If you are interested in the future of offshore wind in Newfoundland and Labrador – whether that be from a technical, policy, socio-economic, developer, or environmental perspective – time is running out to provide your feedback on work completed on a regional assessment.
The Committee for the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Newfoundland and Labrador has released its draft final report which can be downloaded here.
The main purpose of the regional assessment is to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of future impact assessments for specific projects. The report covers a wide range of topics from environmental impacts (i.e., acoustics, marine habitats, ocean life), to potential for conflict with other ocean users (i.e., fisheries, transportation, parks), to icebergs and sightlines. The report also makes recommendations on what areas are most appropriate for future licensing.
While the recommendations stemming from the report are not binding, they will certainly be taken seriously by federal/provincial regulators of a future offshore wind industry in the province. With this in mind, it is important for all interested parties to take a look at it through the lens of their expertise and make comment.
For its part, econext will be making a submission based on comments that we have received from our members through the life of the regional assessment. As you review, if you come across something that you strongly believe needs to be considered or adjusted, please let us know so that we can incorporate this into our own feedback.
As a heads up, you’ll need to set aside some time. The report is a hefty document sitting at 828 pages. Responses are due before midnight on November 29. For more information on how to provide feedback on the report, visit the regional assessment website.
// Kieran Hanley
CEO
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