SCHEDULE 9DEEMED GENERATOR ASSETS MARINE LICENCE UNDER THE MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS ACT 2009
PART 2Licence Conditions
Design parameters for wind turbinesI11
1
Subject to sub-paragraph (2), no wind turbine generator forming part of the authorised development shall—
a
exceed a height of 222 metres when measured from MHWS to the highest point of the rotating blade of the WTG;
b
exceed a height of 122 metres to the height of the centreline of the generator shaft forming part of the WTG nacelle when measured from MHWS;
c
exceed a rotor diameter of 200 metres, or have a rotor diameter of less than 120 metres;
d
be less than 737 metres from the nearest WTG in either direction perpendicular to the approximate prevailing wind direction (crosswind) or be less than 737 metres from the nearest WTG in either direction which is in line with the approximate prevailing wind direction (downwind); and
e
have a distance of less than 22 metres between the lowest point of the rotating blade of the WTG and MHWS.
2
References to the location of a wind turbine generator are references to the centre point of that turbine.
Design Parameters for WTG foundationsI22
1
The total number of monopole foundations forming part of the authorised development shall not exceed 207 and no monopile foundation for use with any WTG or offshore substation forming part of the authorised development shall have a diameter greater than 9 metres.
2
No jacket structure for use with any WTG forming part of the authorised development shall have—
a
a width spacing between each leg at the level of the seabed of more than 40 metres and at the level of LAT which is greater than 20 metres;
b
more than four legs;
c
a leg diameter of more than 3 metres;
d
more than one pile per leg;
e
a pile diameter of more than 3 metres;
f
more than one suction caisson per leg; and
g
a suction caisson diameter of greater than 10 metres.
Design parameters for inter-array cablesI33
The total length of the cables comprising Work No. 1(b) shall not exceed 270 kilometres.
Design parameters for other depositsI44
1
The total volume of scour protection for use with WTGs within Work No. 1 shall not exceed 2,277,000m³.
2
The total volume of cable protection (excluding cable crossings) included within Work No. 1(b) shall not exceed 27,000m³ with a maximum footprint of 35,000m².
3
The total volume of cable protection associated with cable crossings included within Work No. 1(b) shall not exceed 64,328m³. The total footprint of this cable protection shall not exceed 74,480m².
Notifications and inspectionsI55
1
The undertaker must ensure that—
a
a copy of this licence and any subsequent amendments or revisions to it are provided to—
i
all agents and contractors notified to the MMO in accordance with condition 6 of this licence; and
ii
the masters and transport managers responsible for the vessels notified to the MMO in accordance with condition 6 of this licence;
b
within 28 days of receipt of a copy of this licence those persons referred to at sub-paragraph (i) above must provide a completed confirmation form to the MMO confirming their understanding of the terms and conditions of this licence.
2
Only those persons and vessels notified to the MMO in accordance with condition 6 are permitted to carry out the licensed activities.
3
Copies of this licence must also be available for inspection by an enforcement officer at all reasonable times at the following locations—
a
the undertaker’s registered address;
b
any site office located at or adjacent to the construction site and used by the undertaker or its agents and contractors responsible for the loading, transportation or deposit of the authorised deposits and works; and
c
on board each vessel or at the office of any transport manager with responsibility for vessels from which authorised deposits are to be made or authorised works undertaken.
4
The undertaker must provide access, and if necessary appropriate transportation, to the offshore construction site or the ancillary works or vessels to facilitate any inspection that the MMO or Trinity House considers necessary to meet any mandatory health and safety requirements or inspect the works during construction and operation of the authorised development.
5
The undertaker must inform the MMO marine licensing team and the coastal MMO office specified in paragraph 1(4)(a) above, and the Hydrographic Office, the MCA, and Trinity House, in writing at least five working days prior to the commencement of the licensed activities or any part of them.
6
The undertaker must publish in the Kingfisher Fortnightly Bulletin details of the vessel routes, timings and locations relating to the construction of the authorised development, or relevant part, at least five working days prior to the commencement of the licensed activities or any part of them.
7
The undertaker must ensure that a notice to mariners is issued at least ten days prior to the commencement of Work No. 1 advising of the start date of those licensed activities and the expected vessel routes from the local service ports to the turbine locations.
8
The undertaker must ensure that the notices to mariners are agreed with the MMO and the MCA in accordance with the construction programme approved under licence condition 11(1)(a). Such notices must be—
a
updated and reissued at regular intervals; and
b
supplemented with VHF radio broadcasts.
Copies of all notices must be provided to the MMO.
Reporting of engaged agents, contractors and vesselsI66
1
The undertaker must provide the following information to the MMO—
a
the name and function of any agent or contractor appointed to engage in the licensed activities, at least five working days prior to the commencement of the licensed activities or any part of them; and
b
each week during the construction of the authorised development a completed Hydrographic Note H102 listing the vessels to be used in relation to the licensed activities.
2
Any changes to the supplied details must be notified to the MMO in writing at least five working days prior to the agent, contractor or vessel engaging in the licensed activities.
Equipment and operation of vessels engaged in licensed activitiesI77
1
All vessels employed to perform the licensed activities must be constructed and equipped to be capable of the proper performance of such activities in accordance with the conditions of this licence and must comply with sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) below.
2
All motor powered vessels must be fitted with the following equipment—
a
electronic positioning aid to provide navigational data;
b
radar;
c
echo sounder;
d
multi-channel VHF, and
no vessel shall engage in the licensed activities until all such equipment is fully operational.
3
All vessels’ names or identification must be clearly marked on the hull or superstructure of the vessel.
4
All vessels must exhibit signals in accordance with the requirements of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea.
5
All communication on VHF working frequencies must be in English.
Chemicals, drilling and debrisI88
1
All chemicals used in the construction of the authorised development must be selected from the List of Notified Chemicals approved for use by the offshore oil and gas industry under the Offshore Chemicals Regulations 200232, unless otherwise agreed by the MMO.
2
All protective coatings and paints must be suitable for use in the marine environment. Details of such coatings and paints and how they will be used must be submitted to the MMO as part of the construction method statement required under condition 11(1)(c).
3
The storage, handling, transport and use of fuels, lubricants, chemicals and other substances must be undertaken so as to prevent releases into the marine environment including bunding of 110 per cent 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.
5
The undertaker must ensure that only inert material of natural origin, produced during construction drilling and seabed preparation for foundation works shall be disposed of within the Disposal Site.
6
The undertaker must inform the MMO of the location and quantities of inert material disposed of each month under this licence, by submission of a disposal return by 31st January each year for disposals occurring during the months July to December inclusive of the preceding year, and by 31st July each year for disposals occurring during the months January to June inclusive of that year.
7
The undertaker must notify the MMO within 48 hours of the completion of the final disposal of inert material at the Disposal Site.
8
The undertaker must ensure that any debris arising from the construction of the authorised development or temporary works placed below MHWS are removed on completion of the construction of the authorised development, unless otherwise agreed with the MMO.
9
At least two months prior to the commencement of the licensed activities the undertaker must submit to the MMO a transportation audit sheet covering the construction of the authorised development. No works shall commence until the audit sheet content has been agreed with the MMO. The audit sheet must 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 development.
10
The audit sheet must be maintained throughout the construction of the authorised development and any changes notified immediately in writing to the MMO. The audit sheet will be made available for inspection by the MMO within 12 hours of the undertaker’s receipt of a request made by the MMO.
11
In the event that the MMO becomes aware that any of the materials on the audit sheet cannot be accounted for it shall require the undertaker in writing to carry out a side scan sonar survey to plot all obstructions across the relevant areas within the Order limits seaward of MHWS where construction works and related activities have been carried out. Local fishermen must be invited to send a representative to be present during the survey. Any new obstructions that the MMO reasonably concludes are associated with the authorised development must be removed, as directed by the MMO in writing, at the undertaker’s expense.
Force majeureI99
If, due to stress of weather or any other cause the master of a vessel determines that it is necessary to deposit the authorised substances and/or articles within or outside of the Order limits seaward of MHWS because the safety of human life and/or of the vessel is threatened full details of the circumstances of the deposit must be notified to the MMO within 48 hours, and the undertaker must—
a
as soon as reasonably practicable following such notification, submit a method statement and programme for the removal of the deposit; and
b
undertake the removal of the deposit in accordance with the approved method statement and programme, unless otherwise agreed with the MMO.
Seasonal restrictions in respect of fish spawningI1010
1
The undertaker must ensure that no percussive piling activity takes place during the cod spawning period from 15th February to 31st March (inclusive) of any year.
2
The undertaker must ensure that no percussive piling activity takes place during the herring spawning period from 15th September to 15th November (inclusive) for any year, within such areas as agreed with the MMO prior to the commencement of construction. The undertaker must provide to the MMO the results of noise modelling prepared to an agreed methodology to inform the selection of such areas.
