By Katie Finnegan
Special to Shore Local
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is hosting several meetings in the region in the next two weeks. Participation in these meetings should be a priority for all residents who have concerns about the Atlantic Shores Wind Projects planned for our coast.
The greatest issue with the timing of the meetings is that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Atlantic Shores project—released May 15–is over 6,200 pages long—and the public comment period ends on July 3, 2023.
Mayor Vince Sera of Brigantine requested that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) extend the public comment period for a minimum of 90-135 days for people to be able to fully review the statement and provide valuable comments. Local citizen action non-profits such as Defend Brigantine Beach, Inc. and Save LBI Inc. have also sent letters to BOEM requesting the same, without any acknowledgement.
It is very unfortunate that the limited review period of 45 days makes meaningful public comment exceedingly difficult. While this short comment period appears to be a prime example of a democratic process that is disingenuous; nonetheless, it is our duty as New Jersey citizens to become educated about the impacts of these wind projects and provide our comments during the public input period.
A brief overview of the DEIS provides multiple examples of the “potential unavoidable adverse impacts of the Proposed Action”. To clarify, the “Proposed Action” is the construction and operation of the Atlantic Shores wind turbine project.
These physical impacts include problems with air quality and water quality in our ocean, caused by emissions from engines associated with vessel traffic, construction activities, equipment operation, and disturbance of the seafloor during construction.
Then there are the biological impacts. Sea turtles, marine mammals, finfish and invertebrates are all documented to be victims of the proposed action. Fish populations may experience displacement, disturbance, and avoidance behavior due to construction-related impacts.
Marine mammals are expected to be at increased risk of injury from pile-driving activities during construction, and they will experience disturbance from underwater noise from pile-driving, vessel traffic, wind turbine generator operation, and dredging during construction and operations.
Sea turtles are expected to be at increased risk for individual injury and mortality during vessel strikes during construction and installation of the turbines, during operation and maintenance of the turbines, and decommissioning.
Beyond the impacts on our marine environment, look to the additional impacts expected on the socioeconomic conditions in our NJ coastal communities.
What is expected for our commercial fisheries, and for-hire recreational fishing businesses? The Department of Environmental Impact (DEIS) documents that there will be restrictions on this industry as a result of construction of, and then during operations of, the offshore wind facility. There will have to be changes in vessel transit and fishing operation patterns, and there will be changes in the availability of target species because of habitat loss. There are expected to be changes in the risks of gear entanglement, navigational hazards, and space-use conflicts associated with the presence of wind turbine structures.
The DEIS also notes that there will be impacts on demographics, employment, and economics. BOEM anticipates that there will be disruption of onshore and recreational businesses during onshore and offshore construction and cable installation.
What is most concerning about these economic impacts?
BOEM’s DEIS clearly states that there will be potential changes to the ocean economy sectors due to the long-term presence of the offshore wind facility. These sectors affected are noted as: commercial fishing, tourism, and recreation. Attached to this article is a table that elaborates on all of these physical, biological, and socioeconomic “potential unavoidable adverse impacts” of the Atlantic Shores offshore wind projects.
A second table from the Atlantic Shores DEIS highlights the numbers of wind turbines one will be able to see from all the historic sites along our coast.
To give one an idea, from the Atlantic City Boardwalk, you will see 876 turbines when the wind projects are completed.
From Brigantine Hotel (now Legacy Vacation Club), how does a view of 722 visible turbines sound?
At the landmark of Lucy the Elephant in Margate, expect to see a view of 568 turbines.
The wind developer is essentially warning us that the views off the coast of these historic sites will be that of an industrial power plant. Who wants to see our shore towns evolve from tourist areas to industrial power plant communities?
Are any or all of these potential impacts acceptable to you? If not—then let your voice be heard. Everyone who is concerned about the future of our coastline needs to attend or participate in one of these important meetings about the future of our beach community and environment. Please reference the ad from Defend Brigantine Beach, on page 16 that outlines the details of the meetings where the public can comment on the Atlantic Shores DEIS: June 21 at the Manahawkin Holiday Inn, at 5p.m., and more locally, at the Atlantic City Convention Center on June 22 at 5 p.m.
For anyone wishing to provide comment that cannot attend in person, there are 2 virtual public meetings; Monday June 26 at 1 p.m., and Wednesday June 28 at 5:00 p.m.—registration for the virtual sessions is required in advance.
