February 13, 2016
New York

Company investigating how a 113 foot long blade fell off one of the Fenner windmills

By Alexander Dunbar | WSTM | cnycentral.com

Crews working for Enel Green Power spent much of Friday morning inspecting and later lifting up the 113 foot long wind turbine blade that broke free on Friday. Heavy machinery was brought in to help workers get the blade off the ground. It was found in a field off Bulyea Road in Fenner.

Fenner Town Supervisor David Jones says company officials were on scene within minutes of the blade falling on Thursday. Jones says the company has kept the town updated with the latest information.

“Some of these things, with any machine its just a freak accident,” said Jones.

The company and the town will continue to investigate what caused the blade to break free but due to the windmill’s remote location, they say there is no danger to the public at this time.

All of the Fenner windmills were placed in fields hundreds of yards away from roads.

“They are set back far enough, they are away from homes,” said Jones.

In a statement Enel Green Power North America said “EGP-NA, along with the turbine supplier, are actively working to investigate an incident that occurred at our Fenner wind farm in Madison County, New York that resulted in a malfunctioned turbine blade. Though it is too early to determine the causes, we can confirm that no one was injured during this incident and the issue is under control and poses no harm to the community. Our first concern is ensuring the safety of our workers and the surrounding communities and while there is no threat to residents around the site, we ask that all keep a safe distance from the affected area to allow personnel to conduct the needed assessments and work.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/02/13/company-investigating-how-a-113-foot-long-blade-fell-off-one-of-the-fenner-windmills/