Review of Cabling Techniques and Environmental Effects Applicable

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Review of Cabling Techniques and Environmental Effects Applicable to the Offshore Wind Farm Industry – Technical Report Figure 1.0 Scroby Sands offshore wind farm (Photo courtesy of Vestas Wind Systems A/S) 1.2 Study Description A large number of cables associated with energy production, telecommunications and oil and gas extraction are already located on or under the seabed of the UK continental shelf. The effects of laying these cables have been investigated to varying degrees and, as such, a great deal of experience and previous knowledge has already been gathered and is held by various industries, government departments and research organisations etc. As with many sectoral developments, particularly in the marine environment, this information has not been widely disseminated, reviewed or synthesised for a wider audience or been made publicly available. Consequently, the Research Advisory Group on Offshore Renewable Installations identified a need for Guidance on seabed installation techniques and their potential environmental effects. This guidance is required principally to inform wind farm developers and others during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and determination stages of the consents process. The guidance will be equally of use to other burgeoning marine renewable energy technologies, such as wave and tidal. 1.2.1 STUDY AIMS The study aims to provide an information resource and guidance to government and developers on the range of cable installation techniques available, their 12
Introduction likely environmental effects and potential mitigation, drawing on wind farm and other marine industry practice and experience. Through the collation of existing information and experience from a range of sources, the guidance will assist government, developers, stakeholders and regulators during the EIA and consenting process including stages of information provision, review and approval of such information. Importantly, an understanding of the difficulties and constraints of cable installation has been provided such that impacts can be avoided, reduced or minimised. This document also deals with the practical application of the installation and mitigation techniques available to developers so that the most relevant and up-to-date technology can be applied in the most appropriate situation. In summary, the specific objectives for this project are as follows: ● ● ● ● To summarise the range of types of cables and small diameter pipelines currently installed in the EU shelf marine environment; To discuss the range of techniques used to install and maintain the aforementioned cables and pipelines; To summarise the environmental impacts that could arise as a result of these installation and maintenance techniques (both reported and potential impacts); and To produce a technical report document which reviews cabling techniques and their environmental effects for use in the development of wind farm projects (and other marine renewable technologies). 1.3 Report Format Section 1 describes the project’s background, aims and objectives. Section 2 outlines the relevant legislation applicable to the development of offshore wind farms and the installation/maintenance of cables/pipelines. Section 3 summarises the types of cables and pipelines that are currently installed in the marine environment and the range of installation techniques that are available. The relevant characteristics of each type are provided, such as dimensions, construction material, armouring, depth of burial, additional protection measures, normal service life and decommissioning. The range of installation techniques that are available are also described as well as the type of engineering standards and constraints that might be of relevance (i.e. depth of burial in areas of sediment movement or where beam trawling occurs). Section 4 outlines the physical changes or effects to the seabed and surface sediments that could be expected to occur during cabling activity and the key characteristics that influence the extent of change. 13
Page 1: REVIEW OF CABLING TECHNIQUES AND EN
Page 4 and 5: Review of Cabling Techniques and En
Page 9 and 10: Abbreviations AIS Automatic Identif
Page 11: TTS Temporary Threshold Shift TWA T
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Review of Cabling Techniques and En
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4 Physical change 4.1 Introduction
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6 Good practice measures This secti
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7 Gaps in understanding Research fo
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References Introduction Sinden, G.
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Appendix A: Standards and codes of
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Printed in UK on recycled paper. De
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