BOEM issues draft EIS on SouthCoast Wind project in Massachusetts
The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed SouthCoast Wind project located off the coast of Massachusetts has been issued by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
The project, formerly known as Mayflower Wind, is a 50/50 joint venture between Shell New Energies US LLC and Ocean Winds North America. SouthCoast Wind, if approved, it has the potential to supply 2,400 megawatts of clean energy to electricity customers in New England and power for more than 800,000 homes.
SouthCoast Wind Energy submitted a construction and operation plan (COP) for its proposed wind energy facility and the associated export cables on the Outer Continental Shelf. The plan includes up to 147 wind turbines and two export cable corridors – with one going to Falmouth, Mass., and the other going to Somerset, Mass. The lease area covers approximately 127,388 acres and is roughly 26 nautical miles (nm) south of Martha’s Vineyard and 20 nm south of Nantucket.
“BOEM continues to make significant progress toward achieving this Administration’s vision for a clean energy future – one that will combat climate change, create jobs to support families, and ensure economic opportunities are accessible to all communities,” BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein said. “In our review of offshore wind projects, we are committed to working collaboratively with our Tribal, state, and local government partners as well as using the best available science to avoid or minimize conflict with existing users and marine life.”
The SouthCoast Wind draft EIS can be found on BOEM’s website. The notice of availability will publish in the Federal Register on Feb. 17, opening a 45-day public comment period that ends on Apr. 3. The input received will inform the preparation of the final EIS.
During the comment period, BOEM will hold three virtual public meetings where the public can learn more about the review process and the project. The public meetings are on March 20, March 22, and March 27. Contact BOEM for more details. The virtual meeting room will be on BOEM’s website starting Feb. 17.
