Offshore Wind Turbines

Lewis Pell

E.I.A. preformed by Lewis Pell of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Planning and Sustainable Communities Division.

Introduction:

The proposed project of wind turbines being developed offshore, off the southern

coast of New Jersey, will further express the meaning behind the “garden state”. A

portion of the southern state of NJ will start with “small scale” wind farms near Ocean

City and Atlantic City. The state was named, “The Garden State” due to its affluences of (source, 1) fig.1, Southern Coast New Jersey, U.S.A (source, 7) fig. 5, State of New Jersey

with Neighbors

(source, 3)fig. 2, Land & Offshore wind speed/ (source, 3) fig. 7, offshore depth

resources not only for itself, but also for New York and

Pennsylvania (fig, 5). Harvesting renewable green wind

energy from offshore winds could make the state of New

Jersey a key component and competitor in energy

production. The social

influence of green

renewable energy could turn

a state to positive

environmental decisions for

various issues and topics that the state faces. An example may be the handling/

management of contaminated and hazardous sites found in the state correlating with point

source and non-point source pollutants initiated by industry, agriculture or urban runoff.

Social standards and views could shift to consider eco-friendly, more environmentally

“greener” attitudes. That is, with the acceptance of the project in the general public with

there proposed locations.

Installment of wind turbines is expected to take place on the northern section of

the Ocean City peninsula up through the Atlantic City coast; they will be placed 10-30

miles off the coast as depicted in the picture above (fig., 1). At each location of the circles

in the photo four wind turbines will be constructed (fig., 1), a total of 52 turbines are

expected for installation for the prospected project. Wind speeds and offshore depth maps

(fig., 2 & 7) were evaluated to help support where to locate the impeccable developing

area for the wind turbines.

Environmental Impacts:

The project has a number of effects on the environment; we will assess and

elaborate the impact significance of environmental concerns and some mitigation options

to be offered for those given concerns. Beginning with its installation and continuing

throughout the projects service for the community, the development of offshore wind

turbines poses a noise complication that creates a threat to the aquatic life that is present

on the continental shelf’s ecosystem communities off the coast of New Jersey. (Fig.9,

3.4) The construction of wind turbines has been said to have effects for the marine life

due to high ranges of sound produced from the construction, which potentially could

impair hearing in various species, as well as creates area avoidance by the species which

would relocate and while the given area’s balanced symbiotic marine ecosystem is

degraded.

Suggests in order to avoid scenarios such as the one above require for us to look

into the topography of the ocean floor, avoid any protected areas, and be sensible of bird

migration/wind patterns all while attempting to stay with in our 10-30 miles off the coast.

Concerns of noise obstructing aquatic life, as a long-term consequence: 15 turbines will

have the foundation jacket with pin pile connections, 17 will have Monopile foundations,

and 20 will have Gravity base foundations (fig., 3); having different foundations is due to

the variation in wind frequencies that may present themselves offshore at anytime in the

given year, this is also done to reduce the expected impact on aquatic species effected by

noise at these different wind frequencies (fig., 4). High wind frequencies will use the

gravity base foundations since they emit the least amount of noise at those frequences,

medium frequencies work best with monopile foundations, and at low frequencies the

jack foundation are expected to be used.

This supports studies have shown that the foundations still emit noise, but it is

understood that this varies for each foundation type at different frequencies with the same

sound pressure levels. Researchers believe that further investigation and research must be

done in order to understand the effects of noise on the aquatic communities.

(Fig.9, 3.3) For the degradation of habitat life and loss of aquatic ecosystems in

correlation to the placement of the turbines may be resolved by proper placement of

(source, 5) fig. 3,Three Types of Offshore Wind Turbine Foundations /

fig.4, Sound Emitted Measured for Each Foundation

turbines, to avoid any endangered specie zones, avoiding mating or marine “birthing”

areas, any unstable aquatic ecosystems, or any other protected regions. These measures

must be met due to the importance a stable ecosystem provide for a sustainable marine

habitat and what that habitat provides for the ocean.

Previously mentioned, placing these turbines properly is also important because

of oceanic migratory birds, which could possibly come through this area or rest in or

around the developing areas (Fig.9, 3.1). Proven with land turbines in the North-Eastern

U.S., disruption of bird and bat populations is a side effect of direct or tributary

interactions; turbines may also influence wind rate and movement post wind turbine

contact. Theoretically, the oceanic migratory corridors are understood to be larger, more

constant, and a long-term greater source of power than that on land. Which leads to

conclude that the turbines will have little effect on air currents and birds that may interact

with them.

