The proposed South Fork Wind Farm, a 15-turbine offshore wind farm located 19 miles southeast of Block Island and 35 miles east of Montauk Point, will be the largest source of renewable energy on Long Island. EDR provided visual and environmental permitting services for the offshore wind farm and terrestrial (onshore) portions of the 138kV alternating current (AC) export cable.
A key concern for the public, regional stakeholders, and permitting agencies is the potential visual impact of offshore wind projects. EDR utilized state-of-the-art visual effects software, GIS analysis of lidar data, and rigorous field protocols to prepare viewshed analyses, field photography, 44 photographic simulations, and time-lapse video simulations demonstrating variable lighting conditions of times of day/night.
EDR is also supporting the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act review of the project, including consultation with State Historic Preservation Offices and Indian Nations, preparation of Phase IA/IB archaeological surveys for the onshore facilities associated with the project, and preparation of a Historic Resources Visual Effects Analysis. All of EDR’s analyses and support studies were included in the Construction and Operations Plan recently submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to facilitate their review of the project under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
In addition, EDR supported the preparation of an Article VII Application for the onshore transmission and interconnection facilities, which was submitted to the New York State Public Service Commission. Our role in the Article VII proceeding has included preparation of a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA), Phase IA/IB Archaeological Surveys for the onshore portions of the facility, a Historic Resources Survey, and assistance with the preparation an Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP).