Nantucket beaches were shut down to swimming on Tuesday after a Vineyard Wind offshore wind turbine broke and beachgoers began finding debris from the blade damage incident.
The offshore wind development company on Tuesday said it was sending debris recovery teams to Nantucket’s southern-facing beaches, adding that the cause of the breakage remained unknown. Vineyard Wind’s operations have also been temporarily shut down following the incident.
“Vineyard Wind is fully committed to a swift and safe recovery of all debris, with an unwavering focus on community safety and environmental protection,” the company said in a statement.
“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 added.
The water was closed to swimming on all of Nantucket’s south shore beaches due to the large floating debris and sharp fiberglass shards.
“Please go to the North shore to swim, there are lifeguards there ready to help,” the Nantucket Harbormaster posted.
“You can walk on the beaches, however we strongly recommend you wear footwear due to sharp, fiberglass shards and debris on the beaches,” the harbormaster added.
The federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement over the weekend was notified of a turbine blade failure incident at Vineyard Wind 1, about 21 miles south of Nantucket.
“There were no injuries reported, but operations are shut down until further notice,” the federal agency added.
“A team of BSEE experts is onsite to work closely with Vineyard Wind on an analysis of the cause of the incident and next steps,” the feds said.
Vineyard Wind was deploying two teams of four individuals to Nantucket to remove debris — which 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 1 square foot or less, which should only be picked up and collected by patrol teams.
Patrol teams were planning to inspect: 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.
“Although the fiberglass fragments are not hazardous to people or the environment, Vineyard Wind recommends that only its employees or contractors collect and remove the debris,” Vineyard Wind said.
The company said it has recovered three large fragments, and will continue to monitor the offshore area for any floating debris with aerial overflights and vessel patrols.
Vineyard Wind also said it’s working with the U.S. Coast Guard to maintain a safety zone of 500 meters around the impacted turbine offshore.
“On Saturday evening, Vineyard Wind experienced blade damage on a wind turbine in its offshore development area,” Vineyard Wind said.
“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,” the company added.
The Herald on Tuesday reached out to a Vineyard Wind spokesperson about the broken turbine — asking for the cause of the incident.
“The cause of the breakage is unknown at this time,” the Vineyard Wind spokesperson said in a statement.
“GE, as the project’s turbine and blade manufacturer and installation contractor, will now be conducting the analysis into the root cause of the incident,” the company spokesperson added.
The blade broke about 20 meters out from the root. The turbine was in its commissioning phase, and was still undergoing testing.
“Nearly the entirety of the blade remains affixed to the turbine and has not fallen into the water,” the company spokesperson said.
If debris is found by members of the public, property owners, or town officials, they are being told to immediately contact: Ian Campbell at 781-983-8943, or [email protected].
Reports of debris can also be sent directly to the cleanup contractor at Recon Survey (NRCC) (arcgis.com).
