US Wind offers Maryland move
US Wind has offered to shift the 750MW Maryland offshore wind project 8km farther out to sea after local officials complained the turbines would be too visible from the beach.
The council of Ocean City criticised plans to site turbines 19km offshore following a presentation on 3 April by US Wind project development director Paul Rich.
The company heard the opinions “loud and clear” and has already started preliminary engineering redesigns since the meeting last week, said Rich.
“We recognise the concerns expressed by the council and understand the tourism-based economy Ocean City has cultivated over the years to become a leading Atlantic Coast resort,” Rich said in a letter to council.
The company, a subsidiary of Italian conglomerate Toto Holding Group, estimates the new location would reduce visibility of any structures by more than 35%.
“We are willing to explore this possibility with you, given the material and measurable reductions in visible impact,” US Wind told the council.
The developer has applied for state funding for a 250MW first phase of the site. Deepwater Wind has also submitted the 120MW Skipjack project to Maryland.
State regulators are expected to make a decision in mid-May.