Ocean SAMP
The CRMC/URI Ocean SAMP team will be focusing time this year on the development of the Ocean SAMP chapters. The CRMC Ocean SAMP subcommittee is presently establishing the public review process for these chapters. The subcommittee is requesting your input on this proposed process. This proposed process is also posted on the official Ocean SAMP web site - http://seagrant.gso.uri.edu/oceansamp/stakeholders.html.
There has been a surge of interest recently for siting renewable energy projects in the offshore environment. The CRMC has applied water-based zoning since 1983 and is recognized internationally for its work in this area. Planning and zoning for ocean uses in the state’s territorial waters would allow for the proper planning and regulation for renewable energy projects in the offshore environment. The CRMC in partnership with University of Rhode Island scientists and engineers proposes to develop and adopt an Ocean SAMP that will include a provision for renewable energy zones. This plan will include a mapping exercise of existing uses of our ocean waters coupled with mapping for critical zones (transportation corridors, military reserves, essential habitat, etc.). Simultaneously, a screening of sites that have suitable characteristics for renewable energy will also be produced. Additionally, a conflict analysis will be performed to determine which area(s) may be desirable for a more intensive screening exercise. This more detailed screening will confirm that these sites meet the initial selection criteria to a reasonable degree of certainty.
This work will generate a draft zoning map for public review and comment and will involve other state and federal agencies. Concurrent with this work, the CRMC will generate regulatory standards for guiding development and protecting the state’s resources as part of the RI coastal program. With this process the state will have preselected sites that are environmentally and technically sound and most importantly have public and government acceptance. This will increase permitting predictability for renewable energy projects and expedite application review.
Ocean SAMP Subcommittee
Master Schedule
February 2009 – Draft floating zone tool deployed by CRC and presented to CRMC for adoption
February 2010 – Ocean SAMP complete and presented to CRMC for adoption
Reports & Files
Ocean SAMP Proposal (PDF)
Ocean SAMP Offshore Renewable Energy – M. Spaulding, Ph.D. (PDF)
EBC Rhode Island Chapter Seminar; Wind Energy in Rhode Island: An Update – M. Spaulding, Ph.D. (PDF)
Ocean Planning – G. Fugate, CRMC Executive Director (PDF)
RI Winds Report (PDF)
State of Rhode Island Web Site
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