Pre-construction plans and documentationI1111
1
The licensed activities shall not commence until the following have been submitted to and approved by the MMO and, in relation to paragraphs (a) to (g), (j) and (k), following consultation with Natural England. Each programme, statement, plan, protocol, scheme or other detail required to be approved under this condition must be submitted to the MMO for approval at least four months prior to the commencement of works, except where otherwise stated or unless otherwise agreed by the MMO—
a
a construction and monitoring programme to include details of—
i
the proposed construction start date;
ii
timings for mobilisation of plant, delivery of materials and installation works;
iii
proposed pre-construction surveys/monitoring, baseline reporting format and content, construction surveys/monitoring, post-construction surveys/monitoring and related reporting in accordance with licence conditions 12 to 14;
iv
a design plan at a scale of between 1:25,000 and 1:50,000, including detailed representation on the most suitable scaled Admiralty Chart, as agreed with the MMO, in consultation with Trinity House, the MCA and Natural England, which shows any archaeological exclusion zones identified under paragraph (h), and any exclusion zones and/or micrositing requirements identified in any mitigation scheme pursuant to paragraph (j); and
v
proposed timings for the disposal of material produced during construction drilling and seabed preparation for foundation works;
b
a plan to be agreed with the MMO in consultation with Trinity House and the MCA setting out proposed details of the authorised development, specifying the—
i
number, specification(s) and dimensions of each WTG;
ii
number, dimensions and foundation type(s) and depth for each WTG;
iii
the grid coordinates of the centre point of the proposed location for each WTG;
iv
proposed layout of all cables; and
v
the proposed location(s) for the disposal of material produced during construction drilling and seabed preparation for foundation works;
c
a construction method statement in accordance with the construction methods assessed in the environmental statement and including details of—
i
foundation installation, including any seabed preparation, drilling and disposal of arisings methods;
ii
turbine installation, including any seabed preparation and scour protection;
iii
cable installation, including cable protection;
iv
protective coatings and paints as required under condition 8(2);
v
contractors;
vi
vessels and vessel transit corridors;
vii
ancillary works; and
viii
drilling methods and disposal of material produced during construction drilling and seabed preparation for foundation works;
d
a project environmental management and monitoring plan to include details of—
i
a marine pollution contingency plan to address the risks, methods and procedures to deal with any spills and collision incidents during construction and operation of the authorised development in relation to all activities carried out below MHWS;
ii
a chemical risk assessment to include information regarding how and when chemicals are to be used, stored and transported in accordance with recognised best practice guidance;
iii
a method statement for the taking of sediment samples;
iv
waste management and disposal arrangements including a protocol covering potential finds of objects associated with the legacy of disposal at sea of material from the nuclear industry; and
v
the appointment and responsibilities of a fisheries liaison officer and an environmental liaison officer;
e
a scour protection management plan providing details of the need, type, sources, quantity and installation methods for scour protection;
f
a marine mammal mitigation protocol, including a requirement for a soft start procedure, when driven or part-driven pile foundations are used;
g
cable specification and installation plan in accordance with the methodology assessed in the environmental statement, to include—
i
technical specification of cable systems, including a desk-based assessment of attenuation of electro-magnetic field strengths, shielding and cable burial depth in accordance with industry good practice; and
ii
a detailed cable laying plan for the Order limits seaward of MHWS, incorporating geotechnical data and a cable burial risk assessment to inform cable burial depths and cable laying techniques, including contingency measures, in the event cable burial is not achieved by the methods proposed in that plan;
h
a written scheme of archaeological investigation in relation to the Order limits in accordance with industry good practice and developed in consultation with English Heritage to include—
i
details of responsibilities of the undertaker, archaeological consultant and contractor;
ii
a methodology for any further site investigation including any specifications for geophysical, geotechnical and diver or remotely operated vehicle investigations;
iii
a programme for the analysis and reporting of survey data, and timing, which is to be submitted to the MMO within four months of the survey being completed, unless otherwise agreed with the MMO;
iv
details of any mitigation including, where necessary, archaeological exclusion zones;
v
details of monitoring during and post construction, including a conservation programme for finds and publication of reports, developed in consultation with English Heritage, associated with the consented development;
vi
details of methods for archiving of archaeological material; and
vii
a reporting and recording protocol, including reporting of any wreck or wreck material during construction, operation and decommissioning of the authorised development;
i
a written scheme, developed in consultation with the Ministry of Defence, detailing any potential survey and/or construction vessel transit through, or temporary presence within, the Eskmeals firing range (Danger Areas D406 and D406B) associated with the construction of the authorised development and a communications protocol between the undertaker and the Ministry of Defence’s range controllers relating thereto;
j
a mitigation scheme for any Annex I Habitat identified by the survey referred to in condition 12(2)(a);
k
an offshore operations and maintenance plan that must be submitted to the MMO at least four months prior to commencement of the operation of the licensed activities and include provision for the review and resubmission of that plan every three years during the operational phase. The offshore operations and maintenance plan must include details of—
i
information on the presence of Annex I Habitat as identified in condition 12(2)(a);
ii
information on, including likely schedule of, corrective and preventative maintenance activities proposed during the operation of the licensed activities, as identified in the environmental statement and Schedule of Offshore Maintenance Activities;
iii
a summary of the environmental impact of the activities listed under sub-paragraph (ii), as identified in the environmental statement and Schedule of Offshore Maintenance Activities, and having regard to sub-paragraph (i); and
iv
the anticipated maintenance activities that exceed the frequency and/or scope of licensable activities identified in the environmental statement and Schedule of Offshore Maintenance Activities, and the proposed approach to the licensing of these activities,
and each programme, statement, plan, protocol, scheme or other detail required to be approved under this condition must be submitted to the MMO for approval at least four months prior to the commencement of works, except where otherwise stated or unless otherwise agreed by the MMO.
