REGULATION OF WIND TURBINES IN NEW JERSEY’S COASTAL ZONE

Proposed Regulatory Amendments

On September 8, 2009, the Department published in the NJ Register a proposal to amend the Coastal Permit Program rules, to add a new permit-by-rule and two new coastal general permits for the construction of wind turbines on land; and describe the situations in which construction of a wind turbine does not require a coastal permit.  The proposal would also amend the Coastal Zone Management rules, N.J.A.C. 7:7E, to facilitate the construction of wind turbines in the coastal zone in appropriate locations, identify particular areas where construction of large scale wind turbines would not be appropriate, and set forth monitoring,strong>habitat evaluation and impact assessment requirements for birds, bats and marine organisms.  Further, the proposed amendments would allow the construction of a demonstration wind energy facility in the ocean waters of the State to assist in assessing the impacts of such a facility. View the rule proposal

Large Scale Wind Turbine Siting Map

As the height and size of wind turbines increase, so does the potential for adverse impacts to both birds and bats due to the operation of the turbines.  In order to minimize these effects, the Department has identified specific areas on land where wind turbines of a certain size would be unacceptable.  These areas are identified on the Department’s Large Scale Wind Turbine Siting Map.  This map is available for download.  Details on the methodology and justification used to map these areas are provided in the Large Scale Wind Turbine Siting Map report (pdf).

Technical Manual for Evaluating Wildlife Impacts of Wind Turbines Requiring Coastal Permits

To assess the potential impacts of the construction and/or operation of wind turbines on birds, bats and in tidal waters marine organisms, the Department has developed a technical manual (pdf) which provides habitat evaluation, impact assessment, and pre- and post- construction monitoring requirements specific to the location of the wind turbine, on land or in tidal waters.

Ocean/Wind Ecological Baseline Studies

The Department is gathering data regarding the abundance and distribution of birds, marine mammals and sea turtles in an area that reaches 20 nautical miles offshore, between Seaside Park and Stone Harbor.  The overall goal of the study is to provide spatial and temporal data on species utilizing New Jersey Offshore waters to assist in determining potential areas for wind power development.  Details on the study and reports can be found on the Department’s Office of Science web site.

Permits and approvals for the Construction of Wild Energy Facilities

The Department has developed listings of permits and approvals that may be required for the construction of terrestrial and offshore wind energy facilities.  These listings contain the permits and approvals that are most likely to be required from the Department and similar permits and approvals required from federal agencies.  These documents are available from the Department’s Office of Permit Coordination and Environmental Review web site.