8.13. Proposed Monitoring

  1. This section outlines the proposed monitoring proposed for benthic subtidal ecology. No project specific monitoring measures are proposed given that no significant impacts were predicted from the Array alone or cumulatively with other plans and projects. However, the Applicant will engage with MD-LOT, NatureScot, and other relevant key stakeholders to identify and contribute to targeted and proportionate regional or strategic monitoring to better understand the environmental effects of offshore wind taking account of known evidence gaps. This may involve engaging and contributing to ongoing strategic initiatives from ScotMER forum (Scottish Government, 2024).

8.14. Transboundary Effects

  1. A screening of transboundary impacts has been carried out and has identified that there were no likely significant transboundary effects with regard to benthic subtidal ecology from the Array upon the interests of European Economic Area (EEA) states.

8.15. Inter-Related Effects (and Ecosystem Assessment)

  1. A description of the likely inter-related effects arising from the Array on benthic subtidal ecology is provided in volume 3, appendix 18.1 of the Array EIA Report. For benthic subtidal ecology, the following potential impacts have been considered within the inter-related assessment:
  • temporary habitat loss and disturbance;
  • long term habitat loss and disturbance;
  • increased SSCs and associated deposition;
  • effects to benthic subtidal ecology from EMF from subsea electrical cabling;
  • colonisation of hard substrates;
  • effects to benthic subtidal ecology due to removal of hard substrates; and
  • increased risk of INNS.
  1. Table 8.27   Open ▸ lists the inter-related effects (project lifetime effects) that are predicted to arise during the construction, operation and maintenance phase, and decommissioning of the Array and also the inter-related effects (receptor-led effects) that are predicted to arise for benthic subtidal ecology receptors.
  2. As noted above, effects on benthic subtidal ecology also have the potential to have secondary effects on other receptors and these effects are fully considered in the topic-specific chapters. These receptors and effects are:
  • fish and shellfish ecology;

–           temporary (during construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning phases), long term (during operation and maintenance phase only) and permanent habitat alteration (post decommissioning) habitat loss and disturbance;

  • marine mammals;

–           effects on marine mammals due to altered prey availability; and

  • offshore ornithology

–           changes to prey availability.

 

Table 8.27:
Summary of Likely Significant Inter-Related Effects for Benthic Subtidal Ecology from Individual Effects Occurring Across the Construction, Operation and Maintenance and Decommissioning Phases of the Array (Array Lifetime Effects) and from Multiple Effects Interacting Across all Phases (Receptor-led Effects)

Table 8.27: Summary of Likely Significant Inter-Related Effects for Benthic Subtidal Ecology from Individual Effects Occurring Across the Construction, Operation and Maintenance and Decommissioning Phases of the Array (Array Lifetime Effects) and from Multiple Effects Interacting Across all Phases (Receptor-led Effects)


8.16. Summary of Impacts, Mitigation, Likely Significant Effects and Monitoring

  1. Information on benthic subtidal ecology within the Array benthic subtidal ecology study area was collected through a detailed desktop study ( Table 8.6   Open ▸ ) and through site-specific surveys (see section 8.6.3). This information is summarised in section 8.7.
  2. Table 8.28   Open ▸ presents a summary of the potential impacts, designed in measures and the conclusion of LSE1 in EIA terms in respect to benthic subtidal ecology. The impacts assessed were:
  • temporary habitat loss and disturbance;
  • long term habitat loss and disturbance;
  • increased SSCs and associated deposition;
  • effects to benthic subtidal ecology from EMF from subsea electrical cabling;
  • colonisation of hard substrates;
  • effects to benthic subtidal ecology due to removal of hard substrates; and
  • increased risk of INNS.
  1. Overall, it is concluded that there will be no LSE1 arising from the Array during the construction, operation and maintenance or decommissioning phases.
  2. Table 8.29   Open ▸ presents a summary of the potential impacts, designed in measures and the conclusion of likely significant cumulative effects on benthic subtidal ecology in EIA terms. The cumulative effects assessed were:
  • temporary habitat loss and disturbance;
  • long term habitat loss and disturbance;
  • effects to benthic subtidal ecology from EMF from subsea electrical cabling;
  • colonisation of hard substrates;
  • effects to benthic subtidal ecology due to removal of hard substrates; and
  • increased risk of INNS.
  1. Overall, it is concluded that there will be no likely significant cumulative effects from the Array alongside other projects and plans.
  2. No likely significant transboundary or inter-related effects have been identified in regard to effects of the Array.

Table 8.28:
Summary of Likely Significant Environmental Effects, Secondary Mitigation and Monitoring

Table 8.28: Summary of Likely Significant Environmental Effects, Secondary Mitigation and Monitoring


Table 8.29:
Summary of Likely Significant Cumulative Environment Effects, Mitigation and Monitoring

Table 8.29: Summary of Likely Significant Cumulative Environment Effects, Mitigation and Monitoring