MA/RI WEA Port access route study

Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England
 
1 Little Harbor Road
Woods Hole, MA  02543
Tel:  508-457-3211
 
MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN
[MSIB # 01-19]
26 March 2019
 
MA/RI WIND ENERGY AREA
PORT ACCESS ROUTE STUDY
 
The Coast Guard is conducting a Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Access Route Study to evaluate the need for establishing vessel routing measures through the MA/RI Wind Energy Area (MA/RI WEA).  The information gathered during this study may result in the establishment of one or more vessel routing measures through the MA/RI WEA.  The goal of the study is to enhance navigational safety by examining existing shipping routes and waterway uses.  The recommendations of the study may lead to future rulemaking action or appropriate international agreements. 
 
A summary of the Federal Register announcement is attached which includes the process for submitting comments, and lists details on two scheduled public meetings.
For more complete information about this study and its purpose, and how to participate in the study, see the Federal Register announcement at
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-03-26/pdf/2019-05730.pdf. 

Questions regarding this Bulletin may be addressed to Mr. Edward G. LeBlanc at Edward.G.LeBlanc@uscg.mil, or 401-435-2351.
 
 
                                                               C. J. Glander
                                                               Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
                                                               Captain of the Port
Southeastern New England
 MA/RI WIND ENERGY AREA
PORT ACCESS ROUTE STUDY
 
The Coast Guard is conducting a Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Access Route Study (MARIPARS) to evaluate the need for establishing vessel routing measures through the MA/RI Wind Energy Area (MA/RI WEA).  The information gathered during this MARIPARS may result in the establishment of one or more vessel routing measures.  The goal of the MARIPARS is to enhance navigational safety by examining existing shipping routes and waterway uses.  The recommendations of the study may lead to future rulemaking action or appropriate international agreements. 
 
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has leased seven adjacent areas of the outer continental shelf (OCS) south of Martha’s Vineyard and east of Rhode Island that together constitute the MA/RI WEA.  Potentially seven distinct offshore renewable energy installations (“wind farms”) could be constructed, each with its own number, size, type of wind turbines, and distinct turbine layout.  The topic of safe navigation routes to facilitate vessel transit through the MA/RI WEA has been discussed at various forums throughout southeastern New England.  The forums have included participation by the Coast Guard, other federal, state, and local agencies, fishing industry representatives, and myriad stakeholders.  Various transit plans have been proposed through these different forums.
 
We are attempting to determine what, if any, navigational safety concerns exist with vessel transits in the study area.  We expect that information gathered during the study will help us identify anticipated impacts to navigation that may be experienced by mariners intending to transit in, around and through the study area which includes the MA/RI WEA, which is an area of wind farm leases south of Martha’s Vineyard.  All leases are currently being studied for development including the construction of wind energy generating turbines affixed to the sea floor.  These installations could impact routes used to access ports (e.g., transiting from Georges Bank through the MA/RI WEA to New Bedford; or from the vicinity of Montauk, NY/Point Judith, RI, to Georges Bank, etc.).  Impacts could result from factors such as number, size, type, and layout of wind farm turbines and electric service platform(s), subsea cabling, increased vessel traffic, changing vessel traffic patterns, weather conditions, or navigational difficulty.  Comments should include or reference data (both empirical and anecdotal) where available, published studies (academic, government, or industry), and other supporting documentation.
 
As part of this study, we may collect and analyze data and other information on vessel traffic characteristics and trends in an attempt to balance the needs of all waterway users.
 
MA/RI WIND ENERGY AREA
PORT ACCESS ROUTE STUDY
 
This study includes the following objectives:
1. Determine present vessel traffic types, patterns, and density;
2. Determine potential vessel traffic types, patterns, and density;
3. Determine if existing vessel routing measures are adequate;
4. Determine if existing vessel routing measures require modifications;
5. Determine the type of modifications;
6. Define and justify the needs for new vessel routing measures;
7. Determine the type of new vessel routing measures; and
8. Determine if the usage of the vessel routing measures must be mandatory for specific classes of vessels.
 
Public Meetings:  Two public meetings will be held to receive public comments:
 
1.      Tuesday, April 23, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Corless Auditorium (Watkins Laboratory Building), University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882-1197. 
 
2.      Thursday, April 25, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Flanagan Hall, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA  02532. 
 
3.    Monday, April 29, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Inlet Seafood Restaurant, 541 East Lake Drive, Montauk, NY 11954
 
Comments:  Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 28, 2019.  You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2019-0131 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov.  If you submit comments to the online public docket, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG-2019-0131), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. We accept anonymous comments.
 
To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov, and insert “USCG-2019-0131” in the “search box.” Click “Search”.  Then click “Comment Now.”  We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period.
 
Results:  We will publish the results of the PARS in the Federal Register.  It is possible the study may validate the status quo (no routing measures) and conclude that no changes are necessary. It is also possible the study may recommend one or more changes to enhance navigational safety and the efficiency of vessel traffic management.  The recommendations may lead to future rulemakings or appropriate international agreements.
 
Questions:  Questions regarding this study may be addressed to Mr. Edward G. LeBlanc at Edward.G.LeBlanc@uscg.mil, or 401-435-2351.