Ocean City calls for a halt on wind farm development after latest whale death

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City officials are demanding answers tonight and calling for a halt on wind farm development. This comes after yet another dead whale washed ashore along the East Coast.

The dead North Atlantic right whale washed ashore on Virginia Beach over the weekend, the fourth such case across the region this year, and while the cause of death hasn’t yet been released, the Town of Ocean City is urging both State and Federal officials to get involved.

Echoing a plea from Congressman Andy Harris, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan tells us that he wants the wind farm development to stop in fear that it could be contributing in any way to these deaths.

“This is just another example of why things have to slow down,” Mayor Meehan told our Rob Petree. “This is another unanswered question, this is something else that possibly could be addressed or at least answered along with a number of other issues that just seem to be getting pushed aside.”

Mayor Meehan said other areas along the East Coast are also taking steps in an effort to halt the projects, citing conversations he’s had with other mayors who share the same concerns.

“I think they need to be fully vetted before these projects continue,” Mayor Meehan stressed. “I’ve had conversations with a number of mayors in other jurisdictions, in Delaware and in New Jersey, the mayors in New Jersey did a resolution asking the government to stop these projects until these questions are answered, and we agree.”

Recently, Congressman Andy Harris also called for a moratorium over the whale deaths, issuing a statement saying “we need to take the time to gather proper scientific data, act in full transparency, and not rely upon FAQ platitudes for these projects, their construction, and the impact they may have upon our environment.”

Our news department was able to catch up with Governor Wes Moore who traveled to the shore on Tuesday. He was asked about this issue and touted his support for wind energy but also emphasized how all sides need to come together to discuss the issue in detail.

“We have to make sure that the conversation we’re having that it does include everybody, and that everybody’s voices are being heard,” Governor Moore stated. “We also know at the same time that wind energy is going to play an important part in terms of our long-term future.”

Both Ørsted and U.S. Wind are preparing to build offshore wind farms near Ocean City along and Delaware’s coastal beaches.

Ørsted plans to build their Skipjack Wind project, which includes approximately 70 wind turbines. At its closest point, Skipjack Wind will be 15.5 miles from shore, says Ørsted. U.S. Wind is working on two offshore wind projects; its MarWind and Momentum Wind projects.

Since 2017, the Town of Ocean City has been vocally outspoken over the projects, citing potential environmental concerns and whether or not the turbines would be visible and potentially affect the view of the horizon.

Concerns have also been raised over the potential impacts to other species, such as the Atlantic Horseshow Crab and migratory birds, which some fear could be affected.

Last year, 47 ABC’s Hannah Cechini spoke to Nancy Sopko, Senior Director of External Affairs for U.S. Wind, who said they have have done their due diligence in planning for any environmental impact.

“We are seeking to avoid any impact. What we cannot avoid, we are significantly minimizing, and also mitigating any impact to the environment,” said Sopko. “U.S. Wind, as with all offshore wind developers, have to go through a multiyear process with several federal agencies and state agencies that are really digging into the contents of our permitting applications and our plans.”

Ørsted adds that National Audubon Society studies indicate that the areas where the wind farms will be constructed are far enough offshore that they will not affect the birds. Plus, Ørsted says impact on horseshoe crabs and other marine animals will be minimal.

The company says that’s because if animals like a whale, for example, are detected during construction, work will stop. And, construction will take place outside of horseshoe crab breeding season. Ørsted says horseshoe crabs might even use the base of the wind turbines as a habitat.

There’s currently no official connection linking the whale deaths to the wind turbines. Whales have washed ashore along the coasts of Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and most recently, Virginia. The most recent incident was the 4th such case in across the region so far this year.