NEW JERSEY OFFSHORE WIND

Offshore Wind Energy Study Puts New Jersey in Lead Nationally in Creating Environmentally Safer Energy Source
June 18, 2010 (NJ DEP)

"A groundbreaking, two-year research project…shows minimal environmental impact would occur at sites proposed for several wind energy projects off the coast of New Jersey, which is a national leader in an effort to develop off-shore wind-to-energy power…

"Designed by scientists from the [New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection], U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Minerals Management Service, the study will help identify optimum sites off the Jersey coast for wind energy projects that would have the least impact on the environment."

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"The draft final report [of the $7 million study]…shows there would be negligible impacts to bird, fish and marine mammal life caused…[by] turbines which could be located from 3 to 20 miles out to sea…

"The study area included 75 miles of coastal area…and explored approximately 1,360 square nautical miles. It looked at the abundance, distribution and migratory patterns of avian species, fish, marine mammals and sea turtles. It factored in shipping lanes, pipelines, tug and barge transit routes and undersea utility lines, while mapping artificial reefs, commercial and recreational fishing areas, and marine protected areas."

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"The information generated can be used to support evaluation of a pilot turbine project proposed by Fisherman’s Energy that would be located some three miles off the coast, as well as three lease areas approved by the federal government for future meteorological studies to be done by three private companies at sites 8 miles, 16 to 18 miles, and 20 miles off the coast…

"…[Among the key findings:]…Bird density was found to significantly decrease…further offshore…Of all birds visually recorded, only a small percent were observed flying in the potential turbine rotor swept zone…Dolphins are the predominant species and most frequently observed in the study area. The densities of other marine mammals, including whales and seals, are low…There were low sightings of sea turtles…Mitigation procedures could be used to limit negative impacts on birds and marine mammals, including brief turbine shut downs during peak avian migration seasons and noise reduction techniques during construction to ease the strain on hearing-sensitive dolphins…"