Surfrider Foundation supports the pause on construction and operation for the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind project, while a comprehensive investigation moves forward to understand how a significant blade failure occurred.
“Our Northeast volunteer network is actively monitoring the current situation with Vineyard Wind 1 and we appreciate the industry’s swift response of sending cleanup teams to local beaches. Although community members are currently advised to not pick up turbine debris, anyone interested in future Surfrider beach cleanups can reach out to the Cape and Islands Surfrider Chapter,” said Isabella DeFrancesco, Surfrider Foundation’s Northeast Regional Manager.
On July 13, 2024, a portion of one blade of a turbine in the currently under construction Vineyard Wind 1 project failed, and most of the blade ended up in the ocean. Subsequently, debris from this blade washed up on local beaches, some of which were closed for a few days.
Surfrider supports the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (BSEE) July 17, 2024 Suspension Order, which mandates a pause in construction and operation of the Vineyard Wind 1 project, “until it can be determined whether the blade failure affects any other VW turbines.” This Suspension Order is in effect until further notice from BSSE. 1
We thank Vineyard Wind, a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, for their prompt actions in leading the cleanup of debris both in the ocean and on land, and expect that kind of response for any future incidents. The safety of boaters, beach goers, and the environment is a critical component of responsible offshore wind development. 2 Vineyard Wind has recommended that beach goers do not pick up the debris--they have teams continuing to comb the beaches.
Surfrider also requests that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) require all offshore wind projects to add an emergency management plan for blade failure to their federally mandated Construction and Operations Plans. Such emergency plans are required for other low probability incidents.
We are deeply concerned with scientific predictions of major negative impacts to our ocean and coasts from climate change. Offshore wind energy generation can help replace the burning of fossil fuels, therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lessening the impacts of climate change. Reducing the burning of fossil fuels also reduces damaging air pollution and other cumulative environmental effects, which effect hardest the people of frontline and historically underserved and overburdened communities.
Surfrider also recognizes that there are many questions and concerns about offshore wind energy production, including potential impacts to ocean recreation, coastal and marine environments, environmental justice concerns, aesthetics, and fishing access. We will continue to monitor these projects throughout their planning, construction and operational phases, holding government agencies to high standards for protection of the environment and recreation, and reserving the right to speak out against these projects if their impact levels change in the future.
Become a Surfrider Member today for as little as $5! Click here to join us.
1. BSSE. Statement on Vineyard Wind Offshore Incident. July 17, 2024. Available at: www.bsee.gov/newsroom/latest-news/statements-and-releases/press-releases/bsee-statement-on-vineyard-wind
2. A responsibly developed offshore wind project, (i) avoids, minimizes, mitigates, and monitors for adverse impacts on wildlife and habitats; (ii) minimizes negative impacts on other ocean uses; (iii) includes robust consultation with Native American tribes and communities; (iv) meaningfully engages state and local governments and stakeholders from the outset; (v) includes comprehensive efforts to avoid negative impacts to underserved communities; and (vi) uses the best available scientific and technological data to ensure science-based and stakeholder-informed decision making.