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Testing Ocean Energy in Maine

In order to facilitate the development of alternative ocean energy in Maine, the Governor’s Ocean Energy Task Force recommended and drafted L.D. 1465 (.pdf), which was passed unanimously by the Maine State Legislature in June 2009. 

The legislation, among other things, tasks the Maine Department of Conservation, in consultation with the Maine State Planning Office, to select up to five locations within Maine state waters to be designated as "Ocean Energy Testing Areas."

These sites will be identified using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) analysis and thorough stakeholder input through a comprehensive public outreach effort, to be concluded in November 2009. 

The MDOC will officially designate these areas on Dec. 15, 2009.

The information on this website is meant to inform, educate, and raise awareness of the outreach process, the many different facets of ocean energy and Maine’s potential to be a regional, national, and world leader in alternative energy production. 

 


DRAFT OCEAN ENERGY DEMONSTRATION AREAS

A Planning Area for this project is defined as initial geography that met several basic criteria:

  • wind speed (17 mph annual average);
  • depth (primarily 60 meters or more);
  • within state-controlled waters;
  • and free of obstructions.

A Draft Demonstration Site is geography identified as meeting the initial criteria and also having been vetted to minimize human use and ecological impacts. 

This site, or a portion of this site, was designated on Dec. 15 as an Ocean Energy Demonstration Site.    

For more information or to comment:

By Phone: call Dan Prichard at 207-287-4919

By Mail:

Wind Energy Site Selection
c /o Dan Prichard
Maine Department of Conservation
22 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

By Web: See the web comment form below.

 

Interactive Map

 

new Demonstration Site maps added as of Dec. 15, 2009

Boon Island map (.pdf)

Damariscove Island (.pdf)

Monhegan Island (.pdf)

Final Planning Areas (.pdf)

 

 

Estimated Draft Site Coordinates (.pdf)

Draft Site Selection Methodology (.pdf)


Draft Sites Press Release - Oct. 27, 2009 (.pdf)

 

Frequently Asked Questions (.pdf)

 

Future Opportunities for Wind Power in Maine

How the Siting Process Works

What Does Ocean Energy Look Like?


For Additional Information, contact:

Kathleen Leyden, Director, Maine Coastal Program, Maine State Planning Office
at (207) 287-3144
or email Kathleen.Leyden@Maine.gov

Dr. Robert Marvinney, Maine State Geologist, Maine Geological Survey,
at (207) 287-2804
or email Robert.G.Marvinney@Maine.gov

 

Ocean Energy Task Force Website



Please use the form below to send a comment.












 

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