Vineyard Wind Finalizes Turbine Array, Changes Made to Mitigate Impacts

NEW BEDFORD – Vineyard Wind has finalized its turbine array for the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind facility.

The location has been changed for three turbines with the total project size remaining at 800 megawatts.

The adjustment will create additional distance between wind turbines and important commercial fishing areas located south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

The new locations will also limit impacts on historic preservation areas, including the Nantucket Historic District and Chappaquiddick.

“By changing these turbine locations, we further address issues that have arisen through ongoing consultation with local communities and stakeholders, so we’re very pleased to provide this additional improvement to the array design,” said Erich Stephens, Chief Development Officer for Vineyard Wind.

“Our on-going community outreach and discussions with stakeholders, which is intended to proactively address concerns throughout the project’s design and BOEM’s federal approval process, continues to benefit the project in meaningful ways.”

“Where possible, we have a responsibility to minimize the project’s footprint with respect to the history and culture of the Cape and Islands, and existing uses of these waters,” Stephens added.

“Removing these turbines is another step in living up to that responsibility.”

The wind farm will be located 15 miles south of the Vineyard and is expected to be operational in 2022.

Project changes made in response to community and stakeholder input include a 20 percent reduction in the overall project footprint following negotiations with Rhode Island’s commercial fishing sector and a range of measures to further protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, including suspending pile-driving when the whales are detected near construction zones.

The latter was part of a historic agreement between Vineyard Wind and prominent environmental organizations.

In addition, the company has proposed to install an Automatic Detection and Lighting System that will reduce the use of red, flashing aircraft warning lights to less than one-tenth percent of the time, or just a few hours per year.

Vineyard Wind also has agreed to reduce visibility of turbines during daylight hours through use of white-grey paint, further limiting possible visual impacts on Martha’s Vineyard from turbines that will be located 15 miles from shore.