Vineyard Wind Turbine Blade Failure

In July, news of an incident in the Vineyard Wind offshore development project off Nantucket Island surprised residents, mariners, and offshore wind stakeholders. 

On Monday, July 15, 2024, Vineyard Wind, a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, issued an initial statement regarding an incident involving blade damage on a wind turbine in its offshore energy area

"On Saturday evening, Vineyard Wind experienced blade damage on a wind turbine in its offshore development area. No personnel or third parties were in the vicinity of the turbine at the time, and all employees of Vineyard Wind and its contractors are safe and secure. As part of its permitting, Vineyard Wind has detailed plans to guide its response to incidents such as this. Following those protocols, Vineyard Wind established a safety perimeter, and worked with the U.S. Coast Guard to issue notice to mariners. GE, as the project’s turbine and blade manufacturer and installation contractor, will now be conducting the analysis into the root cause of the incident. As that analysis takes place, Vineyard Wind will continue working with federal, state, tribal, and local stakeholders to ensure the health and safety of its workforce, mariners, and the environment."

On July 17, representatives from Vineyard Wind and General Electric, the turbine manufacturer, attended the Town and County of Nantucket Select Board meeting to provide an update on the recent turbine blade failure and the ongoing debris recovery efforts.

The meeting, held in the Community Room at 4 Fairgrounds Road, also allowed for virtual participation. Over 60 people attended the meeting in person, 170 participated online, and over 1600 people tuned in to watch online.

During the meeting, members of the GE and Vineyard Wind teams responded to questions from the Select Board and the public for over three hours.

Jen Cullen, Vineyard Wind's Senior Manager of Labor Relations & Workforce Development, provided an update during the final minutes of the Select Board meeting. She reported that the integrity of the GE Vernova blade had been compromised, with an increased possibility of it detaching from the turbine.

She also reiterated that a 500-meter safety zone around the turbine has been maintained since Saturday night, with constant monitoring. Cullen further explained that Vineyard Wind has mobilized a response team and observed new debris entering the water. The company is notifying various authorities and communities, including the US Coast Guard, federal and state agencies, and local and tribal partners.

On July 17, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) issued a statement regarding an incident involving blade damage on a Vineyard Wind offshore turbine:

“Following the July 13, 2024, blade failure incident at Vineyard Wind, BSEE has issued a Suspension Order to Vineyard Wind to cease power production from all its wind turbine generators until it can be determined whether the blade failure affects any other VW turbines. The Suspension Order suspends power production on the lease area and suspends installation of new wind turbine generator construction: Those operations will remain shut down until the suspension is lifted. BSEE has also issued a Preservation Order to safeguard any evidence that may be relevant to determining the cause of the incident.

As of this date, there are no reported injuries or harm to any marine resources or mammals from the incident. BSEE is onsite with Vineyard Wind as investigations are underway. BSEE will conduct an independent assessment to ensure the safety of future offshore renewable energy operations.”

On July 18, Vineyard Wind, issued an update with information about the remaining turbine blade:

"This morning, a significant part of the remaining GE Vernova blade detached from the turbine. Maritime crews were onsite overnight preparing to respond to this development, though current weather conditions create a difficult working environment. Despite these challenging weather conditions, a fleet of vessels remains at sea managing the situation and working to remove bulk debris. We have deployed additional crews to Nantucket Island in anticipation that more debris could wash ashore tonight and tomorrow as we continue to monitor additional coastal communities.

We are staying apprised of GE Vernova’s efforts to manage the situation, including the removal and recovery of the remaining blade attached to the turbine. With public officials, we will continue to keep the islands informed of developments as we work closely with state, federal, local, and tribal partners to respond to this evolving situation, with the safety of our personnel, the public, and the environment as our highest priority.

If debris is found by members of the public, property owners, or local officials, they are advised to immediately contact our reporting hotline: 833-609-5768. Reports of debris can also be sent directly to the cleanup contractor at this link: Recon Survey (NRCC) (arcgis.com)."

The Vineyard Wind project was one of two commercial scale offshore wind projects in U.S. federal waters that were approved in 2021.

