The agreement creates a community claims fund to compensate affected Nantucket businesses. An independent third-party administrator will evaluate claims and distribute payments to address economic losses caused by the debris, which included foam and fiberglass.
Brooke Mohr, a Nantucket select board member, said: “Offshore wind may bring benefits, but it also carries risks – to ocean health, to historic landscapes, and to the economies of coastal communities like Nantucket, known worldwide as an environmental and cultural treasure.” The debris, which littered beaches, settled on the ocean floor, and entered the water table, required extensive community-led cleanup efforts.
GE Vernova traced the failure to a manufacturing issue at its Quebec facility and removed other blades from the same site. A company spokesperson stated: “We are pleased to have reached a final settlement agreement with the town of Nantucket to provide compensation for any impacted local businesses.”
Advised by Cultural Heritage Partners, KP Law, Wyche, and Stout, Nantucket emphasized safe operations. Greg Werkheiser of Cultural Heritage Partners noted: “Federal law limits localities’ influence in the design and approval of offshore wind projects, but communities have rights when it comes to safe operations of the farms.”
The settlement supports Nantucket’s businesses and underscores the need for safe renewable energy practices, balancing environmental goals with community interests.
