More debris from damaged wind turbine found off the coast of Nantucket

Credit: By Ava Berger Globe Correspondent · Updated July 21, 2024 · bostonglobe.com ~~

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Additional debris from a damaged offshore wind turbine was found Sunday morning off the coast of Nantucket, three days after a large part of the turbine’s blade fell into the ocean and a week after fiberglass chunks began washing ashore, company officials said.

The Nantucket Harbormaster reported Sunday morning that debris from the damaged wind turbine blade, part of the Vineyard Wind project and manufactured by GE Vernova, appeared offshore near Madequecham Valley Road just south of Nantucket Memorial Airport, Vineyard Wind said in a statement Sunday.

The company said beach crews were “immediately dispatched to the area,” along with a helicopter to provide an aerial view.

“Vineyard Wind personnel on the beach are monitoring for debris to assist in maintaining safe conditions for beachgoers and swimmers,” the company said. “Vineyard Wind is focused on assisting in the recovery of debris caused by GE Vernova’s damaged wind blade.”

The turbine, which is 21 miles from Nantucket, was damaged Saturday, July 13 and affected beaches were closed until the following Wednesday. More than six truckloads of fiberglass debris were removed from the shore, causing backlash from residents and concern from clean energy advocates.

On Thursday, a significant part of the remaining 350-foot-long blade detached and fell into the ocean. Vineyard Wind officials said then that debris could continue to appear on Nantucket beaches later Thursday and Friday. Governor Maura Healey said Thursday that her administration is monitoring the situation.

Vineyard Wind is a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and the turbines from the offshore farm began producing for the New England power grid earlier this year.

Residents should avoid touching fiberglass pieces and only employees, contractors, or those appointed by town officials should handle the debris, according to the company.

“Anyone handling debris should wear gloves, and Vineyard Wind is working to bag, track and transport all debris off the island and to proper storage as soon as possible,” the company said.

Source: By Ava Berger Globe Correspondent · Updated July 21, 2024 · bostonglobe.com

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