The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is seeking public comments on Statoil’s proposal to develop an experimental wind farm in ocean waters about 12 miles off Boothbay Harbor. The bureau is also seeking potential competitors for the project.

The complete request is available online. The bureau also announced plans to develop an Environmental Impact Statement on the proposal.

Statoil, a Norwegian energy company with operations in more than 30 countries, is seeking U.S. federal approval to construct a floating four-turbine pilot wind energy park. Hywind Maine's footprint is estimated to cover about 3 square miles of a 22-square-mile lease area. Statoil said it will use Hywind Maine to refine wind energy technology, with the long-term goal of developing commercial offshore wind ventures. Statoil’s Hywind Maine proposal follows on their successful one-turbine floating wind pilot project off Norway.

Comments on the wind farm, its potential environmental impacts, other uses within the proposed lease area, and requests to be considered as a competitor must be sent to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Office of Renewable Energy Programs, 381 Elden St., HM 1328, Herndon, Virginia 20170, postmarked no later than October 9.

Comments may also be submitted at www.regulations.gov; online submissions are also due October 9.