Review of Cabling Techniques and Environmental Effects Applicable

6 Good practice measures
This section provides examples of good practice measures which could be
adopted during all phases of project planning. Such measures could be used
in conjunction with mitigation measures defined in Section 5.0 to minimise the
magnitude and significance of effects to the local environment.
Examples of good practice measures which could be adopted to reduce potential
disturbance of cabling activities on intertidal and subtidal habitats, marine
mammals, birds, fish and shellfish include:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
138
Early dialogue with the appropriate regulatory and advisory authorities
(Department for Transport, Department for Environment Food and Rural
Affairs, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Natural
England, Countryside Council for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, the
Environment and Heritage Service Northern Ireland, the Environment Agency
and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee).
Sensitive timing and routing of cable installation to avoid important feeding,
breeding/spawning and nursery areas and seal haul out areas especially
during sensitive periods (breeding season);
Avoidance of areas of sensitive habitat such as biogenic reef.
Sensitive timing and routing of maintenance vessels to reduce number of
trips;
For marine mammals and birds: preparation of on-site protocol in sensitive
locations;
For marine mammals and birds: briefing of cable installation contractor’s
personnel for on-site procedures and protocol; and
Monitoring effects using a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) study.
Examples of good practice measures which could be adopted to reduce potential
disturbance of cable installation activities on shipping and navigation include:
●
●
●
●
Early dialogue with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), Hydrographer
of the Navy and local harbour authorities should be undertaken in relation to
shipping and navigational issues;
Planning, liaison and consultation with local experts and users (harbour
masters, coastguard etc) to identify impacts to traffic and navigation;
Production of Emergency Response Plans to minimise potential risks to
human life and the environment; and
Following good practice guidelines for ship collision avoidance and anchorage
near cables, installations etc. (UKOOA, 1997, 2002, 2003).