The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has
approved undersea transmission cables for the proposed Cape Wind
project, clearing another hurdle for what could be the nation's first
offshore wind farm.
The project, which has met with resistance from some local groups
opposed to the sight of wind farms on the horizon, would provide
three-quarters of the electricity used on Cape Cod and the Islands.
Cape Wind wants to place 130 turbines about 4.7 miles off Cape Cod.
In approving the transmission cables, the DEP determined that the project "provides greater public benefit than detriment."
The portions of Cape Wind's proposal under the jurisdiction of the
DEP's review were the submarine electric cables from the coastline out
to the three-mile offshore state boundary.
"This DEP approval finding Cape Wind serves a proper public
interest and providing public benefit moves the project one step closer
to its final approval," Cape Wind Communications Director Mark Rodgers
said.
Rodgers said the full permitting process for the $1 billion
project could be completed by March. The Coast Guard, Department of the
Interior and Federal Aviation Administration must still approve the
wind farm on the federal level.
Bluewater Wind Delaware, LLC, a subsidiary of Babcock &
Brown (BBW.AX), is also hoping to lay claim to the nation's first
offshore wind farm with a project in development off the coast of Delaware.
Do you think Cape Cod residents have a legitimate concern with an offshore wind farm? Share your comments.
