Officials demand accountability after communication breakdown in emergency response

In a recent government meeting, officials expressed serious concerns regarding the inadequate communication and response to a recent incident involving a blade failure from Vineyard Wind and GE. The lack of timely notice—two days without communication—was deemed unacceptable, complicating the response efforts from local agencies and organizations.

Officials emphasized the need for improved communication protocols, likening the situation to a neighbor failing to warn others about a potential hazard. They highlighted that since being notified, their office has maintained regular contact with Nantucket officials to navigate the emergency effectively. Continuous communication with federal representatives, particularly Congressman Bill Keating, was also noted as essential in understanding the incident's causes and the initial communication breakdown.

The meeting underscored the importance of accountability for GE and Vineyard Wind, with calls for thorough debris removal and financial restitution for Nantucket's incurred expenses. Officials demanded that future emergency response plans be tailored specifically to address the unique challenges posed by blade failures, rather than relying on generic oil spill protocols.

Additionally, there were calls for an after-action review to investigate why the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Response Committee failed to respond promptly and communicate with Nantucket officials as per their established response plan. The breakdown in communication was criticized, with officials asserting that a reliable emergency contact system is crucial for effective crisis management.

Moving forward, the meeting concluded with a commitment to developing a more organized response plan that not only addresses debris removal but also strengthens accountability and communication among all parties involved in emergency responses.