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Thoughts on Orsted’s Skipjack Offshore Wind Energy meeting

November 26, 2019

The Nov. 19 public meeting with Delaware legislators, DNREC, state parks, and Orsted Wind Energy representatives was held at the Indian River High School. The entire school auditorium was filled, and 99 percent of those in attendance voiced total opposition to all the proposed improvements for the Fenwick Island State Park, and that the natural character of the park should be left untouched.

The park is an ecologically sensitive area that contains wildlife and protected species, so a two-story concrete parking garage, pickleball courts, a pedestrian overpass across Route 1, and a new nature center are all out of character in this park. Medical clinicians at the meeting spoke about cancer and the danger surrounding electromagnetic radiation associated with high- voltage electric cables.

It’s no wonder Delmarva Power places high-voltage cables and transfer equipment at fenced-in locations so the general public is kept safely away from magnetic radiation. The thought that the state’s guardian of our environment would allow families to vacation in a public park that contains high-voltage cables and substation utilities is both incomprehensible and unsafe. 

At the meeting I asked if there were other sites along the Atlantic Coast where Orsted could land the high-voltage cables. Orsted’s rep said there where other sites but “the park was the most efficient.”

I also noted that Del. Code Title 7 and DNREC’s Administrative Code state that a lease application for a utility (use) can be denied for, “…[the] likelihood of …electromagnetic interference,” “impact on scenic beauty of the surrounding area,” and “effect on adjacent residential areas” (except loss of property values). 

Secretary Garvin agreed that DNREC has the authority to deny a utility lease application in Fenwick Island State Park. Given that Orsted has alternative sites available, I implore DNREC’s Secretary Garvin deny all binding utility lease applications in the park.

Paul Breger
Fenwick Island

 

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