More debris from Nantucket turbine washes up on shores of Westport

WESTPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — Debris from a damaged turbine in Nantucket has now washed up on the shores of Westport, Massachusetts.

In a statement, representatives from Vineyard Wind said that they received a report that debris had washed up on Knubble Beach in Westport, and were able to confirm that the pieces were from GE Verona’s damaged blade.

Officials have been combing beaches for debris after the pieces fell into the ocean on July 13. 

According to Vineyard Wind, they have also received additional reports of debris in the area of Horseneck Beach, Westport Town Beach, and Little Compton, Rhode Island.

Vineyard Wind said crews were in fact, dispatched to Little Compton. but did not find anything.

Vineyard Wind said they remain in close coordination with Tribal, state, and local officials and are prepared to respond quickly to any new reports.

“We continue to advise that only Vineyard Wind employees, contractors, or those appointed by town officials should handle and recover any debris materials. The public is encouraged to report any sightings by calling the Hotline at 833-609-5768 to allow assigned crews to manage the proper recovery and clean-up of debris,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

On Monday, more debris from a wind turbine in Nantucket had  fallen into the ocean, according to officials.

In a release, officials said that several sections of the turbine blade detached from the hub of the turbine with several large piercing entering the water column. Smaller pieces have floated to the surface, with additional debris landing on the turbine platform.

In a statement, a representative from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said:

“DEM remains in contact with Vineyard Wind regarding reports of turbine debris washing ashore in Little Compton. It’s DEM’s understanding that the material picked up in Little Compton had already been thrown away. The material is not considered hazardous. DEM advises the public to leave any found debris in place and report it so that it can be tracked appropriately and be properly disposed. Vineyard Wind and their cleanup contractor will be leading the response to any reports of debris from their operation washing ashore in Rhode Island. Reports of suspected turbine debris can be sent to their cleanup contractor via phone at 833-609-5768 or online here.”