Orsted proposes to build a wind farm 15 miles off the South Jersey coast. This photo shows the turbines for an Orsted project overseas. (Photo credit Orsted)
LONGPORT – Commissioner Dan Lawler is joining other Downbeach mayors in requesting a longer review and comment period for a Draft Envornment Impact Statement for the Atlantic Shores South offshore wind project.
The draft report is more than 1,000 pages long and residents need more than 45 days to read it and provide comments at four upcoming in-person and online meetings.
“The DIES and its appendices, including the Construction and Operations Plan itself, total more tha 6,200 pages,” Lawler wrote in his letter. “…the sheer length of the document and the limited review period of 45 days precludes meaningful public input, and is not consistent with a number of provision of the Council of Environmental Quality’s National Environmental Police Act rules.”
Ventnor Mayor Lance Landgraf has also sent a letter requesting an extension of the review period.
The DEIS analyzes the project’s potential impacts to natural, historic and cultural resources, and associated mitigation measures.
In-person public meetings will be held
- Wednesday, June 21, 5 p.m., Holiday Inn Manahawkin/Long Beach Island, 151 Route 72 W., Manahawkin, NJ 08050
- Thursday, June 22, 5 p.m., Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Blvd. Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Virtual public meetings:
- Monday, June 26, 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 28, 5 p.m.
- A virtual meeting room was published on BOEM’s website on May 19, and includes information about how to register for the in-person and virtual meetings. It will be available throughout the 45-day comment period.
Lawler and other public officials sent a letter to BOEM’s Office of Renewable Energy Programs requesting a 90-135 extension of the public comment period, “so citizens can thoroughly review the information and provide valuable comments.”
