Epsilon Celebrates BOEM Approvals for Offshore Wind Projects in New Jersey and Massachusetts
August 1st, 2024
Two major projects, Atlantic Shores South and New England Wind, have recently received critical approvals from the Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM), marking significant steps forward in the expansion of clean energy along the East Coast. Epsilon has played a pivotal role in these projects, contributing extensive expertise and leadership in both federal and state permitting processes. Our involvement has been integral to securing these approvals, from the meticulous development of Construction and Operations Plans to navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Epsilon’s dedication to delivering comprehensive routing, licensing and permitting services underscores our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and supporting the ambitious goals of these transformative projects.
Atlantic Shores South Offshore Wind
Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind has reached a major milestone with the issuance of the Record of Decision (RoD) for its Atlantic Shores South Project which is poised to deliver 11,000 MW of clean energy to New Jersey by 2040, thereby advancing the state’s renewable energy target.
Epsilon is honored to be part of this impactful achievement. Collaborating with Environmental Design & Research, Inc., we played a key role in the development of the Construction and Operations Plan, which was submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM) in 2021. Epsilon is also leading the NMFS Letter of Authorization and the USEPA Outer Continental Shelf Air Permit processes, which are two critical federal approvals required to construct and operate the Project.
In addition to these permitting efforts, Epsilon has also delivered key environmental analyses in support of the Project including commercial and recreational fisheries, navigation safety and risk, onshore noise and marine mammals and sea turtles. Our team remains deeply committed to the success of Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, helping to meet critical environmental standards and achieve regulatory milestones and Project objectives.
New England Wind Projects
A full set of federal approvals were received this summer for the construction of New England Wind, which includes New England Wind 1 and New England Wind 2. Once completed, these projects will supply clean energy to nearly 1 million homes across New England, making a significant contribution to the region’s renewable energy landscape.
Epsilon has been at the forefront of this important initiative, leading the federal permitting process for the projects, starting with the submission of the Construction of Operations Plan to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in 2020. We also led all other federal permitting, including obtaining a Letter of Authorization from NMFS, a Section 10/404 permit from USACE, and an Outer Continental Shelf Air Permit from USEPA. Epsilon is also spearheading state, regional, and local permitting efforts for the state-jurisdictional components of the projects.
As the lead firm for routing, licensing, and permitting services, Epsilon has guided the projects through key regulatory hurdles. Our team continues to support New England Wind during the remaining stages of permitting and helping to ensure that all state and federal requirements are met.
About the Experts
Maria Hartnett, Principal of Epsilon’s Offshore Wind Group specializes in environmental permitting and scientific analyses for offshore wind energy development, coastal and marine projects, dredging and disposal activities, and waterfront developments. Market Leader for Epsilon's Offshore Wind team, for more than 18 years she has been providing environmental consulting services in support of permit applications at the local, state, and federal levels. Ms. Hartnett’s areas of expertise include environmental regulatory analysis, preparation of impact assessments, coastal studies, geochemical evaluation of sediments, and development and implementation of monitoring and mitigation programs. Ms. Hartnett advocates effectively for clients with her strong grasp of scientific principles and clear, well-organized, and persuasive technical reports and presentations.
John Zimmer, Principal of Epsilon's Energy Practice has over 26 years of experience primarily on energy related projects including the licensing and permitting of natural gas pipelines and electric transmission facilities throughout the Northeast. He is responsible for the preparation of federal, state, and local permit/license applications and coordination and management of field studies including wetland delineation and rare species surveys. He is also regularly involved with regulatory/resource agency consultation, corridor/route selection, environmental inventory and assessment, post-construction monitoring, EIR/EIS preparation, wetland and rare species mitigation planning, public participation, and construction compliance management and inspection. He has successfully managed a wide range of projects ranging from linear energy facilities to large-scale residential and commercial developments.
Jill Rowe, Associate and Epsilon’s Offshore Wind Market Leader an experienced ocean science director, offshore wind lead, and Epsilon's Offshore Wind Group Manager, Jill has over 20 years of experience in environmental consulting including offshore wind and oil and gas development, with subject matter expertise including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) support; modeling the fate and exposure of biota to oil and other chemical releases; developing fish, benthic, and essential fish habitat analyses; and evaluation of spatial abundance and recruitment patterns.