Local News

Vineyard Wind turbine debris makes it to Cape Cod

Sections of the damaged blade continue to fall into the ocean, littering local beaches.

Eric Haynes

August 6, 2024 | 4:47 PM

Debris from the failed Vineyard Wind Turbine has washed ashore in Falmouth, town officials said, weeks after a blade broke off and fell into the ocean.

The turbine, manufactured by GE Vernova and part of the Vineyard Wind project, failed on July 13. The debris has scattered across nearby beaches, angering residents on Nantucket.

A preliminary investigation by GE found that the failure was due to a manufacturing deviation.

In a statement, Falmouth says it found what they believe to be wind turbine debris in the water and on the shoreline at Black Beach, Cahpoquoit Beach, Woodneck Beach, and Old Silver Beach.

In a statement, the town says it is actively monitoring the situation and taking action to remove debris that washed ashore, protect public safety, and hold Vineyard Wind accountable for the cost of the cleanup.

The town said Vineyard Wind is sending clean-up crews on Tuesday to remove debris from the water and beaches.

The turbine failed at Vineyard Wind’s offshore wind farm, about 15 miles south of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has since ordered Vineyard Wind to cease power production until it can determine if other turbines could be affected.

An environmental assessment report conducted by Arcadis US says the primary risk from the turbine blade is physical injuries to those who come into contact with debris, such as sharp fiberglass on public beaches.

The report says the blade materials are “inert, non-soluble, stable, and nontoxic” and similar to textiles in boat construction and the aviation industry.

According to updates from the town of Nantucket, portions of the damaged turbine have continued to fall into the ocean. On Monday, several sections of the damaged turbine blade detached from the hub and sank to the ocean floor. Small pieces of foam from this section were seen floating on the water.

Vineyard Wind crews are still searching for remaining blade debris using vessels offshore.

Falmouth asks anyone who observes rigid foam or fiberglass debris that may be from the Vineyard Wind turbine to report it to a lifeguard. If no lifeguard is on duty, reports can be submitted to the Falmouth Marine and Environmental Services Department at [email protected].

In addition, Vineyard Wind has a hotline (833-609-5768).