Cleanup Continues On Nantucket After Wind Turbine Blade Detachment

NANTUCKET, MA — Cleanup efforts in Nantucket and surrounding coastal communities are continuing after a wind turbine blade became detached and fell into the ocean last week, closing beaches and leaving debris spread across the Cape and Islands.

The latest update from Vineyard Wind comes from Saturday and Sunday, when company officials shared that debris was located by the Chatham Harbormaster near Monomoy Island.

That report came on Friday and the company said nine vessels were dispatched to the area to recover the debris around 4:30 p.m.

Smaller debris was also found in the area, where vessels remained to collect it during the evening on Friday and during the day on Saturday.

"Following the Chatham Harbormaster’s report, relevant state and local officials, including Town Officials from across Cape Cod, area harbor masters, and the Cape Cod National Seashore/National Park Service, were notified to provide an update and situational awareness," Vineyard Wind officials said, in a statement. "Close coordination with all relevant government officials will continue throughout the weekend."

Helicopter flyovers began over the Chatham and Monomoy areas starting at 4 a.m. on Saturday, with ariel reconnaissance showing no debris west of Monomoy or the stage harbor area.

Cleanup efforts also continued on Nantucket, where, on Sunday, the harbormaster said debris was located offshore near Madequecham Valley Road.

Beach crews were dispatched to the area and an aerial review was conducted by helicopter. Company officials said Vineyard Wind personnel were on the beach monitoring for debris to "assist in maintaining safe conditions for beachgoers and swimmers."

As for what's left of the blade, Nantucket officials said approximately 25 percent of the blade remains upright with about 50 percent of the blade still hanging down, and its composition is mostly fiberglass.

The part of the blade that fell into the ocean last Thursday morning has been located but has not yet been retrieved.

General Electric (GE), who makes the GE Vernova wind turbine blade, has "engaged the design and engineering firm Arcadis to conduct an environmental assessment," Nantucket officials said.

The assessment, currently under internal review by GE, is expected to be available for external review shortly and to be presented at the Select Board meeting this Wednesday.

Nantucket officials also noted that Vineyard Wind is working on setting up a process for financial claims for those who faced economic impacts from this.