U.S. Govt Seeks Public Input on Icebreaker Project

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) are requesting public input on the scope of an Environmental Assessment for the Icebreaker project and will hold a public scoping event on 28 September.

Representatives from the federal agencies will be present to answer questions about the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and federal permitting processes. Officials from the Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) will also be present to answer questions about the project. Public comment will be taken during the meeting.

“This is another step along the way to ensure Project Icebreaker becomes e a reality for the Cleveland area,” said Dr. Lorry Wagner, President of LEEDCo. “We encourage members of the public to attend and provide their input into the project.”

DOE is proposing to authorize federal funding to LEEDCo to design, permit, construct and decommission the 6-turbine wind demonstration project 8-10 miles offshore in Lake Erie proposed by LEEDCo.

Upon completion of the event and after collecting public feedback on the scope of issues related to project, the federal agencies will develop their Environmental Assessment.  Written comments can also be submitted to U.S. DOE on or before 2016 October 2016 to ensure DOE receives written comments in time for consideration in the draft Environmental Assessment.

The public scoping event will be held on 28 September from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Lakewood Park – Woman’s Club Pavilion, 14532 Lake Ave., Lakewood, Ohio 44107.