Offshore Wind EnergyStrategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)Phase 1

Progress and Lessons

Mark Jennison and Trevor BakerBMT Cordah Ltd.

Presentation Overview

Introduction to SEAPhase 1 SEAApproachProcess and Work ProgrammeDetailed MethodologyFindings to dateLessons Learnt

Introduction to SEABasic Features:

Tool/instrument to influence PPP processes by provision of environmental information;Earlier consideration of environmental issues (opportunities and risks);Better link to national and global issues (greenhouse gases);Identify preferred option from alternatives;Acquisition of key baseline data;Less resources and effort needed for EIAs; andProvides the context for decisions on individual projects.

SEA ApproachGoal: Provision of useful input to decision-making processBasic Guiding Principles:Following SEA Directive and draft ODPM guidanceConsideration of DTI SEA work for oil &gas activitiesGood international practice (IAIA, UN)

SEA ApproachSEA Directive Key Features:Plan and Programme Focus (not policy)Implemented during preparation process (alternatives)Scoping required to determine focus and content of Environmental Report (Directive includes biodiversity, health and cultural heritage)Draft and Final Environmental ReportsConsultations on draft plan/programme and Reports (decision input)Statement on use of Report in the decision

Strategic Areas

Phase 1 SEA ApproachProcess:

Establish SEA Steering GroupEstablish SEA website as focus for awareness and consultationProvide overview of baseline situation, trends, problems and causesScope key issues and impactsDevelop scenarios for impact prediction (No wind farms, most likely, maximum credible)

Phase 1 SEA ApproachProcess:

Impact prediction and evaluationCumulative impact analysis

Phase 1 SEA ApproachProcess:

Identification of mitigation and enhancement measuresPreferred option/scenario identifiedPreparation of environmental management plan (mitigation and monitoring)

Phase 1 SEA ApproachEnvironmental Report:

Information and advice pertaining to:Absolute constraintsRelative constraintsLowest level of constraintSignificance of environmental and socio-economic impacts from scenariosRecommendations for environmental management framework

Phase 1 SEA ApproachTimetable:Preparation of draft Environmental Report

(To be issued at the end of April)

ConsultationSummary of consultation responsesFinal document expected end of May

Phase 1 SEA ApproachMethodology and findings

data collation and reviewquantitative data to GISconstraints mappingrisk based impact analysisscenario building

Risk-based impact analysisConsequence: effect of an activitys interaction with the natural and socio-economic environments

Likelihood: probability that an activity will occur

Risk = consequence x likelihood

Example assessment - noiseImpactLikelihoodConsequence RiskSeismic 5 3 15 (moderate)Construction* 5 1 5 (low)Operational * 5 3 15 (moderate)Decommissioning 3 5 15 (moderate)*Depends on type of noise and species

Socio-economic environment

Natural environment

Spatial analysis

Table 1 Spatial analysis scoring for each socio-economic factor

Factor

Score

Rationale

Shipping

0

1

2

3

Absent

Low intensity (1-2500 hours per annum)

Medium intensity (2500-7500 per annum)

High intensity (7500-20000 per annum)

Fishing effort

0

1

2

3

None

Low (1-500 hours in 2002)

Medium (500-5000 hours in 2002)

High (5000-15000 hours in 2002)

Shellfishery areas

0

1

2

3

Absent

Unlicensed and unexploited beds [future resource]

Licensed, but unexploited beds

Licensed natural and farmed beds

Socio-economic environment

Natural environment

Constraints map - all data

Scenarios and time horizonsNo developmentLikely development Maximum development2010 and 2020

2010within 12nm25004000beyond 12nm15003500Total40007500% UK supply48

2020within 12nm37005000beyond 12nm650012000Total1020017000% UK supply1017Scenarioslikely max

Maximum credible development, 2020

Preliminary conclusionsData gaps: baseline information on birds, elasmobranchs, squid, fishing, recreational navigationData gaps: impacts on birds, cetaceans, elasmobranchs, seascape Number of constraints decline offshore

Lessons learntUnderstanding of SEA, (not a ramped up EIA or a substitute for EIA)Effectiveness of GISDifficulties in accessing data and information and in appropriate formatMix between issue focus and impact focusStakeholder interests very wide rangingEffective and appropriate consultation

Its a start

www.og.dti.gov.uk/offshore-wind-sea/