Councilor Freierman reviewed a public notice from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the proposed wind energy farm to be installed in an area approximately 3.6 miles of Jones Beach.  She questioned the terminology used in the public notice that describes this facility as a “wind park,” suggesting that the term, “industrial installation,” was more accurate and appropriate. Ms. Freierman stated that she had been in communication with the project designers over the past year, urging that the spatial arrangement of the proposed wind turbine towers be in 3 straight lines, one mile apart, leaving ¼ mile between each structure, thereby allowing easier access for trawlers and other boats to areas between the towers.  The current design calls for the towers to be positioned in such a way as to make it impossible to tow a trawl anywhere near them.  To date, she has not heard back from anyone.  Chairman Wise said that the Surfclam/Ocean Quahog Management Advisory Board, which he also chairs, is very interested in this project, as well.  That Board has asked him to write on its behalf to the Corps of Engineers, voicing its concerns about the project and calling for the Corps to hold a public hearing at which all interested parties could identify their concerns and questions.  Mr. Wise said that if there were such a hearing, it would be prudent for the Council to submit testimony expressing its views.  Councilor Danielson said that he would be very interested in seeing an environmental impact statement on this project.  Mr. Wise will put this issue on the agenda for the 20 September 2005 Council meeting.

 

Page last modified Saturday, August 20, 2005 by George E. Carroll