Sediment sampling
25.—(1) The undertaker must submit a sample plan in writing to the MMO for written approval in accordance with the procedure in Part 4, following consultation with the Environment Agency.
(2) The sample plan must be made—
(a)for capital dredging, at least 6 months prior to the commencement of any capital dredging; or
(b)for maintenance dredging, at least six months prior to the end of every third year from the date of the previous sediment sample analysis.
(3) The sample plan must include details of—
(a)the volume of material to be dredged;
(b)the location of the area to be dredged;
(c)details of the material type proposed for dredging;
(d)the type and dredging methodology (including whether it is a capital or maintenance dredge, depth of material to be dredged and proposed programme for the dredging activities); and
(e)the location and depth of any supporting samples.
(4) Unless otherwise agreed by the MMO in writing, the undertaker must undertake the sampling in accordance with the approved sample plan.
(5) For capital dredging, the undertaker must submit sediment sample analysis results as part of the CEMP in accordance with condition 12 and the undertaker must not undertake the dredging activities until the MMO has approved the CEMP.
(6) For maintenance dredging, the undertaker must submit sediment sample analysis results completed by a laboratory validated by the MMO at least 6 weeks prior to undertaking any maintenance dredging and the undertaker must not undertake any dredging until the MMO has approved the sediment sample analysis results.