Environmental Justice and Indigenous People: Visual Simulations and Future Applications by Brian...

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Environmental Justice and Indigenous People: Visual Simulations and Future Applications

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National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program Presentation, March 27, 2014

Transcript of Environmental Justice and Indigenous People: Visual Simulations and Future Applications by Brian...

  • Environmental Justice and Indigenous People: Visual

    Simulations and Future Applications

  • Visualization Study for Offshore North Carolina

  • The National Park Service expressed concern for ocean viewshed from Cape Hatteras (CAHA) and Cape Lookout (CALO) National Seashores.

    Inconsistency in visual simulations from the same distances and viewing heights

    BOEM and NPS worked together to create a mutually agreeable SOW

    Visualization Study for Offshore North Carolina: Study Drivers

  • Key NPS Resources

    Expansive, unobstructed ocean views

    Pristine night sky CAHA and CALO are among the least light-polluted environments on the East Coast. Both Seashores offer astronomy programs.

    Four iconic lighthouses Cape Hatteras (NHL), Cape Lookout, Bodie Island, and Ocracoke

    Diverse recreational opportunities in a remote setting

  • Under clear conditions, turbines visible at 20 nm

    Greatest impacts to night skies

    Atmospheric and lighting conditions greatly impact visibility

    Available online at http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/State-Activities/NC/Offshore-North-Carolina-Visualization-Study.aspx

    NC Visual Simulation Results

  • Video Simulations

    http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/State-Activities/NC/Long-Point-Camps-Morning.aspx#5

  • Rhode Island and Massachusetts Visual Simulation Study

    Results from NC Visual Simulation study led to need for additional simulations from sensitive areas

    Opportunity to conduct visual simulations from Tribal sites

  • Rhode Island and Massachusetts Visual Simulation Study

    BOEM contacted the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) as part of ongoing government-to-government consultations Confirmed that it would be

    OK for BOEM to access and simulate sites

    Inquired if Tribe wanted additional sites simulated Additional sites added at

    Tribes request

  • Additional Sites Requested by Tribe

  • Visual simulations are being used to improve the planning process and inform stakeholders and decision-makers Visual Simulation Open Houses

    Interagency briefings

    Provide BOEM with a better idea of potential visual impacts on cultural resources Allow for improved understanding of stakeholder

    concerns

    Next Steps

  • Brian KrevorEnvironmental Protection SpecialistOffice of Renewable Energy Programs, Environment Branch for Renewable EnergyBureau of Ocean Energy Management381 Eldon Street, HM 1328Herndon, VA 20170Office (703) 787-1346Fax (703) [email protected]

    Questions?