According to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) ,the 800-megawatt Vineyard Wind 1 Offshore Wind Energy Project is located approximately 12 nautical miles offshore Martha's Vineyard and 12 nautical miles offshore Nantucket.

sources: Town and County of Nantucket, Vineyard Wind

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Coastal Communities Issues

Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut

Hammonasset Beach State Park, located in Madison, Connecticut, is a haven for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

As Connecticut's largest shoreline park, it boasts over two miles of sandy beaches where visitors can bask in the sun or take a refreshing swim in the Long Island Sound.

The park is not only a summer hotspot but also a year-round destination with its bustling campground and serene nature preserve.

The name "Hammonasset" means "where we dig holes in the ground," a reference to the area's agricultural past along the Hammonasset River. 

The park offers a variety of activities, from surfcasting and bird watching to biking on the three-mile BURT trail that connects West Beach to Meigs Point.

Cyclists can also enjoy miles of cycling paths, including a connector to the Shoreline Greenway Trail, which is set to extend all the way to Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven.

The park is open 24 hours for camping or fishing from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, with reservations available for its campground. 

Accessibility is a key feature at Hammonasset Beach State Park, with beach wheelchairs available on a first-come-first-served basis and a boardwalk that allows for scenic strolls along the coast. The park is also pet-friendly, and offers picnic areas for family gatherings.

While at the park, visitors can explore local cuisine with a range of nearby restaurants offering everything from New York-style pizza to fresh seafood. The park's proximity to various hotels and attractions makes it an ideal location for a day trip or an extended stay. 

With its rich history, diverse activities, and beautiful natural landscapes, Hammonasset Beach State Park is a jewel in Connecticut's state park system, drawing over one million visitors annually to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, a night under the stars camping, and other experiences.

Common Loon | Credit: USFWS

Hammonasset Beach State Park's diverse habitats make it a premier birdwatching destination.

With its combination of beaches, marshes, grasslands, and wooded areas, the park attracts a wide array of bird species throughout the year, making every visit a unique opportunity to observe birds in their natural setting.

The park's location along the Long Island Sound makes it an important stopover for migratory birds, and it has been recognized as an Important Bird Area by Audubon Connecticut.

Early morning is typically the best time for birdwatching, as many birds are most active during this time. Additionally, the park's birdwatching community is quite active, and joining a guided birdwalk can provide insights into finding and identifying the park's avian residents.

Along shorelines, birdwatchers can look forward to spotting aquatic birds including terns, gulls, oystercatchers, loons, and the federally and state-threatened piping plover.

The brackish tidal marshes serve as foraging grounds for various wading birds during the nesting and post-nesting dispersal seasons, and the marsh also provides critical habitat for the northern harrier, which has one of the highest banding totals in North America.

The park's grasslands are a stopover habitat for grassland species including killdeer, black-bellied plover, American golden plover, and sandpipers such as the pectoral, buff-breasted, and upland sandpiper.

The young forest upland areas within the park are a magnet for migratory landbirds during spring and fall migrations, making it a prime location for birding groups and educational trips.

The Willards Island Nature Trail is a prime location for birdwatching, providing a mix of habitats including tidal wetlands, grasslands, and wooded areas that attract different bird species. The trail is relatively short, but it offers a concentrated birdwatching experience with opportunities to see shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors.

Another excellent spot is the Moraine Trail, which winds through a diverse landscape offering views of both the marsh and the Sound. This trail is particularly good for spotting migratory birds in the spring and fall.

The Meigs Point area, with its nature center and surrounding habitats, is also a hotspot for birdwatching. The center itself hosts a variety of educational programs that can enhance the birdwatching experience.

The park's extensive beach areas are also ideal for observing shorebirds, especially during low tide when they come to feed. The West Beach area, with its sandy stretches and nearby salt marsh, is a good place to see plovers, sandpipers, and other coastal birds.

The Cedar Island area, accessible via a boardwalk, is another excellent birdwatching location, particularly for seeing waterfowl and wading birds.

For those looking to combine birdwatching with a leisurely walk, the park's boardwalk offers a comfortable path along the beachfront where one can spot seabirds and, occasionally, birds of prey overhead. The park's open fields are also worth exploring, as they can be home to different species of sparrows and other grassland birds.

Beyond birds, the Meigs Point Nature Center within the park is home to over 50 species of local wildlife, including turtles, snakes, amphibians, crabs, and fish.

Visitors can engage with hands-on displays and participate in nature walks and presentations, gaining an up-close experience with these animals.

