THE UK Government has unveiled targeted changes to the management of underwater noise when constructing offshore wind farms.
Over 300,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance from the First and Second World Wars sit on the UK seabed and, if encountered, must be cleared during the construction of offshore wind projects.
Operators will now be expected to use low-noise disposal methods to clear such ordnance by default, with noisy high-order detonations to be considered a last resort and restricted to ‘extraordinary’ circumstances only. Developers will also be required to demonstrate they have made clear efforts to reduce underwater noise during the installation of offshore wind turbines.
The UK Government said that the measures will reduce harmful noise levels and allow for offshore wind projects to be built at pace, particularly in sensitive areas of waters, with it set to minimise the harmful effects of loud explosions and pile driving on vulnerable marine species and commercially valuable fish stocks.
Marine minister Emma Hardy said, “As we expand offshore wind to make Britain a clean energy superpower through our Plan for Change, we need to protect the vulnerable animals of our seas.
“These new measures support the construction of offshore wind that the UK needs, while making sensible changes to stop needless harm to underwater life.”
MD of offshore at ScottishPower Renewables Ross Ovens added, “Collaboration between government and industry is key to accelerating the building of offshore clean energy projects.
“Through the learning from the construction of our East Anglia Three windfarm and the pilot project, we welcome the opportunity to play our part in shaping the policy landscape that will allow developers like us to deliver the projects that will support investment, growth and a clean energy future for us all.”
