A Vineyard Wind offshore wind turbine broke over the weekend when beachgoers along the Nantucket coast found debris from the “blade damage incident.”
The offshore wind power company announced Tuesday that it was sending recovery teams to Nantucket’s south beaches following the blade incident.
“Vineyard Wind is fully committed to the rapid and safe recovery of all debris, with a relentless focus on public safety and environmental protection,” the company said in a statement.
“As part of its immediate response plan, Vineyard Wind has contacted authorities on Nantucket to advise them of the presence of debris and recovery efforts on the island’s south-facing beaches,” Vineyard Wind added.
The company sent two teams of four people to Nantucket to remove debris, which is nontoxic fiberglass fragments that range in size from small pieces to larger sections and are typically green or white in color.
Debris washed ashore is 1 square foot or less in size and should only be picked up and collected by patrol teams.
Patrol teams planned 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, as well as other areas where debris could 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 had recovered three large fragments and would continue to monitor the offshore area for floating debris through overflights and ship patrols.
Vineyard Wind also said it is working with the U.S. Coast Guard to maintain a 500-meter-wide safety zone around the affected turbine offshore.
“On Saturday evening, Vineyard Wind experienced a blade failure 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 this time and all employees of Vineyard Wind and its contractors are safe,” the company added.