November 21, 2024 — The Board of Public Works approved a permit Wednesday needed to begin an offshore windmill project in the Delmarva Peninsula, despite objections from Ocean City residents worried about the environmental impact on local wetlands.
The permit, requested by Baltimore wind company US Wind, did not deal with the company’s proposal to build a 114-turbine wind farm 8 miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. Wednesday’s permit was to expand a 353-foot-long pier in West Ocean City that will perform a supporting role in the company’s plan to build offshore wind turbines and bring renewable energy to Maryland.
That plan for the Sinepuxent Bay pier, which is currently used by local fishers, sparked nearly two hours of testimony Wednesday from supporters and opponents of the proposal, some of them delivering passionate pleas. Ultimately, the three-member board voted unanimously to approve.
Maryland Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain argued in favor of the proposal, saying it had passed department review and should be approved.