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Two concerns need to be addressed before South Coast Wind can move to the next step in the permitting process: a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). First, the project must be designed to avoid or minimize any impact to the population of Roseate Terns that live in parts of Buzzards Bay. The Activity of Roseate Terns in Buzzards Bay has been studied for two years (four seasons) in an effort to better understand their distribution in the Bay.We are currently working with federal and state officials to develop more refined methods for future studies.
Second, the comprehensive Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan, which is currently under development by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, will need to reaffirm that Buzzards Bay is a suitable location for appropriate-scale renewable energy facilities in order for the project to proceed. The final draft of the Plan is slated for release on December 31, 2009. The Plan will supersede the Ocean Sanctuaries Act (OSA), which currently governs offshore development activities in over 90% of state waters.
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