Information Regarding an Air Quality Permit Application

Submitted by US Wind, Inc.

Background​​

The Maryland Department of the Environment, Air and Radiation Administration (ARA) received an air quality permit application from US Wind, Inc. on November 30, 2023 (electronically), and hardcopies received on December 7, 2023 for the construction and operation of the Maryland Offshore Wind Project (the Project) consisting of up to 121 wind turbine generators (WTG), up to four (4) offshore substations (OSS), and one (1) meteorological tower (Met Tower). The proposed project will be located approximately 10 nautical miles (NM) off the coast of Worcester County, Maryland on the outer continental shelf (OCS).  

The application consists of an air quality permit-to-construct application, an application for a New Source Review (NSR) Approval, and an application for a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Approval. In accordance with COMAR 26.11.02.11A(1)(b), expanded public participation is required for a permit to construct application subject to PSD requirements.

An informational meeting was held on June 13, 2024 so that citizens could discuss the application and the permit review process with the applicant and the Department.

The Department has made a tentative determination that the Maryland Offshore Wind Project is expected to comply with all applicable State and federal air quality requirements and an air quality permit-to-construct, NSR Approval, and PSD Approval can be issued.

Upcoming Public Hearing

Draft Permit and Approval Document

• Notice of Public Hearing
  
• Air Quality Permit-to-Construct Fact Sheet and Draft Permit​
  
• NSR Approval Fact Sheet and Draft NSR Approval​
  
• PSD Approval Fact Sheet and Draft PSD Approval​​
  

​US Wind Permit Application Documents​

• US Wind Air Quality Permit Application (August 2023, revised November 2023)​
  
• US Wind Air Quality Permit Application Addendum (January 2024)​
  
• US Wind Air Quality Permit Application Addendum (September 2024)​
  
• US Wind Air Quality Permit Application Addendum (November 2024)​
  
• US Wind Class I AQRV Assessment Modeling Protocol (May 2024)
  
• US Wind Class I AQRV Assessment Modeling Report (July 2024)​​​
  

​Endangered Species Act (ESA), Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), and National Historic Preservation Act Related Documents

​

1. Maryland Offshore Wind Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume I, BOEM 2024-024, Docket Number: BOEM 2024-0033​​
   

2. Appendix A, Required Environmental Permits and Consultations, Maryland Offshore Wind Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume I, BOEM 2024-024,Docket Number: BOEM 2024-0033​
   

3. Appendix G, Mitigation and Monitoring, Maryland Offshore Wind Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume I, BOEM 2024-024,Docket Number: BOEM 2024-0033​
   

4. Appendix J Finding of Adverse Effect for Section 106 Consultation and Attachment J-1, Maryland Offshore Wind Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume I, BOEM 2024-024,Docket Number: BOEM 2024-0033​
   

5. BOEM and NFMS Record of Decision, Maryland Offshore Wind Project, Construction & Operations Plan, September 4, 2024​
   

6. Maryland Offshore Wind Project Biological Assessment, prepared by BOEM for Fish & Wildlife Service, December 2023​
   

7. Fish & Wildlife Service Biological Opinion for the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, May 31, 2024​
   

8. National Marine Fisheries Service Biological Opinion for the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, June 18, 2024​
   

9. Maryland Offshore Wind Project Essential Fish Habitat Assessment, prepared by BOEM for National Marine Fisheries Service, March 2024​
   

10. Essential Fish Habitat Assessment, prepared by ESS Group for US Wind, Inc. November 2021​
    

11. Information to Support Essential Fish Habitat Assessment, prepared by TRC for US Wind, Inc., revised July 2023​
    

12. Letter from BOEM to EPA, Lead Agency Role for ESA, MSA, and NHPA for Atlantic Coast OCS Projects, September 24, 2018​
    

​

​ 

​