Understanding this and keeping in mind the method for deciding the location

where the development is expected to occur should not be an issue. The decisive

intentions of studying the behavior of the birds and the effects of the weather patterns,

including tests to be done for the quality of the air, are expected to be accomplished every

month for at least five to ten years in response to the CAA, ensuring the protection of air

quality, residence (Fig.9, 3.5), and wildlife.

(Fig.9, 3.2) Water quality analysis and testing is to be preformed to ensure the

safety and stability of the oceans. Following the CWA may also correlate with habitat

and ecosystem promotion and stability, both are to provide monthly reports on findings

and efforts in order to display progress and safety for both humans (Fig.9, 3.5), water

quality and wildlife.

The analysis and testing is done to ensure the stable quality for both the air and

water, emulating and promoting life in both habitats, which should have positive effects

on humans subsequently, but mainly promoting positive impacts for life to sustain itself

in both habitats. Research and studies are required to be preformed in regards to the

aquatic life; noting the quality of habitats previous too and during installation continuing

throughout the turbines service for at least ten years providing significant numbers and

effects of the turbines in our desired location. (Fig.9: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.5)

Analysis and mitigation summary table (3)

Impact Type

Impact Magnitude Impact Significance Mitigation

Option

Air (3.1) Low Medium

Space the turbines appropriately, survey bird migration: (movement, resting sites, species type, etc.), survey air quality ensuring its protection.

Water (3.2) Low Medium

We can preform water quality surveys, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the water.

Flora/Fauna (3.3) Medium High

Survey life that’s present, attempt to protect and preserve impacted species, promote basic aquatic life.

Noise (3.4) Medium High Various base installations of the turbines lower the posing noise risk for the

Analysis and mitigation summary table (3)

Impact Type

Impact Magnitude Impact Significance Mitigation

Option

surrounding/ receiving area.

Human Health (3.5) Low Medium

Associated with air and water quality surveys, people will be surveyed on health standards along with their yearly check-ups.

Economic (3.6) High High

By installing the offshore windmills the impact’s significance on the economy is feasible. To ensure localism we will hire a number of people from the particular location.

(source, 9), fig. 9 based off Chart from pt. 3 of E.I.A., by Lewis Pell (3.1-3.6) refer to this.

Impacts That Are Dismissed From Further Analysis:

The installment of offshore wind turbines allows us to assess a capable number of

issues and effects that may be the product or byproduct of the wind farm. These issues

may include some mentioned previously (water quality 3.2, air quality and wind patterns

3.1, effects on human health 3.5), disturbance of the aesthetic beauty, windmill durability,

raising water levels, and the interference with fishing industries.

Gaining public interest and support can assists in the completion of the project

and may resolve the turbines complication in disturbing the visual attraction of vast

endless sea.

(source, 2) fig. 6, Different Distances From the Shore, 2-20 Miles Shown in 7 Turbines for Gradation (fig., 6). The image demonstrates the visual difference between 2,3,4,5,10, 15, and 20

miles, if we place our wind turbines between 10-30 miles, staying within the exclusive

economic zone. This given region off the coast may interfere with commercial fishing

industry depending on the distance, being that New Jersey does not have a large fishing

industry, resulting as a minor conflict; commercial shipping in the area could possible

ensue some conflict of development in some areas. These issues can be resolved by

developing in suitable locations; all considerations have been applied in deciding the

developing location(s). Installation of windmills is understood to not raise water levels,

which would effect or produce hazardous coastal affects that may cause harm to the

general public.

Technological limitations such as the durability of the turbine itself could result in

some debate. The materials and engineering behind the construction of offshore wind

turbines are ensuring the capability to resist effects in its natural environment, as well as

any stochastic events that the turbine may endure off the coast of southern New Jersey.

We should also keep in mind, that you get what you pay for, everything purchased in

order to develop this project is to certify the absolute best outcomes for the development

of this project and its purpose. Proper wind turbine location will decrease the chances of

most issues that are expected to occur with the development of the wind farms as well.

