Global design firm Stantec has been 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.
The 120-MW Skipjack Wind Farm will be Maryland’s first offshore wind farm, and second for Deepwater Wind. The company developed America’s first offshore wind farm, which began commercial operations in 2016. (Photo: Deepwater Wind)
Deepwater Wind’s 120-MW 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, Maryland, 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 offshore 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.
With more than 22,000 employees, Stantec is ranked as a top ten global environmental firm and a top ten global design firm by Engineering News Record. The firm is also ranked as a top ten architecture firm by Architectural Record. Locally, Stantec has over 200 employees in three offices across Maryland. Additionally, Stantec’s 2,700-person multidisciplinary environmental services team includes senior professionals located across more than 250 offices in North America who deliver local expertise supported by global perspectives.
Stantec’s professional scientists and engineers provide in-depth technical expertise and regulatory knowledge. The environmental services team also includes Professional Wetland Scientists, Professional Soil Scientists, Certified Wildlife Biologists, Coastal Resource Specialists, Certified Fisheries Biologists and Protected Species Observers.
Filed Under: News, Offshore wind, Projects