The center also hosts a variety of native animals, providing an educational and interactive experience for all ages. The Nature Center's touch tank presentations allow for a tactile experience with marine creatures, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of the park's aquatic residents.

The park's beaches and tidal pools are also rich with marine life. Visitors can discover tiny crabs, seashells, and various fish species, and may even catch a glimpse of a lobster. 

In addition to the wildlife, the park's habitats themselves are noteworthy. Approximately 600 acres of brackish tidal marsh, 300 acres of grass parking and camping areas, and about 100 acres of young forest upland contribute to the park's biodiversity.

This variety of habitats supports a wide range of species and offers visitors a chance to explore different ecosystems within a single visit.

For wildlife enthusiasts, it is recommended to visit during different seasons and times of day to observe the various species found at Hammonasset Beach.

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2024 New England Saltwater Fishing Show

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show will be held March 8-10, 2024 at the Rhode Island Convention center in Providence, Rhode Island.

Sponsored by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), the show features boats, fishing tackle, equipment, raffles and giveaways, youth casting area, fishing seminars, and much more.

With 300 booths, this is the largest show of it’s kind in the north east. Covering everything including tackle, rods, reels, lures, electronics, charter guides, boats, motors, accessories, clothing, artwork, and much more.

An array of  seminars will be presented by accomplished captains, authors, local anglers, and others. Experts will cover regional fishing, regulations, gear, techniques, and other information.

General admission is $15 at the door. Kids 11 and under are free, and can visit the kid’s casting area. Free entry for all ladies on Sunday.

For more information, visit www.nesaltwatershow.com.

The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association is a non-profit organization, created to provide a forum for recreational saltwater anglers;  to provide education to members concerning fishing techniques, improved catches, and overall enjoyment of fishing;  to foster sportsmanship;  to support marine conservation and sound management of fisheries resources;  and provide a unified voice to preserve and protect the rights, traditions and the future of recreational fishing in Rhode Island.

Coastal Communities Issues

Climate change, storms, flooding, wind power, the COVID-19 pandemic, public access, infrastructure, and numerous other issues hold potential to impact coastal communities in New England.

As the frequency and severity of coastal storms and other weather events increases, communities are facing increased pressure to confront climate change, sea level rise, and related issues.

Issues surrounding resiliency are challenges for many coastal communities. Reports and images in the news of flooding and weather-related damage are becoming more and more common.

Federal, state, and local governments are all tasked with addressing the effects of weather and climate driven events. Immediate actions are needed after events occur. In addition, governments must consider options for preventing or mitigating climate-related damage.

In recent years public access to coastal areas has declined steadily. Communities are under pressure to protect existing public access and create new facilities when possible.

Skyrocketing property values are complicating many of these issues. As waterfront properties increase in value, conflicts are inevitable.

Rapidly inflating property values can upend traditional patterns for residents and businesses. In some cases, businesses can no longer operate due to high operating costs. Businesses may also be impacted when workers are driven out of coastal communities by excessive housing costs.

Offshore renewable energy installations (OREIs) are another challenge facing coastal New England. An array of existing and planned OREI projects may affect coastal communities in a variety of ways.

Residents have presented a range of opinions concerning OREIs in New England.

Offshore wind proponents cite benefits including sustainable electricity, high quality employment opportunities, better infrastructure, and others.

Critics of offshore wind power projects have concerns about possible negative effects of wind turbines and associated equipment.

Recent Developments

In October 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) identified a Draft Wind Energy Area (WEA) in the Gulf of Maine, opening a 30-day public review and comment period. The Draft WEA covers approximately 3,519,067 acres offshore Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. 

In November 2023, the New Bedford Port Authority received $24 million through the Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for the Leonard’s Wharf Rehabilitation and Extension Project in the Port of New Bedford.

Leonard's Wharf has been identified in offshore wind industry studies and by offshore wind developers as a site that would greatly enhance New Bedford’s ability to stage offshore wind projects, as well as to serve as an operations and maintenance base.

In December 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) completed its environmental review of the proposed Sunrise Wind energy project, which is located approximately 16.4 nautical miles (nm) south of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., approximately 26.5 nm east of Montauk, N.Y., and 14.5 nm from Block Island, R.I. 

In December 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program announced the release of its "United States Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide."

In January 2024, the NOAA tide gauge at Bar Harbor, Maine observed its highest water level on record, reaching 4.33 feet above MHHW.

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