Stantec to lead environmental assessment for offshore Maryland wind farm

Edmonton, AB; New York; Ocean City, Md. — Stantec was selected to lead environmental assessment for the Skipjack Wind Farm, an offshore wind project being developed by Deepwater Wind off the coast of Maryland. Deepwater Wind is the only company to fully build and operate an offshore wind farm in the United States, the Block Island Wind Farm located off the coast of Rhode Island.

Deepwater Wind’s 120-megawatt Skipjack Wind Farm is Maryland’s first offshore wind farm, with the potential to deliver enough renewable energy to power 35,000 Maryland homes.

Stantec, which has a team based locally in Laurel, Md., along with technical and regulatory experts along the East Coast, will lead a team of local biologists, engineers, marine archaeologists, and other researchers to conduct extensive marine and environmental assessments. Stantec is supported by Maryland-based environmental firms to facilitate the project’s state and federal permitting efforts.

“We are committed to supporting Deepwater Wind through a streamlined and thorough process in the assessment and permitting of this milestone renewable energy project,” said Diane Sullivan, sector leader for Renewable Energy at Stantec. “With the ongoing expansion of the off-shore wind energy sector along the East Coast, the Stantec team provides a unique set of skills and expertise to support clients in the planning and delivery of such complex energy generation projects. Stantec brings over 30 years’ experience in wind energy project development, permitting and marine systems, coupled with a diverse local team of environmental specialists and scientists, to deliver comprehensive, tailored guidance and project solutions.”

Deepwater Wind has secured the rights to acquire the site’s federal lease, with the Maryland Public Service Commission designating the Skipjack Wind Farm a “Qualified Offshore Wind Project” in May 2017.