OC expresses concerns about offshore wind turbine projects – WMDT

OC expresses concerns about offshore...

OCEAN CITY, Md. - In Ocean City, the idea of bringing a wind energy project offshore could soon be a reality.

So far two wind energy companies have expressed their interest, but it appears that it has also created concerns amongst those living in the area where the projects have been proposed.

Mayor Meehan says he's not opposed to the idea of bringing an offshore wind turbine project, he just wants to make sure it is done in a responsible manner that protects the environment, the economy, and the safety of residents and visitors.

"Let's make sure we get this right and address everyone's concerns," says Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.

Mayor Meehan says one company called US Wind has presented in front of the council. A few weeks ago that company proposed a 1.3 billion dollar wind farm that would be able to power about 500,000 Maryland homes.

Officials from US Wind say the project would include 125 to 187 turbines and would be about 12 nautical miles off the coast of Ocean City.

"It does change the skyline in Ocean City, the vista here. And that is of concern to us because I think people come to kind of get away and look out at the ocean," says Mayor Meehan.

However, Mayor Meehan is not the only one with concerns.

"I'm jut worried about what it's going to look like. Like will you be able to see it from offshore? I don't don't know it is going to affect the tourism," says Charlie Anderson, a resident in Ocean City.

One Ocean City visitor says she sees the benefits of the project, but is worried about how wind turbines could affect local wildlife.

"They do bring environmental factors like they kill birds, they can potentially kill endangered species like hawks and eagles," says Rachel Zinn, from Baltimore, MD.

The concerns have forced the Mayor and council to write a letter to the Maryland Public Service Commission. In the letter, which has been sent, officials discuss their concerns about bringing offshore wind energy projects to the area.

Mayor Meehan says US Wind has reached out and offered to make adjustments to their proposal. One of those is taking their project an additional 5 miles offshore.

"We are aware of their concerns and we want to sit down and help discuss alleviate those concerns," says Paul Rich, the Director of Development at US Wind.

"What it shows is that there is an interest in trying to work out the problems that they see in Ocean City, so I think that's positive," says Mayor Meehan.

The US Wind project is just one of the proposals being considered by the Maryland Public Services Commission.

The second company that has expressed interest in bringing an offshore wind turbine project to Ocean City is Deepwater Wind.

According to the Vice President of Development of Deepwater, the company is looking at a 720 million dollar project.

The project includes 15 turbines that will be about 600 ft , and about 19.5 nautical miles from the coast of Ocean City. If approved, the project could be able to produce enough energy for 35,000 Maryland homes.

Deepwater Wind will be presenting their proposal at the Ocean City Council meeting next Monday at 6 PM.

This meeting is open to the public.

Here is the original post:

OC expresses concerns about offshore wind turbine projects - WMDT