OC expresses concerns about offshore... <\/p>\n
OCEAN CITY, Md. - In Ocean City, the idea of bringing a wind energy project offshore could soon be a reality. <\/p>\n
So far two wind energy companies have expressed their interest, but it appears that it has also created concerns amongst those living in the area where the projects have been proposed. <\/p>\n
Mayor Meehan says he's not opposed to the idea of bringing an offshore wind turbine project, he just wants to make sure it is done in a responsible manner that protects the environment, the economy, and the safety of residents and visitors. <\/p>\n
\"Let's make sure we get this right and address everyone's concerns,\" says Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. <\/p>\n
Mayor Meehan says one company called US Wind has presented in front of the council. A few weeks ago that company proposed a 1.3 billion dollar wind farm that would be able to power about 500,000 Maryland homes. <\/p>\n
Officials from US Wind say the project would include 125 to 187 turbines and would be about 12 nautical miles off the coast of Ocean City. <\/p>\n
\"It does change the skyline in Ocean City, the vista here. And that is of concern to us because I think people come to kind of get away and look out at the ocean,\" says Mayor Meehan. <\/p>\n
However, Mayor Meehan is not the only one with concerns. <\/p>\n
\"I'm jut worried about what it's going to look like. Like will you be able to see it from offshore? I don't don't know it is going to affect the tourism,\" says Charlie Anderson, a resident in Ocean City. <\/p>\n
One Ocean City visitor says she sees the benefits of the project, but is worried about how wind turbines could affect local wildlife. <\/p>\n
\"They do bring environmental factors like they kill birds, they can potentially kill endangered species like hawks and eagles,\" says Rachel Zinn, from Baltimore, MD. <\/p>\n
The concerns have forced the Mayor and council to write a letter to the Maryland Public Service Commission. In the letter, which has been sent, officials discuss their concerns about bringing offshore wind energy projects to the area. <\/p>\n
Mayor Meehan says US Wind has reached out and offered to make adjustments to their proposal. One of those is taking their project an additional 5 miles offshore. <\/p>\n
\"We are aware of their concerns and we want to sit down and help discuss alleviate those concerns,\" says Paul Rich, the Director of Development at US Wind. <\/p>\n
\"What it shows is that there is an interest in trying to work out the problems that they see in Ocean City, so I think that's positive,\" says Mayor Meehan. <\/p>\n
The US Wind project is just one of the proposals being considered by the Maryland Public Services Commission. <\/p>\n
The second company that has expressed interest in bringing an offshore wind turbine project to Ocean City is Deepwater Wind. <\/p>\n
According to the Vice President of Development of Deepwater, the company is looking at a 720 million dollar project. <\/p>\n
The project includes 15 turbines that will be about 600 ft , and about 19.5 nautical miles from the coast of Ocean City. If approved, the project could be able to produce enough energy for 35,000 Maryland homes. <\/p>\n
Deepwater Wind will be presenting their proposal at the Ocean City Council meeting next Monday at 6 PM. <\/p>\n
This meeting is open to the public. <\/p>\n
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