Feds OK offshore wind project in Nantucket Sound (Boston)
The Dayton office of CH2M HILL will play a significant role in the new U.S. EPA contract that could be worth as much of $25 million during the next seven years. The work will support projects within the Great Lakes.
U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has approved Cape Wind Associates' proposal to place 130 wind turbines in Nantucket Sound.
It's the first offshore wind development planned in the United States, which lags behind Europe in tapping offshore wind energy potential.
Salazar announced his decision at a packed news conference at the State House Wednesday. Officials including Gov. Deval Patrick and Lt. Gov. Tim Murray were on hand.
Salazar approved the controversial project with a number of stipulations, including a call for additional archeological surveys to determine the presence of historic and prehistoric artifacts in the area Cape Wind has targeted.
EcoGeek broke down the changes to the project that were made as a condition of a approval:
- 1. The project will be reduced in scope from the original 170 turbines planned to 130.
- 2. Additonal marine surveys will be required before construction to make sure the archaeological heritage of the site can be preserved.
- 3. Other measures will need be incorporated to minimize the "visual impact" of the wind farm.
Salazar said at the news conference that these stipulations should "strike the right balance" for all concerned parties.
Opponents of the proposal are many, and Salazar's approval is expected to lead to a barrage of lawsuits.
Read more in Portfolio.com the Boston Business Journal and The Boston Globe.
Comments
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.