Highlights of the
Stakeholder Process

Here are some of the highlights of the stakeholder process:

VISUAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED WIND FARM

What was learned:

The final computer simulations developed by Cape Wind (the developers) and by the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound (the major organized opposition to the proposed project) show little discrepancy with regard to how the project would look from various vantage points on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. They will be visible from shore. Their simulations can be viewed in the Fourth Stakeholder Meeting.

What we do not know:

It is still unclear what the wind farm will look like at night. No nighttime simulations had been developed at the conclusion of the six stakeholder meetings.

AVIAN IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED WIND FARM

What was learned:

MTC funded The Massachusetts Audubon Society to conduct a “Survey of Tern Activity within Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts during Pre-migratory Fall Staging” to assess the risk the to this endangered bird species from the proposed offshore wind farm. The report concluded, “The majority of terns recorded during this study were observed near Monomoy Island NWR or the south shore of Cape Cod. Substantially fewer terns were seen on Horseshoe Shoals.”

The full Massachusetts Audubon Report can be found in the Appendix to the Cape & Islands Offshore Wind Stakeholder Process Final Report.

What we do not know:

We do not know about the activities of the tern during other times of year (during breeding and feeding seasons) and whether or not their activity varies from year-to-year. Some experts, including Mass Audubon, have stated that a three-year study is needed before a final determination on impacts can be made.

CONSUMPTION OF ENERGY FROM THE PROPOSED WIND FARM

What was learned:

The energy produced from the proposed wind farm would flow to and be consumed on Cape Cod. The energy generated from the Cape Wind project would, in effect, displace the amount of energy consumed from the Canal Plant in Sandwich. However, due to the intermittent nature of wind energy, the wind farm would not result in the shut down of the canal plant

This was confirmed during the Second Stakeholder Meeting Summary.

AIR QUALITY IMPACTS

What we learned:

Based on the manner in which the region’s Independent Systems Operator (ISO-New England) purchases power for the grid, the proposed wind farm, if in operation, would likely displace dirtier (more expensive to operate) plants with the electricity it generates. However, if the wind farm is unable to deliver on its bid due to lack of wind, it must purchase electricity from conventional sources and supply that to the grid. This process is described in the Second Stakeholder Meeting Summary.

ALTERNATIVE OFFSHORE SITES

What we learned:

While offshore wind holds tremendous potential, there are currently few sites off the coast of the United States with the physical characteristics that can support offshore wind facilities using existing technologies. While the wind resource is the most critical factor in determining the viability of a site, proximity to transmission lines and ocean depth are other critical factors. Current technology and economics restrict offshore wind farm construction to waters 50 feet or shallower.

The full assessment of potential alternative sites (onshore as well as offshore) is outlined in the Sixth Stakeholder Meeting Summary and the Army Corps of Engineers presentation.

What we do not know:

We do not know when technological advances will enable developers to construct viable wind farms in deep ocean waters that avoid some of the contentious siting issues associated with near-shore development. We also do not know what new issues might emerge by venturing into deeper waters.