General Vernova (GE) has engaged the design and engineering firm Arcadis to conduct an environmental assessment of the blade failure at the Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm. 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, 24 July.
On Sunday, reports indicated new debris washing ashore at various south shore beaches. Vineyard Wind and GE crews were dispatched to the reported areas and found mainly small pieces of foam debris. More debris was collected early this morning.
A larger piece of debris was reported near Madequecham Beach yesterday. This piece is no longer visible from shore. A helicopter overflight will occur this morning to locate the debris, which appears to have drifted south and west. Vineyard Wind and GE are collaborating with the Nantucket Harbormaster to retrieve it from the water this morning.
Debris is being observed offshore, well south of the island near the Vineyard Wind development area and closer to shore. Vessels are actively removing debris from the water. The observed floating debris consists of foam and fibreglass pieces of varying sizes, with most being smaller, though some are larger.
Approximately 25% of the blade remains upright at the 12 o’clock position. About 50% of the blade is still hanging down, and its composition is mostly fibreglass. The part of the blade that descended into the ocean last Thursday morning has been located but not yet retrieved.
The Select Board and County Commissioners will hold an executive session on Tuesday, 23 July at 12 PM to discuss the town’s strategy related to recovery costs associated with the blade failure. Representatives from GE and Vineyard Wind will be present at this Wednesday’s meeting, 24 July, at 5:30 PM at the Public Safety Facility Community Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road.
