Lifeguards and staff, wearing proper footwear and appropriate personal protective equipment, are clearing debris. (Photo by Maggie Hogan)
All Nantucket beaches reopened to swimming on Wednesday after lifeguards and workers removed large amounts of debris from the Vineyard Wind turbine damage incident.
Swimming was prohibited on the island’s south-facing beaches the previous day after large floating debris and sharp pieces of fiberglass from the turbines washed up on shore.
“The Town of Nantucket is pleased to announce that following extensive debris removal operations, all south shore beaches have reopened for swimming and recreational activities,” the town said in a statement Wednesday.
Most of the wreckage has been removed, but lifeguards continue to monitor the area for any floating debris.
“The beaches are currently open, however we encourage people to wear appropriate footwear when walking on the beach,” the town said. “To ensure their safety, please continue to leave pets at home.”
Lifeguards and staff, wearing appropriate footwear and personal protective equipment, were working to remove the debris.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, The federal government announced that it had issued a “cease and desist order” to Vineyard Wind. All wind turbine generators will cease generating electricity “until it is known whether the blade failure also affects other VW turbines.”
“The stop order will stop electricity generation in the lease area and will halt construction of new wind turbine generators. These activities will remain halted until the stop order is lifted,” the Office of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said in a statement.
“BSEE also issued a preservation order to protect evidence that may be relevant to determining the cause of the incident,” the federal government added.
No injuries or damage to marine resources or mammals were reported as a result of the incident.
“BSEE’s investigation is ongoing and we are on site with Vineyard Wind,” the federal agency said. “BSEE will conduct an independent assessment to ensure the safety of future offshore renewable energy operations.”
The turbine blade breakage occurred Saturday on Vineyard Wind 1, about 21 miles south of Nantucket Island.
The debris consists of non-toxic fiberglass shards that vary in size from tiny fragments to larger pieces and are usually green or white in color.
Debris patrol teams were inspecting Mia Comet Beach, the southeast tip of Nantucket (including Nobadia Beach, Madekecham Beach, Pebble Beach, Tom Nevers Beach, Low Beach and Sconset Beach) and other areas where debris may wash up on shore.
The blade broke off about 20 metres from its base. The turbine was in the commissioning phase and still undergoing testing.
The cause of the blade breakage is currently under investigation.
The Nantucket Board of Selectmen is scheduled to meet today at 5:30 p.m., at which time additional updates will be released.
