BOEM delineated the Wind Energy Area through consultation with its Virginia Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force - composed of representatives of Federal, State, and local government agencies, and information provided in response BOEM public notices of intent to lease in the area offshore Virginia. The Wind Energy Area identifies an area well-suited for commercial wind development, while avoiding:
- Sensitive ecological habitat and shoals along the coast north of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
- DOD training areas.
- A charted dredge disposal site.
- Areas of concern specified by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center’s Wallops Flight Facility.
- Traffic separation schemes.