2
The undertaker must ensure that a copy of any agreed archaeological report is deposited with the National Monuments Record, in accordance with the Online AccesS to the Index of archaeological investigationS (OASIS) system.
3
The licensed activities must be carried out in accordance with any programme, statement, plan, protocol, scheme or other details approved under this licence condition, unless otherwise agreed by the MMO.
Pre-construction surveying and monitoringI1212
1
The undertaker must, in discharging condition 11(1)(a) submit details for approval by the MMO in consultation with Natural England of proposed pre-construction surveys, including methodologies and timings, and a proposed format and content for a pre-construction baseline report at least 4 months prior to surveys commencing.
2
The pre-construction surveys referred to in sub-paragraph (1) must unless otherwise agreed with the MMO have due regard to the need to undertake—
a
surveys to determine the location, extent and composition of any benthic habitats of conservation, ecological and/or economic importance (including Annex I Habitat) inside the area(s) within the Order limits seaward of MHWS in which it is proposed to carry out construction works;
b
a high resolution swath-bathymetry survey and side-scan sonar survey of the areas within the Order limits seaward of MHWS in which it is proposed to carry out construction works, including a 500 metre buffer area around the site of each work inclusive of seabed anomalies or sites of historic or archaeological interest that lie within that 500 metre buffer; and
c
debris surveys, including a side scan sonar survey, across the area(s) within the Order limits seaward of MHWS in which it is proposed to carry out construction works.
3
The undertaker must carry out the surveys agreed under sub-paragraph (1) and provide the baseline report to the MMO in the agreed format in accordance with the agreed timetable, unless otherwise agreed by the MMO.
4
The undertaker must not commence construction until the baseline report has been agreed by the MMO.
Construction monitoringI1313
1
The undertaker must, in discharging condition 11(1)(a), submit details for approval by the MMO in consultation with Natural England of any proposed surveys or monitoring, including methodologies and timings, to be carried out during the construction of the authorised development.
2
A scheme for noise monitoring must be submitted for approval by the MMO prior to the commencement of any piling activity, which scheme must include details for measurements of noise generated at a minimum of four piling locations.
3
The undertaker must carry out the surveys approved under sub-paragraph (1), including any further noise monitoring required in writing by the MMO, and provide the agreed reports in the agreed format in accordance with the agreed timetable, unless otherwise agreed with the MMO.
4
The results of the initial noise measurements provided in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) must be provided to the MMO within six weeks of the installation of the first monitored pile approved pursuant to sub-paragraph (1), unless otherwise agreed with the MMO.
5
Unless otherwise agreed with the undertaker, within 6 weeks of the submission of results of the initial noise measurements provided in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) the MMO must, having regard to those results, determine whether or not any further noise monitoring is required and confirm this to the undertaker.
Post construction monitoringI1414
1
The undertaker must, in discharging condition 11(1)(a), submit details for approval by the MMO in consultation with Natural England of proposed post-construction surveys, including methodologies and timings, and proposed format, content and timings for providing reports on the results. Subject to receipt of specific proposals, it is expected that acceptable post-construction surveys will comprise, in outline—
a
surveys of any benthic communities/benthos constituting Annex I Habitat inside the area(s) within the Order limits seaward of MHWS in which construction works were carried out; and
b
high resolution swath-bathymetric surveys of such representative areas within the Order limits seaward of MHWS as may be agreed with the MMO in which construction works were carried out to assess any changes to bed form morphology and such further monitoring as may be agreed to ensure that the cables have been buried.
