Summary
In response to stakeholder interest regarding visual impacts from potential future renewable energy development within the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Wind Energy Areas, BOEM undertook a project to develop daytime photomontages and day-through-night videos to simulate what turbines might look like if these six lease areas were fully developed. For 24 observation points located in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the study considered different seasons, times of day, and weather conditions. A meteorological report detailing the weather and visibility conditions over a 10-year period is also available below and incorporated into the simulations.
As explained below, BOEM’s visual simulations are no longer completely representative of the actual offshore wind energy facilities that may be constructed in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Wind Energy Areas. However, this visualization study will still assist BOEM in conducting public scoping and addressing cumulative impacts as we receive proposals for wind energy facilities in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Wind Energy Areas.
How will actual offshore wind facilities differ from these visual simulations?
At this time of the visualization study and the posting of the results, BOEM was not considering the approval of a specific project within the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Wind Energy Areas; therefore, the visual simulations illustrate hypothetical projects. The hypothetical projects were designed to represent a commercially-scaled and technically feasible scenario that was consistent with industry trends regarding operating capacity, wind turbine size, spacing and configuration at time. Per BOEM’s guidelines, project-specific visual simulations would be prepared by a lessee and submitted with a Construction and Operations Plan (COP). See Guidelines for Information Requirements for a Renewable Energy Construction and Operations Plan.
BOEM’s visual simulation study considered a larger number of smaller turbines compared to what is currently being considered by the Massachusetts and Rhode Island lessees. Specifically, the visual simulations modeled turbines 510-575’ tall (blade tip), while the Massachusetts and Rhode Island lessees are currently considering turbines 595-650’ tall (blade tip) or taller. In addition, BOEM’s visual simulations modeled 1,600 turbines spaced 1,500 meters apart (slightly under one mile), while the lessees are currently considering spacing is one mile apart or greater, which would result in fewer turbines than modeled.
In addition, the nighttime simulations available on this webpage are based on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) guidance at the time (Advisory Circular 70/7460-1K, Obstruction Lighting and Marking, February 1, 2007). After the development of the night visual simulations, the FAA issued new guidance (Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L, Obstruction Lighting and Marking, December 4, 2015). Therefore, these nighttime simulations model a single, red light per turbine and do not take into account the new standard - dual, red lights for turbines over 499 feet tall. In addition, FAA’s new guidance allows for the use of Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS), which are sensor-based systems designed to detect aircraft as they approach an obstruction or group of obstructions. ADLS automatically activate the appropriate obstruction lights until they are no longer needed by the aircraft, reducing the impact of nighttime lighting on nearby communities.
Instructions for Viewing the Visual Simulations
Photographic Simulations: The visibility of the turbines on images projected on a computer screen will depend on the scale at which the image is being viewed. Simply put, zooming in on the image will over-represent visibility and, conversely, zooming out will minimize visibility of turbines.
Viewing instructions are provided on each simulation. To view the simulations properly, adjust the zoom until the scale bar on the simulation measures four inches. Scaling the simulation in this manner will ensure that turbines – and other natural features in the view frame – are portrayed at an accurate scale and will ensure the field of view is similar to that experienced by an observer standing at the Key Observation Point. Once properly-scaled, the images should be viewed from a distance of 11.2 inches.
Video Simulations: If viewed on a computer monitor, use the highest screen resolution available.
The simulated image is at the proper perspective when viewed at 23.5 inches from the eye, or at a distance of approximately twice the image height.
Visual Simulations
- Daytime Panoramic Views
- Fred Benson Town Beach, Block Island, RI
- Point Judith Lighthouse, Narragansett, RI
- Narragansett Town Beach, RI
- Beavertail Lighthouse, Jamestown, RI
- Brenton Point State Park, Newport, RI
- Second Beach, Middletown, RI
- South Shore Beach, Middletown, RI
- Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Westport, MA
- Aquinnah (Gay Head) Lighthouse, MA
- Squibnocket Beach (Squibnocket Farm Road), Chilmark, MA
- Wasque Point, Martha's Vineyard, MA
- Tom Nevers Field, Nantucket, MA
- Lookout HIll (Tower Road), Gosnold, MA
- South Beach State Park, Edgartown, MA
- Madaket Beach Dunes, Nantucket, MA
- Lucy Vincent Beach, Chilmark, MA
- Tribal Administration Building, Aquinnah, MA
- Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook Area, Aquinnah, MA
- Edwin D. Vanderhoop Homestead, Aquinnah, MA
- Top of Circle Park Area, Aquinnah, MA
- Philbin Beach, Aquinnah, MA
- Moshup Beach, Aquinnah, MA
- Gay Head Community Baptist Church, 2 Meeting House Way, Aquinnah, MA
- Peaked Hill, Chilmark, MA
- Videos Depicting 24-hour Day/Night Cycle
- Fred Benson Town Beach, Block Island, RI
- Point Judith Lighthouse, Narragansett, RI
- South Shore Beach, Middletown, RI
- Masque Point, Martha's Vineyard, MA
- Madaket Beach Dunes, Nantucket, MA
- Peaked Hill, Chilmark, MA
Meteorological Report
This effort also included an analysis of the meteorological conditions along the coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This analysis was an integral part of the visualization study. The report can be found here.