BOSTON, MA – July 16, 2024 - Vineyard Wind, a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, today announced that it is mobilizing debris recovery teams on Nantucket to survey the southern-facing beaches of the island for the recovery of debris following the blade damage incident that took place on Saturday, July 13, 2024. In addition, Vineyard Wind remains focused on ensuring the safety of personnel and mariners in the offshore area, and continues to work with the U.S. Coast Guard to maintain a safety zone of 500 meters around the impacted turbine offshore.
Vineyard Wind is fully committed to a swift and safe recovery of all debris, with an unwavering focus on community safety and environmental protection. 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.
Deployment of Teams: Vineyard Wind is deploying two teams of four individuals to Nantucket to remove debris.
Non-Toxic Debris: The debris consists of non-toxic fiberglass fragments ranging in size from small pieces to larger sections, typically green or white in color.
Debris Size Estimate: Any potential debris washing ashore will be pieces 1 square foot or less, which should only be picked up and collected by patrol teams.
Safety Precautions: 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.
Beach Patrols: Starting today, July 16, 2024, and continuing for several days, Vineyard Wind will deploy trained individuals to walk the southern-facing beaches to collect debris. Patrol teams will inspect the areas in the morning and evening.
Target Areas: Teams will visit 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.
Reporting Debris: If debris is found by members of the public, property owners, or town officials, they are advised to immediately contact:
Vineyard Wind has successfully recovered three large fragments and will continue to monitor the offshore area for any floating debris with aerial overflights and vessel patrols.
Vineyard Wind is dedicated to transparent and ongoing communication with our community and stakeholders, and will continue to provide updates on the progress of its debris recovery efforts. As Vineyard Wind manages debris recovery efforts, safety, environmental health, and community well-being remain the highest priorities.
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