“On Saturday evening, Vineyard Wind experienced blade damage on a wind turbine in its offshore development area. No personnel or third parties were in the vicinity of the turbine at the time, and all employees of Vineyard Wind and its contractors are safe and secure. As part of its permitting, Vineyard Wind has detailed plans to guide its response to incidents such as this,” the company said in a statement.
“Vineyard Wind remains focused on ensuring the safety of personnel and mariners in the offshore area and continues to work with the U.S. Coast Guard to maintain a safety zone of 500 meters around the impacted turbine offshore.
“Vineyard Wind is fully committed to a swift and safe recovery of all debris, with an unwavering focus on community safety and environmental protection. As part of its immediate action plan, Vineyard Wind communicated with officials on Nantucket to inform them of the presence of debris and recovery efforts on the southern-facing beaches of the island.”
Vineyard Wind is deploying two teams of four individuals to Nantucket to remove debris. The company has said the debris consists of non-toxic fiberglass fragments ranging in size from small pieces to larger sections, typically green or white in color.
Any potential debris washing ashore will be pieces of 1 square foot or less, which should only be picked up and collected by patrol teams.
Vineyard Wind has asked the public not to remove the debris, leaving it to employees of the company.
Beginning July 16, 2024, and continuing for several days, Vineyard Wind will deploy trained individuals to walk the southern-facing beaches to collect debris. Patrol teams will inspect the areas in the morning and evening.
The areas targeted are Miacomet Beach and the Southeastern tip of Nantucket, including Nobadeer Beach, Madequecham Beach, Pebble Beach, Tom Nevers Beach, Low Beach, and Sconset Beach, or other areas where debris may wash ashore.
The company asks the public to contact Ian Campbell, icampbell@vineyardwind.com, if debris is found.
Reports of debris can also be sent directly to the cleanup contractor at this link: Recon Survey (NRCC) (arcgis.com).
Vineyard Wind has successfully recovered three large fragments and will continue to monitor the offshore area for any floating debris with aerial overflights and vessel patrols.
