A damaged offshore wind turbine blade near Nantucket continues to cause frustration and concern among residents. The turbine blade initially broke up on Saturday, and on Thursday, a significant portion of the blade fell into the ocean. Vineyard Wind, the company responsible for the turbine, has been working closely with state, federal, local, and tribal partners to respond to the situation.
The exact cause of the turbine blade’s failure has not been determined yet. However, debris from the broken blade started washing up on Nantucket’s south-facing beaches by Tuesday. The beaches were temporarily closed until crews could remove the fiberglass shards and other materials. This incident has led to sharp criticism of Vineyard Wind by residents, with one stating that the company is not a good neighbor.
Vineyard Wind currently operates 10 turbines off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket and plans to expand its wind farm to include 62 turbines. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of the debris on the island and marine life. People fear that more debris entering the water could drift towards land, causing further harm.
During a meeting with the Nantucket Select Board, Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus Moeller mentioned that there was a development regarding the integrity of the remaining blade. He did not provide immediate details, but later Vineyard Wind’s Senior Manager of Labor Relations and Workforce Development warned that the remaining blade’s integrity had been compromised and that it could fall into the ocean.
The size of Vineyard Wind’s turbine blades is equivalent to a football field. With the risk of more debris falling into the ocean, authorities are concerned about the potential consequences. Select Board member Malcolm MacNab pushed back against Moeller’s assertion that the debris is not toxic, expressing his upset over the situation.
In response to the incident, the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement ordered Vineyard Wind to halt operations at all its windmills. The bureau is investigating whether the issue that caused the turbine failure on the weekend has impacted any other turbines. They have also instructed Vineyard Wind to safeguard any evidence that may help determine the cause of the incident.
Vineyard Wind has taken steps to address the situation. Maritime crews have been on site overnight, preparing for the falling portion of the blade. Despite challenging weather conditions, a fleet of boats remains in the area, managing the situation and working to remove large debris. Additional crews have been deployed to Nantucket in anticipation of more debris potentially reaching the island.
The town of Nantucket reported that the remaining portion of the blade fell into the ocean at 6:40 a.m. Efforts are underway to collect debris, but a large piece remains below the surface of the water. Vineyard Wind is monitoring its location and hopes to retrieve it while it remains offshore.
As cleanup efforts continue, it is crucial for Vineyard Wind to address the concerns of residents and ensure the safety of personnel, the public, and the environment. The incident highlights the importance of thorough investigations to determine the cause of such failures and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. By prioritizing safety and environmental protection, companies can build trust and maintain good relationships with local communities.
