Public Comment Opens For Ocean City Windfarm Project

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Those concerned about the potential offshore wind project in Ocean City have a chance to share their feelings.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently released a 1,400 page study reviewing the potential environmental impact of the controversial Ocean Wind 1 project on Southern New Jersey.

Following the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), a 45-day public comment period has opened starting June 24 and ending August 8. All of these comments will be taken into consideration as the BOEM revises the document and ultimately makes a decision.

The entire draft can be viewed here.

The DEIS evaluates different alternatives. These are not mutually exclusive, BOEM said, and may be used in different combinations. They are:

• No Action Alternative - the project is not approved
• Alternative A - the project is built as proposed
• Alternative B - fewer turbine locations or smaller turbines to reduce visual impacts
• Alternative C - a buffer is added between wind turbine project areas
• Alternative D - the layout is modified to minimize impacts on sand ridge and trough features
• Alternative E - minimize impacts on submerged aquatic vegetation in Barnegat Bay

Environmental impacts are classified as negligible, minor, moderate or major.

Whether supportive or against, those interested can submit public comments to BOEM. Also during this window, BOEM will hold three virtual public hearings.

• July 14 at 1 p.m.
• July 20 at 5 p.m.
• July 26 at 5 p.m.

At these meetings, the public will be able to learn about the project as well as ask comments and share comments. You can find how to participate in these hearings or supply comments by visiting here.