Wind Turbine

As a follow up to a  previous post about the potential for a “wind farm” on the Outer Banks, here is an update on the Offshore Wind Project:

The US Army Corps of Engineers has asked Duke Energy Co to undergo environmental impact reasearch on an offshore wind project that will take place in the Pamlico Sound.  The project plans for three wind turbines within 3 square miles and 7.3 miles west of Avon and 9.1 miles of Frisco.  The Turbines will be connected to the island from an underground electrical cable. This project was announced last September. 

The project is being conducted as a test by Duke Energy and UNC Chapel Hill of commercial wind energy along the OBX coast.  One of the most common concerns at this point for tourists and residents is the site of the large wind turbines. 

As a results of this impact study, 9000 permant jobs could be created.  The Corps announced on Tuesday that undertaking this study could take about two years. A public meeting to discuss the scope of the study will be held in Manteo on March 18.  Written comments will be taken until April 2. Write: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, Regulatory Division, Attn: File Number SAW 2009-01880, P.O. Box 1000, Washington, NC 27889-1000.