Abstract
This Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) assesses the potential biological, socioeconomic, physical, and cultural impacts that could result from the construction and installation, operations and maintenance, and conceptual decommissioning of the Mayflower Wind Project (Project) proposed by Mayflower Wind Energy LLC (Mayflower Wind), in its Construction and Operations Plan (COP). The proposed Project described in the COP and this Draft EIS would have a capacity of up to 2,400 megawatts (MW) and would be sited offshore Massachusetts, within Commercial Lease OCS-A 0521 (Lease Area). The Project is designed to provide renewable wind energy to the northeast United States, including Massachusetts.
This Draft EIS was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 United States Code 4321 et seq.) and implementing regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 1500–1508). This Draft EIS will inform the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in deciding whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the COP (30 CFR 585.628). Publication of the Draft EIS initiates a 45-day public comment period open to all, after which all the comments received will be assessed and considered by BOEM in preparation of a Final EIS.
Appendix A: Required Environmental Permits and Consultations
Appendix B: Supplemental Information and Additional Figures and Tables
Appendix C: Project Design Envelope and Maximum-Case Scenario
Appendix D: Planned Activities Scenario
Appendix E: Analysis of Incomplete and Unavailable Information
Appendix F: USACE 404(b)(1) Analysis
Appendix G: Mitigation and Monitoring
Appendix H: Seascape, Landscape, and Visual Impact Assessment
Appendix I: Determination of Effect for NHPA Section 106 Consultation
Appendix J: References Cited
Appendix K: Glossary
Appendix L: List of Preparers and Reviewers
Appendix M: Distribution List