The federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has issued a suspension order to Vineyard Wind as it investigates the July 13 failure of a blade failure.

 

Under the order, the company must cease all power production from all its wind turbine generators and suspend any new turbine installation. BSEE says it is conducting an independent assessment of the incident to ensure the safety of future offshore renewable energy operations.

 

So far, no human or animal injuries have been reported but material from the damaged turbine is being found on south-side Nantucket beaches.

 

Meanwhile,  Vineyard Wind issued a statement Wednesday evening, saying there has been an "observed compromise" to the integrity of the GE Vernova blade. The company says while part of the blade remains attached to the turbine, there is an increased possibility that it may detach soon. 

 

The announcement followed a weekend blade failure that washed pieces of a damaged blade onto some southern Nantucket beaches. 

 

A 500-meter safety zone has now been set-up around the turbine and it's under constant surveillance. The company has mobilized its response team, and it has seen new debris entering the water.