Environmental issues and effects on humans previously mentioned in issues 3.1,

3.2, and 3.5, are described briefly summarizing efforts to resolve such matters. Issues

affected and developed in the air express concern for the quality of the air in regards to

pollutants and the effects they may have on bird life or human life as well as any effects

of disruption displaying a change in behavior of wind patterns. To best resolve air

concerns we can do our best to appropriately place the turbines according to wind

patterns and attempting to avoid the life that may pass through the wind corridors. After

the installment of the wind turbines further analysis and research can be done to monitor

wind patterns and migratory corridors. Water quality can be examined and observed for

any change. Tests should be done for any metals, or any basic changes to the ocean water

composition and quality. For residential developments installation of windmills is

understood to not raise water levels, which would effect or produce hazardous coastal

affects that may cause harm to the general public; changes in either the air or the water

could have some consequences that effect human life for the residence of the coast.

Human health will be examined and analyzed by local doctors and physicians that will

produce year check-ups for almost all Ocean City and Atlantic City residence, “the

locals”, this will give us evidence of change and effect of human health over time since

the ordination of the wind turbines.

Alternatives:

Environmental degradation that stems from the development of offshore wind

turbines encompasses understanding of the delicate ecological state the oceans and the

difference between promoting and destroying the existing coastal life. (source, 8), fig. 8, growth on turbine

foundations

Along with the installation of

the foundations for the

turbines, the project should

look in to habitats of pre-

turbine sea floors as well as

typical native life in attempts

to create re-vitalized habitats

at the bases of the foundations

to promote aquatic life and

stability of present populations (fig.8). Examination of aquatic life over time will be

monitored and studied, we do believe that there will be a decrease of aquatic life for some

time, over time we will see increases in the native species: the efforts to be made are

attempts to keep present life and ensure their presence. These efforts will correlate with

noise studies.

Issuing different foundation types for different areas of the project is expected to

lower the impact on depletion of aquatic life. The three types are proven to release

different, lower noise levels at different given areas of speed; when we know a high wind

will be coming through we can have the gravity base windmills on, medium wind the

monopile turbines, and low winds the jacket windmills are best. With efforts to do work

with this method we are capable to promote efforts to sustain the native aquatic life and

conserving as well as harvesting the optimum power of the wind at any given time.

Proper placement will certify the optimum wind power capable to collect with out

infringing and of the local businesses, residences,

habitat protected regions, air-traffic ways, and any

other competitor for offshore territory. Any change

in air and water quality will be inspected for harm

to either human or aquatic life. Both human

(communities) and wildlife (birds, aquatic life,

surrounding native terrestrial species) will be

thoroughly monitored. Each turbine to be

developed will be equipped with red (source8), fig. 10, Double Strip of Red on the Tips in Motion

striped painted tips (fig. 10) and at least two to three lights lining each of the wings. The

lights are for evening procedures so the turbines are visible; by striping the tips of the

blades red we are taking precautions ensuring the avoidance of passing/ curious birds.

Consultation and Responses:

We consulted a number of groups and organizations, which may be effected or

may even have an interest in investing in the project. The project developers and myself

met with Jersey Central Power and Light, South Jersey Energy, the commissioner Dianne

Solomon of the NJ Board of Public Utilities, the NJ Audubon Society, Conserve Wildlife

foundation of NJ, Both Ocean City And Atlantic City City-Councils, and finally the New

Jersey department of environmental protection (NJDEP) Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The three energy sponsors each found the developing project to be a constructive and

appropriate source for the future; appreciating the development for everything it stands

for they wanted apart in it, donating an untold number at this point for the development

and perhaps future expansions and other expenditures. The Audubon Society was hesitant

at first with the idea of the project, after a few consultations tossing back and forth of

ideas he came to support the project; the groups even offered to participate/ regulate the

bird watching and migratory/resting bird analysis. The NJDEP, Fishing and Wildlife

Division is interested in help give regulation on marine life, birds, and terrestrial life as

well as methods on controlling and regulating and analysis; with the support of the two

wildlife groups as credentials gaining funding and support from Conserve Wildlife

Foundation was incomplex. Discussion and introduction of the offshore wind farm to the

City Council of both cities was done in a public forum to which the general public was

welcome to criticize or show support. The majority of our overall feedback was positive,

still leaving us with room to meet with people again, educate them more on the

advancements of the projects technology, the benefits that come with this kind of energy,

and the open market for jobs.

This project is predicted to give more jobs to the general public supplying jobs for

locals and new comers, which in turn help support local business and city government.

Through a number of rallies, canvasing techniques, and a number of town meetings we

got to understand the troubles and concerns of the local residence and through

endorsement, compensation and compliance the project was able to gain public

acceptance for both Ocean City and Atlantic City.