Winery Wind turbine breaks, particles discovered on Nantucket seashores: ‘Blade damage incident’

A Winery Wind offshore wind turbine broke over the weekend, as beachgoers had been discovering particles alongside Nantucket from the “blade damage incident.”

The offshore wind improvement firm on Tuesday stated it was sending particles restoration groups to Nantucket’s southern-facing seashores following the blade injury 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 corporate stated in a press release.

“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,” Winery Wind added.

The corporate was deploying two groups of 4 people to Nantucket to take away particles — which consists of non-toxic fiberglass fragments, ranging in measurement from small items to bigger sections, usually inexperienced or white in shade.

Any potential particles washing ashore will likely be items 1 sq. foot or much less, which ought to solely be picked up and picked up by patrol groups.

Patrol groups had been planning to examine: Miacomet Seashore and the southeastern tip of Nantucket, together with Nobadeer Seashore, Madequecham Seashore, Pebble Seashore, Tom Nevers Seashore, Low Seashore, and Sconset Seashore, or different areas the place particles 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,” Winery Wind stated.

The corporate stated it has recovered three massive fragments, and can proceed to watch the offshore space for any floating particles with aerial overflights and vessel patrols.

Winery Wind additionally stated it’s working with the U.S. Coast Guard to take care of a security zone of 500 meters across the impacted turbine offshore.

“On Saturday evening, Vineyard Wind experienced blade damage on a wind turbine in its offshore development area,” Winery Wind stated.

“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 corporate added.