Chemicals, drilling and debris
8.—(1) Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the MMO all chemicals used in the construction of the authorised scheme, including any chemical agents placed within any monopile void, shall be selected from the List of Notified Chemicals approved for use by the offshore oil and gas industry under the Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002(1).
(2) The undertaker must ensure that any coatings/treatments are suitable for use in the marine environment and are used in accordance with guidelines approved by the Health and Safety Executive or the Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guidelines.
(3) The storage, handling, transport and use of fuels, lubricants, chemicals and other substances shall be undertaken so as to prevent releases into the marine environment, including bunding of 110% of the total volume of all reservoirs and containers.
(4) Where foundation drilling works are proposed, in the event that any system other than water-based mud is proposed the MMO’s written approval in relation to the proposed disposal of any arisings must be obtained before the drilling commences, which may also require a marine licence.
(5) The undertaker must ensure that any debris arising from the construction of the authorised scheme or temporary works placed below MHWS are removed on completion of the authorised scheme, unless otherwise agreed with the MMO.
(6) At least two months prior to the commencement of the licensed activities the undertaker must submit to the MMO an audit sheet covering all aspects of the construction of the licensed activities or any part of them. The audit sheet shall include details of—
(a)loading facilities;
(b)vessels;
(c)equipment;
(d)shipment routes;
(e)working schedules; and
(f)all components and materials to be used in the construction of the authorised scheme.
(7) The audit sheet must be maintained throughout the construction of the authorised scheme (or relevant part) and any changes notified immediately in writing to the MMO which must give written approval prior to any change being implemented.
(8) In the event that the MMO becomes aware that any of the materials on the audit sheet cannot be accounted for it must require the undertaker to carry out a side scan sonar survey to plot all obstructions across the relevant area(s) within the Order limits where construction works and related activities related to those materials have been carried out and, if the initial survey does not locate the missing materials, over such wider area as the MMO may reasonably request. Local fishermen shall be invited to send a representative to be present during the survey. Any new obstructions that the MMO believes to be associated with the authorised scheme shall be removed at the undertaker’s expense.
(9) The undertaker must inform the MMO of the location and quantities of material disposed of each month under the Order, by submission of a disposal return by 31 January each year for the months August to January inclusive, and by 31 July each year for the months February to July inclusive.
(10) The undertaker must ensure that only inert material of natural origin, produced during the drilling installation of foundations, and drilling mud shall be disposed of within the offshore Order limits (disposal site reference IS135 Burbo Bank Extension OWF). Any other materials shall be screened out before disposal at this site.
(11) The undertaker must ensure that any rock material used in the construction of the authorised scheme is from a recognised source, free from contaminants and containing minimal fines.
(12) In the event that any rock material used in the construction of the authorised scheme is misplaced or lost below MHWS, the undertaker must report the loss to the Coastal Office within 48 hours and if the MMO shall reasonably consider such material to constitute a navigation or environmental hazard (dependent on the size and nature of the material) the undertaker must endeavour to locate the material and recover it.
(13) The undertaker must ensure that no waste concrete slurry or wash water from concrete or cement works are discharged into the marine environment. Concrete and cement mixing and washing areas must be contained to prevent run off entering the water through the freeing ports.
(14) The undertaker must ensure that any oil, fuel or chemical spill within the marine environment is reported to the MMO, Marine Pollution Response Team.
S.I. 2002/1355. There are amendments to that instrument not relevant to this Order.