PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) this week gave approval to Deepwater Wind’s applications to install a trio of devices the company needs to prepare the way for the smaller of its two wind farm projects.

Hoboken, N.J.-based Deepwater said the devices are part of a comprehensive wind resources study it will use to identify potential sites and generate investor support for its Block Island wind farm.

The CRMC approved three pieces of equipment Deepwater will use to study wind speed, strength and shear on and around Block Island. The equipment’s installation is expected to begin within the next few weeks, a spokeswoman said.

The first, a meteorological tower, or “met mast,” will be installed temporarily near the entrance to Great Salt Pond on Block Island. It is expected to be in place for two years.

The second, a LIDAR, or laser radar, will be installed temporarily near the North Lighthouse. It should be in place for two years.

The third, a moored meteorological barge to be anchored about three miles off of Block Island, is expected to remain in place for about three months. The Coast Guard has also approved the barge’s installation.

The council also required Deepwater to share the results of the study with the public, which will be done through the Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) project that is currently in progress.

Additional information is available at DWWind.com.