Integrated, Real-Time, Multi-Scale System for Monitoring Seabird Interactions with Floating Offshore Wind Technologies
Summary
SCH Number
2023080312
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Integrated, Real-Time, Multi-Scale System for Monitoring Seabird Interactions with Floating Offshore Wind Technologies
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/14/2023
Document Description
The purpose of this project is to develop and validate an integrated, real-time, multi-scale system to monitor and characterize avian interactions (e.g., collision and avoidance) with floating offshore wind (FOSW) technologies. The Recipient will evaluate and validate radar, three-dimensional thermal imaging, and blade-mounted sensors for macro-, meso-, and micro-scale assessments. The project will involve testing a radar system, thermal tracker three-dimensional system, and blade strike sensors. The radar system will be tested at an existing onshore California location that has an abundance of offshore-appropriate size and behavior bird species, as well as utilizing drones as surrogate targets. The TT3D system will be tested in an existing onshore, relevant laboratory environment. The blade strike sensors will be tested using representative blades at Sandia National Laboratories' existing onshore Scaled Wind Farm Technology testing facility in Lubbock, Texas. Results will improve cost-competitiveness of FOSW, minimize non-technical risks associated with environmental permitting, and increase knowledge of potential wildlife impacts in marine waters offshore California.
Contact Information
Name
Mark Danielson
Agency Name
Energy Commission
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Location
Cities
Santa Cruz
Counties
Santa Cruz
Zip
95060
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15301
Reasons for Exemption
This project will involve environmental monitoring technologies research conducted at existing locations and testing facilities. Therefore, there will be negligible to no expansion of the existing use of the facilities. For these reasons, the project will not have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, the project is categorically exempt under California Code of Regulations, title 14 section 15301.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613. For more information, please visit OPR’s Accessibility Site.