Abstract
On March 11, 2013, NMFS received an application from DWBI for the taking of marine mammals incidental to construction of the Block Island Wind Farm. The application went through a series of revisions and the final version was submitted on October 17, 2013. NMFS determined that the application was adequate and complete on December 2, 2013.
DWBI plans to develop the Block Island Wind Farm (BIWF), a 30-megawatt offshore wind farm. The planned activity could begin in late 2014 and last through late 2015; however, portions of the project will only occur for short, sporadic periods of time over the 1-year period. The following specific aspects of the planned activities are likely to result in the take of marine mammals: impact pile driving and the use of dynamically positioned (DP) vessel thrusters. Take, by Level B Harassment only, of individuals of nine species is anticipated to result from the specified activity.