standardization of environmental data and information - International ...

?? Testing of collection systems and equipment.
The environmental impact assessment and the associated
monitoring programme shall be submitted to the Secretary-General of the
Authority at least one year before the activity takes place or, in the case of
integrated tests, at least two years in advance. This would give the
Authority time to consult specialists with a view to possible adjustments of
the monitoring programme.
The contractor shall include specification of events (such as
pollution incidents) that could cause suspension or modification of the
activities owing to serious environmental harm if the effects of the events
cannot be adequately mitigated.
3.3. Information to be provided by the contractor
3.3.1. Preliminary information
Before running tests, the contractor must submit information
indicating what it expects will happen. Such provisional information will
include:
?? Location of the mining test and boundaries of the test area;
?? Probable duration of the test;
?? Test plans (collecting pattern, perturbed area, etc.);
?? Nodule collection technique (passive or active mechanical dredge,
hydraulic suction, water jets, etc.);
?? Depth of penetration into the sea-bed;
?? Running gear (skis, wheels, caterpillars, Archimedes screws, bearing
plates, water cushion, etc.) that contacts the seabed, in order to
gauge the nature of the impacts;
?? Methods for separation on the seafloor of the nodules from the
sediment, including washing of nodules, volume of the discharge of
sediment mixed with water, concentration of particles in the
discharged mixture, height of discharge above the seafloor, etc.;
45 INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY