The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is requesting public input on the scope of an Environmental Assessment for “New England Aqua Ventus I.” DOE is proposing to authorize the expenditure of federal funding by the University of Maine to design, construct, and commission an offshore wind energy demonstration project called New England Aqua Ventus I.
New England Aqua Ventus I would consist of two turbines on floating foundations in the Gulf of Maine, approximately 2.5 miles south of Monhegan Island, Lincoln County, Maine and 12 miles off the mainland. Additional project activities and/or potential impacts from the project would occur in or near Hampden, Searsport, Port Clyde, Monhegan Island and Pemaquid, Maine.
An Environmental Assessment will be prepared by DOE pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). You are invited to submit written comments on the scope of issues, resources and alternatives to be analyzed in the Environmental Assessment.
Please direct any written questions or comments by March 22, 2017 to: U.S. DOE, Golden Field Office, NEPA Division, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, Colorado 80401, or by email to AquaVentus1EA@ee.doe.gov.
In addition, interested persons are invited to attend informational meetings on: February 28, 2017 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Location: Fire Department Meeting Room at the Town of St.George Office, 3 School Street, Tenants Harbor, Maine 04860. Meeting format: open house. March 1, 2017 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Location: Monhegan Island School, 1 Monhegan Avenue, Maine 04852. Meeting format: short presentation with an open house to follow. A project description and additional meeting information, including inclement weather delays or postponements, are posted at: www.energy.gov/node/2053718.
