The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has approved multiple permit applications and authorisation requests from wind energy developer US Wind. This approval allows the Delaware components of its proposed Maryland offshore wind project to move forward. The project includes approximately 15 miles of export cables under Delaware's subaqueous jurisdiction.
As conditions of the permits, US Wind will be required to:
- Perform detailed monitoring and reporting during both construction and operations.
- Provide compensatory mitigation activities and funding to address potential environmental concerns and public use impacts.
- Follow an approved Emergency Response Plan for actions related to unanticipated occurrences.
- Establish financial assurance to provide for any future decommissioning activities.
Key elements of the compensatory mitigation package include:
- Fish and shellfish studies and population monitoring.
- Recreational access facilities improvements throughout the inland bays.
- Establishment of a maintenance and research fund.
- Funding in support of the development and operation of a commercial shellfish docking facility.
- Annual funding to the aquaculture startup grant fund.
- Financial contributions for fisherperson compensation claims.
- Funding to support the construction and operation of a submerged aquatic vegetation restoration facility.
- Financial support for habitat restoration and shoreline protection projects in the inland bays.
- Funding for training and infrastructure improvements needed to support the Emergency Response Plan.
The approved permits include:
- Subaqueous Lands Permit
- Wetlands Permit
- Beach Preservation Coastal Construction Permit
