New technologies, new regulatory developments, and recent economic conditions have encouraged the exploration of non-traditional energy sources. We recognize that ocean currents, waves and tides represent a significant renewable resource for the future. We understand the challenges that confront the development of tidal, and wave energy projects. Through experience built by working with developers, resource agencies, and stakeholders, DTA guides our clients through the permitting processes for those emerging technologies.

Project Examples

Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy Project, Verdant Power

DTA has been providing regulatory and environmental support to Verdant Power for the permitting and FERC licensing of the Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy (RITE) Project, proposed for the East Channel of the East River in New York City. For this project, DTA has overseen the preparation of the project’s Initial Consultation Document, Joint/Agency Public Meeting, Study Templates, baseline data collection, and agency consultation. DTA has coordinated the preparation of numerous permit applications in support of licensing and the FERC licensing process. Such permits include the Army Corps of Engineers’ Section 404 and Section 10 Permits, the Section 401 Water Quality Certification, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Water Use Permit. DTA is also overseeing the scoping and implementation of all necessary studies, including studies to address fish movement and protection; navigation and security, recreation; historical properties, water quality; and threatened and endangered species.

Reedsport OPT WavePark LLC (OPT) , Reedsport, Oregon.

DTA is currently providing regulatory and environmental support to OPT for the permitting and FERC licensing of their proposed wave park off the Oregon coast. OPT recently submitted a Notice of Intent (NOI) and Preliminary Application Document (PAD) in July 2007 to initiate the FERC licensing process.

Tidal Energy Projects, Snohomish County PUD, Puget Sound, Washington

DTA is currently providing regulatory and environmental support for the permitting and FERC licensing of seven proposed tidal energy projects located in Puget Sound. Snohomish PUD received preliminary permits from FERC in February 2007.

Makah Bay Offshore Wave Energy Pilot Project, Aqua Energy

DTA provided support in the preparation of the preliminary draft environmental assessment (PDEA) and provided support to AquaEnergy, for licensing this proposed one MW wave energy project located 3.2 miles offshore of the Makah Indian Reservation off the northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula. The project is being developed to demonstrate the economic, environmental, and tribal benefits of wave energy conversion power plants in utilizing ocean resources to generate clean, renewable energy to coastal communities. DTA used GIS to develop base maps and to assess and present environmental resource information. A preliminary PDEA was submitted to resource agencies for their review in October 2005.

EPRI North American Tidal Energy Feasibility Study, EPRI

DTA supported EPRI’s effort assessing potential environmental effects and environmental permitting needs for tidal energy projects being considered for sites in Massachusetts, Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. DTA evaluated potential effects of construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of proposed TISEC projects, identified the environmental and marine/land use issues having the greatest potential for concern at each site, and assessed the federal, state, and provincial permitting required for the proposed sites.

Tidal Energy Projects, Ocean Renewable Power Corporation (ORPC), Various Locations

DTA is currently providing regulatory and environmental support to ORPC for their proposed tidal energy projects located in Maine and Alaska.

Amesbury Tidal Energy Project (ATEP), Verdant Power

DTA conducted Massachusetts permitting and environmental monitoring of the Amesbury Tidal Energy Demonstration Project in the Merrimack River in Amesbury, Massachusetts. The monitoring program, which consisted of using a hydroacoustic array, was conducted in consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.