2
Following the completion of the authorised development, the undertaker must carry out the surveys referred to in sub-paragraph (1) for three years, which may be non-consecutive years, and provide reports in the agreed format in accordance with the agreed timetable, unless otherwise agreed with the MMO following consultation with Natural England.
3
If a major storm event occurs at any time between the completion of the authorised development and the completion of the third year of surveys required under sub-paragraph (2), the undertaker must carry out a side scan sonar and bathymetry survey within the Order limits seaward of MHWS in which the construction works were carried out, in accordance with such timetable as may be agreed with the MMO following consultation with Natural England.
Offshore DecommissioningI1515
No part of the authorised development seaward of MHWS shall commence until a written decommissioning programme in compliance with any notice served upon the undertaker by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 105(2) of the 2004 Act has been submitted to the Secretary of State for approval. The undertaker must consult the MMO, Natural England and the relevant planning authority on the proposed decommissioning activity no less than four months prior to submission of the proposed decommissioning programme to the Secretary of State.
Offshore Safety ManagementI1616
1
No authorised development seaward of MHWS shall commence until the MMO, in consultation with the MCA, has given written approval of a plan for an active safety management system which includes an emergency response and co-operation plan (ERCoP) for the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the authorised development in accordance with the MCA’s recommendations in MGN 371 “Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREIs) – Guidance on UK Navigational Practice, Safety and Emergency Response Issues”.
2
No authorised development seaward of MHWS shall commence until the MMO, in consultation with the MCA, has confirmed in writing that the undertaker has taken into account and adequately addressed all MCA recommendations as appropriate to the authorised development contained within the document MGN 371 “Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREIs) – Guidance on UK Navigational Practice, Safety and Emergency Response Issues” and its annexes.
3
The active safety management system and ERCoP must be implemented as approved unless otherwise agreed by the MMO in consultation with the MCA.
Aids to navigationI1717
1
The undertaker must at or near the authorised development during the whole period of the construction, operation, alteration, replacement or decommissioning of the authorised development seaward of MHWS exhibit such lights, marks, sounds, signals and other aids to navigation, and to take such other steps for the prevention of danger to navigation, as Trinity House may from time to time direct.
2
The undertaker must provide information to the Hydrographic Office on the position and nature of works to facilitate the issuing of notices and warnings to mariners.
3
The undertaker must keep the Hydrographic Office, the MCA, Trinity House and the MMO informed of progress with the authorised development and will provide—
a
notice of commencement within 24 hours of commencement having occurred;
b
as soon as reasonably practicable notification of the provision of any aids to navigation required by the licence conditions;
c
reports on the working condition of aids to navigation as requested by Trinity House;
d
notice to Trinity House and the MMO of any failure of aids to navigation, and the plans for remedying such failures, as soon as practicable and within 24 hours of such failure being identified;
e
notification of completion within 2 weeks of completion of the authorised development.
4
The undertaker must paint yellow (colour code RAL 1023) all structures to be constructed as part of the authorised development seaward of MHWS from at least HAT to a height directed by Trinity House. Unless the MMO otherwise directs, the undertaker must paint the remainder of the structures submarine grey (colour code RAL 7035).
5
The undertaker must exhibit such lights, with such shape, colour and character as are required by Air Navigation Order 2009, or as directed by the CAA, and must notify the CAA and the MMO of any failure of those lights and the timescales in which such failure will be remedied, as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours following the undertaker becoming aware of any such failure.
Provision against danger to navigationI1818
In case of damage to, or destruction or decay of, the authorised development seaward of MHWS or any part thereof the undertaker must as soon as reasonably practicable notify Trinity House and must lay down such buoys, exhibit such lights and take such other steps for preventing danger to navigation as Trinity House may from time to time direct.
Requirement for written approvalI1919
With respect to any condition of this licence which requires the licensed activities to be carried out in accordance with any details approved by the MMO, notification of such approval must be given in writing.
Amendments to approved detailsI2020
1
With respect to any condition which requires the licensed activities to be carried out in accordance with the details approved by the MMO, the approved details shall be carried out as approved unless an amendment or variation is agreed in advance by the MMO pursuant to the relevant condition, in accordance with sub-paragraph (2), and in consultation with any body specified in the relevant condition.
2
Where any condition specifies “unless otherwise agreed” by the MMO such agreement shall not be given except in relation to immaterial changes where it has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the MMO that the agreement sought is unlikely to give rise to any materially new or materially different environmental effects from those assessed in the environmental statement.
3
The approved details shall be taken to include any amendments that may subsequently be approved by the MMO.