Approaches to Visual Impact Assessment of Offshore Wind: The New York Bight Case Study

Abstract

The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is currently planning the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind farms which are slated to be installed throughout the mid-Atlantic. A key consideration in the planning process is the potential visual impact of wind farms on coastal landscapes and communities. The New York Bight is one of the areas currently undergoing such Visual Impact Assessment (VIA). This report seeks to evaluate the efficacy of the New York Bight VIA through a literature review of considerations in OWF VIA and a comparison with other offshore wind VIA methodologies currently employed in the U.S. and United Kingdom, both of which are leaders in advancing the application of VIA methodology to offshore wind energy. The report analyzes the theoretical frameworks and techniques used in the New York Bight VIA and, by extension, the strengths and limitations of offshore wind VIA in the mid-Atlantic. The analysis identifies shortcomings in methodologies relating to public involvement, visualization techniques, and cumulative impact ranking scales, as well as significant gaps in criteria used to establish the visibility of OWFs and the sensitivity of viewers to visual change. Improved methodological and visual perception considerations will help accurately assess the consequences of OWFs for people who live, work, and play along the coast, and ultimately impact the long-term success of offshore wind energy on the east coast of the U.S. and the continued growth of this important development in sustainable energy.