Upcoming Public Meetings and Public Comment Windows
/The United States’ Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced that it will issue a Notice of Availability (NOA) for Vineyard Wind’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS.) The DEIS was prepared by BOEM as part of the agency’s review of Vineyard Wind’s proposed 800-megawatt (MW) wind farm to be constructed in federal waters south of Martha’s Vineyard and approximately 34 miles south of the Cape Cod mainland.
What is the BOEM’s Draft EIS?
A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is a draft document that describes the project’s effects on the environment. The purpose of the review is to ensure the technical accuracy of all aspects of the document and offer an opportunity for the public to comment. You can learn more about BOEM’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Process here.
What type of comments does BOEM consider?
Environmental concerns that commonly arise include:
Ecological concerns such as the possible impacts of development on marine mammals
Sociological concerns such as changes in population or demands for public transportation, education, or health care services.
Economic concerns often center on marine-related employment
When can the public provide comments?
There is a 45 day public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project. The public comment period ends January 21, 2019. The public may either comment to in writing or by making oral comments at one of the public meetings. Additional information on Vineyard Wind’s DEIS can be found at BOEM’s website.
How do I submit comments?
You may submit written comments on the DEIS through the following methods:
Using the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the search box, enter BOEM-2018-0069, and then click "search." Follow the instructions to submit public comments and view supporting and related materials available for this notice.
In written form, deliver by hand or by mail: Enclose comments in an envelope labeled “Vineyard Wind COP Draft EIS" and provide to the following address:
Program Manager
Office of Renewable Energy
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia 20166
Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time.
Public Meetings
Public meetings will be held during the comment period at the following times and locations. Please note these meetings are not hearings. It is not necessary to attend a meeting to provide comment, and any comments received during a meeting will be treated by BOEM the same as comments made in writing per the directions above.
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
New Bedford Whaling Museum,
18 Johnny Cake Hill
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Open House 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Presentation and Q&A 6:00 p.m.
Hyannis, Massachusetts
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Double Tree Hotel, Cape Cod Room
287 Iyannough Road
Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601
Open House 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Presentation and Q&A 6:00 p.m.
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center
130 Center Street
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts 02568
Open House 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Presentation and Q&A 6:00 p.m.