EPA Finalizes Permit for Largest Offshore Wind Farm in US
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week issued a key air quality permit to Dominion Energy’s planned offshore wind project off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The agency issued the project’s final Clean Air Act Outer Continental Shelf air quality permit on April 9, following a 30-day public comment period.
The permit authorizes the construction and operation of the largest offshore wind project in the United States and will feature up to 176 wind turbines located 26-38 nautical miles from the coast.
Once complete, the approved project will generate roughly 2,640 MWs of renewable energy, roughly enough to power 660,000 homes.
“To have the largest offshore wind project right here in the Mid-Atlantic is both a privilege and a responsibility — and we take our role in enabling clean energy initiatives very seriously,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz in a written statement.
“This project will generate enough renewable energy to power nearly five times as many homes as there are in Richmond — all done with the environment and communities front of mind,” he said.
The permit includes requirements such as the prevention of significant deterioration permitting program and applicable Virginia Department of Environmental Quality requirements that regulate air pollutants from the construction and operation of the wind farm, including those from the vessels used to construct and support the project.
The EPA coordinated its review of this permit in concert with other federal agencies, including the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
The permit, response to comments document and supporting materials are available for review on the Regulations.gov website.
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue
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