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Final Impact Report Issued: A Significant Step towards Offshore Wind Project Completion

Final Impact Report Issued: A Significant Step towards Offshore Wind Project Completion

Final Environmental Impact Statement Issued for Offshore Wind Projects

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently disclosed the final environmental impact statement for two offshore wind projects by Atlantic Shores, located off the Long Beach Island coast. This announcement came a week before the statement’s public release, marking a significant step ahead of summer.

Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind combined the construction and operations plan for both projects into a single submission for BOEM’s evaluation. The final EIS will be made available from May 31.

The projects entail the construction of up to 200 total turbines in a lease zone that spans roughly 102,124 acres and is around 8.7 miles off the Jersey coast at its nearest point. The combined proposal also includes about 10 offshore wind substations with subsea transmission cables potentially landing in Atlantic City to the south and Sea Girt in the north.

“We are encouraged to see forward progress and getting another step closer to delivering New Jersey’s first offshore wind projects,” stated Joris Veldhoven, CEO of Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind. He went on to acknowledge the “milestone” in reaching New Jersey’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2035.

Atlantic Shores has selected Creamer-Jingoli, a joint venture between J. Fletcher Creamer & Son Inc. and Jingoli, to engineer and design the onshore underground cable route for one of the projects. The initial contract covers detailed design for the 12 miles of underground infrastructure running from the project’s landfall in Atlantic City to the point of interconnection in Egg Harbor Township.

Creamer-Jingoli will also assist with environmental sampling, field surveys, subsurface utility engineering work, and site preparation for the duct bank installations that will house cables connecting offshore wind energy to the state’s electric grid.

The first Atlantic Shores project is expected to deliver 1,510 megawatts of clean energy, powering over 700,000 homes and contributing nearly $2 billion to the New Jersey economy.

However, not everyone is thrilled with the developments. Congressman Jeff Van Drew issued a statement expressing his dissatisfaction, accusing BOEM of recklessly pushing forward with these projects. Van Drew suggested that offshore wind has “no place in South Jersey” and vowed to continue opposing these projects.

He referenced Ørsted’s decision in October 2023 to cancel its Ocean Wind 1 project, the state’s first offshore wind farm, and a planned second project. The company began onshore construction at Island Beach State Park and the decommissioned Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station, later citing market conditions, supply chain issues, project delays, and rising interest rates as reasons for the cancellation.

Original Story at www.thesandpaper.net

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024