As presented for the assessment of the Array alone (section 5.3.2), this potential impact was not predicted to cause an adverse effect on integrity to the sea lamprey feature of this site. Based on the Tier 1, 2, and 3 assessments presented in paragraph 355 et seq., this conclusion is also applicable to the in-combination assessment. Whilst any in-combination effects will be continuous and persist over the life cycles of each plan and project, they are likely to be highly localised in extent (i.e. within metres to a maximum of tens of metres from cables). Therefore, any in-combination impacts associated with EMFs will be confined to the immediate vicinity of cables associated with the Tiers 1, 2, and 3 projects. Further, for projects which with no dynamic cables, only those on the seabed, the in-combination impact is further reduced given the pelagic nature of diadromous fish offshore. Finally, it is likely that all the Tier 1, 2, and 3 projects will include cable burial and protection, where possible, which will further reduce the distance between cables and migrating diadromous fish.

Adverse effects on the qualifying Annex II diadromous fish features of the River Teith SAC which undermine the conservation objectives of the SAC will not occur as a result of in-combination EMFs from subsea electrical cabling in the operation and maintenance phase. Potential effects from this impact on the relevant conservation objectives (as presented in paragraph 140) are discussed in turn below in Table 5.52 Open ▸ . As stated in paragraph 140, a CAP has not yet been published for the River Teith SAC, and therefore, only the overarching conservation objectives for all qualifying species features are presented in Table 5.52 Open ▸ for Atlantic salmon and sea lamprey combined. The assessment has therefore been undertaken with regard to the available conservation objectives for the site (NatureScot, 2015).

It can be concluded, beyond reasonable scientific doubt, that there is no risk of an adverse effect on the integrity of the River Teith SAC as a result of EMFs from subsea electrical cabling with respect to the operation and maintenance phases of the Array in-combination with other plans and projects.

As presented for the assessment of the Array alone (section 5.3.2), this potential impact was not predicted to cause an adverse effect on integrity to the Atlantic salmon feature of this site. Based on the Tier 1, 2, and 3 assessments presented in paragraph 355 et seq., this conclusion is also applicable to the in-combination assessment. Whilst any in-combination effects will be continuous and persist over the life cycles of each plan and project, they are likely to be highly localised in extent (i.e. within metres to a maximum of tens of metres from cables). Therefore, any in-combination impacts associated with EMFs will be confined to the immediate vicinity of cables associated with the Tiers 1, 2, and 3 projects. Further, for projects which with no dynamic cables, only those on the seabed, the in-combination impact is further reduced given the pelagic nature of diadromous fish offshore. Finally, it is likely that all the Tier 1, 2, and 3 projects will include cable burial and protection, where possible, which will further reduce the distance between cables and migrating diadromous fish.

Adult freshwater pearl mussel are confined to freshwater environments, and there is therefore no pathway for direct effects associated with this impact. However, there is potential for indirect impacts on the larval stage of freshwater pearl mussel if Atlantic salmon (their host species) are impacted. As detailed in paragraph 396, EMFs from subsea electrical cabling in the operation and maintenance phases of the Tier 1, 2, and 3 projects are unlikely to result in barriers to migration for Atlantic salmon. Therefore, it can also be concluded that there will be no indirect impact to freshwater pearl mussel.

Adverse effects on the qualifying Annex II diadromous fish features of the River Oykel SAC which undermine the conservation objectives of the SAC will not occur as a result of in-combination EMF from subsea electrical cables during the operation and maintenance phase. Potential effects from this activity on the relevant conservation objectives (as presented in paragraphs 146 to 148) are discussed in turn below in Table 5.53 Open ▸

It can be concluded beyond reasonable scientific doubt that there is no risk of an adverse effect on the integrity of the River Oykel SAC as a result of EMFs from subsea electrical cabling with respect to the operation and maintenance phases of the Array in-combination with other plans and projects.

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