Oregon environmental regulators propose approval of Ocean Power Technologies' plans to install 10 wave power buoys off coast near Reedsport by mid-2012; plans call for nine more to eventually create first U.S. commercial wave energy park

Rachel Carter

REEDSPORT, Oregon , October 13, 2011 (Associated Press) – Ore. regulators propose approval of NJ company's plan to put 10 wave energy buoys off coast

Environmental regulators in Oregon are proposing approval of a New Jersey company's plan to put 10 wave energy buoys off the central coast.

The Department of Environmental Quality said Wednesday it thinks Ocean Power Technologies' project near Reedsport and Gardiner will comply with Oregon's water quality standards and not harm ocean life.

The company wants to install its first test buoy 2 1/2 miles off the coast by mid-2012. Plans call for nine more to follow, eventually creating one of the country's first commercial wave energy parks. The planned 30-acre project would produce enough power for about 1,500 homes.

The company is also seeking approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Army Corps of Engineers.

A public hearing is planned Oct. 25 at Reedsport City Hall.

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