The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has postponed the issuance of the final Environmental Impact Statement for the Vineyard Wind project in Massachusetts.
BOEM informed Vineyard Wind that it is not yet prepared to issue the final Environmental Impact Statement for the 800MW offshore wind project.
According to the U.S. developer, changes to the schedule are anticipated as with any project of that scale and complexity.
“We understand that, as the first commercial-scale offshore wind project in the US, the Vineyard Wind project will undergo extraordinary review before receiving approvals,” Vineyard Wind stated, emphasizing it remains committed to working with BOEM on delivering the wind farm.
Additionally, the Edgartown conservation commission denied the permit for cables that would pass through the Muskeget Channel in a 5-1 vote after fishermen cited potential detrimental marine effects, local media reported.
Vineyard Wind planned to begin project construction this year and have the wind farm operational by 2022. The 800MW project will feature MHI Vestas 9.5MW turbines located some 14 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard.