Offshore wind energy is clean, renewable, environmentally responsible, and within our reach.
This is a brief update following the U.S. Department of Energy NEPA Scoping Sessions held last week in St. George and on Monhegan Island. We also provide a printable copy of our commitment to island and coastal communities.
DOE NEPA Scoping Sessions, St. George and Monhegan Island
Maine Aqua Ventus (MAV) and the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) team held public scoping sessions in St. George and on Monhegan Island. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry also participated in the meetings. We would like to thank all those who attended for their interest in the project and productive feedback.
DOE has posted the scoping session presentation to their Project website, and the notes and meeting recording will be posted. The website also includes additional information on public comment opportunities. DOE welcomes your input on DOE’s Proposed Action, alternatives, and environmental issues to be reviewed in the Project Environmental Assessment (EA).
To ensure DOE receives your written comments in time for consideration in preparation of the draft EA, please provide them on or before March 22, 2017.
MAV is committed to responsible offshore development in a manner that includes involvement and guidance by local communities and marine users. MAV understands the economic and cultural significance of our coastal and island communities and neighboring waters. Our measured and informed approach to offshore wind development is intended to minimize potential risks or adverse effects on existing industries and the natural environment.
We are committed to:
Frequent and transparent outreach with communities and existing marine users
A two-turbine demonstration project within the University of Maine Deepwater Offshore Wind Test Site at Monhegan Island for evaluating technology, monitoring the environment, and developing best practices for coexistence with marine users
An emphasis on local economic development opportunities
Future use of UMaine's VolturnUS floating technology only in commercial projects located more than 10 miles from Monhegan, other inhabited Maine islands, and the mainland coast.
To download a printable copy of this commitment, visit this link.
For more information, contact:
Joshua Plourde
(207) 581-2117
info@maineaquaventus.com
About Maine Aqua Ventus
Maine Aqua Ventus I, GP, LLC, is leading a demonstration project called New England Aqua Ventus I, a 12 MW floating offshore wind pilot project to develop a clean, renewable energy source off Maine’s shores. Project participants include Emera Inc., Cianbro Corporation, DCNS, and the University of Maine.
This demonstration project will deploy two 6 MW turbines on VolturnUS, the floating concrete semi-submersible hull designed by UMaine, south of Monhegan Island, off the coast of Maine. Each floating hull/turbine is held in position in the ocean by three marine mooring lines securely anchored to the seabed, with the electrical generation connected by subsea cable to the Maine power grid on shore.
Commercial operation is currently planned for 2019. The New England Aqua Ventus I demonstration project will likely be the first full-scale floating wind project in the Americas.
