A Vineyard Wind offshore wind turbine broke over the weekend, as beachgoers were finding debris along Nantucket 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 following the blade damage 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 company 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 Vineyard Wind spokesperson did not give a cause.
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 icampbell@vineyardwind.com.
Reports of debris can also be sent directly to the cleanup contractor at Recon Survey (NRCC) (arcgis.com).