on May 2.
