Abstract
Since 2005, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has been charged with issuing leases on the Outer Continental Shelf for potential renewable energy projects including wind energy. BOEM recognizes that renewable energy development should be managed responsibly. As part of this management responsibility BOEM uses the best available science in their environmental assessments of proposed leases, so that precautions are taken to mitigate potential environmental impacts. The main goal of this study was to assess the environmental risks, fates, and effects of chemical releases, including oils, associated with routine operations and maintenance of offshore wind turbines, as well as catastrophic events (e.g., toppling of one, multiple or all wind turbines, and topple of the electrical service platform). This study does not address spills from vessels transiting through wind facility areas (e.g., spills resulting from the collision of a vessel with wind turbines), nor does it address spills arising from the construction of these facilities. The ultimate goals of this study were to use the best available science to address public concerns on the potential environmental consequences of the release of hazardous material from wind facilities, and to generate information to support future Alternative Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statements.