Given the investigation’s significance, not only for Vineyard Wind, but for other offshore wind projects planned or under construction, how is the delay in issuing the report acceptable?
Keep in mind that the lengthy and complex National Commission, BOEMRE, Chief Counsel, and NAE reports on the Macondo blowout were published 6 to to 17 months after the well was shut-in.
The attached letter was obtained by the Nantucket Current through a FOIA request. Key points:
Vineyard Wind power generation and blade installation suspension order remains in effect.
Vineyard Wind directed to conduct a site-specific study that evaluates the environmental harm and other potential damage from the blade failure, and to identify potential mitigation measures.
Vineyard Wind was required to submit a plan for the study by Oct. 11. It’s not clear whether the plan was submitted.
The study must include a mass balance of unrecovered debris material based on the weight of debris recovered and the weight of the subsea debris retrieved.
Comments:
The study requirement is appropriate given the significance of the blade incident and the implications for offshore wind development.
Why was a FOIA request needed to learn about the study requirement?
The Town of Nantucket would like to provide you with an important update regarding the controlled detachment of the Vineyard Wind turbine blade and the ongoing efforts to manage any resulting debris.
August 11, 8:00 PM – Early this morning, portions of the remaining hanging sections of the Vineyard Wind turbine blade detached from the hub. The controlled detachment follows a series of exercises conducted late last week to pitch the blade, which, in combination with storm winds, led to the safe separation of the sections below the root of the blade.
Vineyard Wind and GE Vernova are currently assessing the situation to determine if any remaining sections pose a risk of detachment. The root of the blade, still attached to the turbine, is being monitored, and we are informed that plans are in place for its removal. Vineyard Wind has maritime crews on site to secure and contain any debris immediately.
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to enforce a 500-meter safety exclusion zone around the turbine. Vineyard Wind is utilizing ocean current and wind pattern models to predict potential debris movement. Depending on wind direction, more debris could potentially arrive on Nantucket beaches over the next hours or days. The Town of Nantucket will provide updates when necessary.
Under a federal preservation order, Vineyard Wind is responsible for retaining all debris, and only their employees, contractors, or those appointed by town officials are authorized to handle and recover debris materials. We urge the public to avoid handling any debris.
REMINDER TO THE PUBLIC
DO NOT put any debris in your home garbage.
DO NOT bring the debris to the landfill.
DO notify the proper authorities immediately if you have debris so they can remove it for analysis and proper disposal.
Only trained employees or contractors are responsible for collecting and removing the debris. To report any remaining debris, please contact:
Phone: 833-609-5768
Reports of debris can also be sent to the cleanup contractor here.
GE Vernova retained Arcadis US, Inc., to perform an initial assessment of environmental considerations associated with the presence of the blade debris in the water and along the shoreline. That report is attached. Linked is a Nantucket Current article on the assessment.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 