Problems at Rhode Island offshore wind farm

The nation’s first offshore wind farm, off the coast of Rhode Island, has experienced safety and welding problems, and regulators are closely monitoring construction, according to the regulatory agency that issued a permit for the work.

Deepwater Wind is building a five-turbine wind farm off Block Island and began construction in July. Inspection reports about the initial weeks of construction identified numerous health and safety issues.

The safety problems have been addressed with the builder, said Grover Fugate, executive director of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council.

Deepwater Wind said it intends for the project to meet the highest safety and construction standards.

This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 3:19 PM with the headline "Problems at Rhode Island offshore wind farm."