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