Weigh in on Wind

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission is inviting public comment on a draft version of the Wind Energy Plan for Dukes County, which it released this week.

The plan analyzes both on- and offshore wind energy development for Martha’s Vineyard, and proposes policies for where and at what scale wind turbines may be allowed.

A copy of the plan is available at www.islandplan.org.

“Town boards and members of the pubic are invited to give feedback on all aspects of the document, including two fundamental options regarding possible offshore wind energy development in Dukes County,” said Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) executive director Mark London in a press release this week. “One would allow development in certain areas defined by the analysis; the other would hold off on short-term development within the waters of Dukes County.”

The MVC said hopes the plan will “allow for reasonable wind energy development while minimizing potentially detrimental impacts on natural resources and human uses.” Among the topics taken under consideration: wildlife, visual impacts, tribal and other cultural resources and affect on business and property values.

MVC staff prepared the draft based on recommendations from the Wind Energy Plan for Dukes County Work Group. That Work Group is made up of representatives of all Island towns, plus Gosnold, and from Island conservation and energy non-profit organizations.

The MVC hopes to solicit feedback over the summer. In the fall, the Work Group will discuss the document with the intention of submitting a final draft to the MVC for adoption.

The plan would be used in conjunction with the Island Wind district of Critical Planning when reviewing wind-power proposals, said the MVC. The plan could also be used by selectmen when reviewing applications.

A public meeting about the draft plan will be scheduled later in the summer.