Survey work for the proposed South Fork Wind Farm’s transmission cable route in Wainscott, which was to begin on Monday, has been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, an Orsted U.S. Offshore Wind spokeswoman said this week.
“The health and safety of the community, our employees, and our contractors is paramount,” Meaghan Wims said in an email on Monday. “In light of the governor’s executive order announced on Friday and further clarifying guidance released over the weekend, Orsted and Eversource continue to evaluate the planned South Fork survey schedule in conjunction with local and state officials. We will keep the community updated.”
Orsted and Eversource Energy, partners in the 15-turbine installation to be constructed approximately 35 miles east of Montauk, have identified a subterranean path from a cable landing at the ocean beach at the end of Beach Lane in Wainscott to a Long Island Power Authority substation in East Hampton as the preferred route.
The East Hampton Town Board voted on March 5 to authorize an agreement with the developers to conduct the work. The town’s license agreement includes a $50,000 fee assessed to Orsted and Eversource.
The New York State Public Service Commission is reviewing the proposed wind farm pursuant to Article VII of the Public Service Law, as is the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.