Post constructionE+W+S
15.—(1) The undertaker must, in discharging condition 9(1)(b), submit details (which accord with the offshore in principle monitoring plan) for approval by the MMO in consultation with relevant statutory bodies of proposed post-construction surveys, including methodologies and timings, and a proposed format, content and timings for providing reports on the results. The survey proposals must specify each survey’s objectives and explain how it will assist in either informing a useful and valid comparison with the pre-construction position and/or will enable the validation or otherwise of key predictions in the environmental statement.
(2) The post-construction surveys referred to in sub-paragraph (1) must, unless otherwise agreed with the MMO, have due regard to, but not be limited to, the need to undertake—
(a)a survey to determine any change in the location, extent and composition of any benthic habitats of conservation, ecological and/or economic importance constituting Annex 1 reef habitats identified in the pre-construction survey in the parts of the Order limits in which construction works were carried out. The survey design must be informed by the results of the pre-construction benthic survey;
(b)within twelve months of completion of the licensed activities, one full sea floor coverage swath-bathymetry survey that meets the requirements of IHO S44ed5 Order 1a across the area(s) within the Order limits in which construction works were carried out to assess any changes in bedform topography and such further monitoring or assessment as may be agreed to ensure that cables including fibre optic cables have been buried or protected; and
(c)or contribute to any marine mammal monitoring referred to in the in principle monitoring plan submitted in accordance with condition 9(1)(b).
(3) The undertaker must carry out the surveys agreed under sub-paragraph (1) and provide the agreed reports in the agreed format in accordance with the agreed timetable, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the MMO in consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation bodies.
(4) Following installation of cables, the cable (including fibre optic cables) monitoring plan required under condition 9(1)(g)(iii) must be updated with the results of the post installation surveys. The plan must be implemented during the operational lifetime of the authorised scheme and reviewed as specified within the plan, following cable burial surveys, or as instructed by the MMO.
Commencement Information
I1Sch. 11 para. 15 in force at 5.3.2022, see art. 1