Paragraph 29 Post-construction monitoringI1

England and Wales

(1)

The undertaker must, in discharging condition 20(1)(c) submit details (which accord with the offshore in principle monitoring plan) for approval in writing by the MMO in consultation with relevant statutory nature conservation bodies of proposed post-construction monitoring, including methodologies and timings, and a proposed format, content and timings for providing reports on the results.

(2)

The monitoring proposals must specify each monitoring proposal’s objectives and explain how it will assist in either informing a useful and valid comparison with the pre-construction position and/or will enable the validation or otherwise of key predictions in the environmental statement.

(3)

The post-construction monitoring referred to in sub-paragraph (1) must, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the MMO, have due regard to, but not be limited to, the need to—

(a)

undertake, within 12 months of completion of construction of the authorised scheme, a full sea floor coverage swath-bathymetry survey to IHO Order 1a standard that meets the requirements of MGN 654 and its supporting Hydrographic Guidelines for Offshore Renewable Energy Developers which includes the requirement for the full density data and reports to be delivered to the MCA and the UKHO for the update of nautical charts and publications, and side scan sonar, of the area(s) within the Order limits in which construction works were carried out to assess any changes in bedform topography and such further monitoring or assessment as may be agreed to ensure that cables (including fibre optic cables) have been buried or protected; and

(b)

undertake post-construction marine traffic monitoring in accordance with the offshore in principle monitoring plan, including the provision of reports on the results of that monitoring to the MMO, MCA and Trinity House.

(4)

The undertaker must carry out the monitoring agreed under sub-paragraph (1) and provide the agreed reports to the MMO in the agreed format in accordance with the agreed timetable, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the MMO in consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation bodies.

(5)

Following the installation of cables, details of cable monitoring required under 20(1)(d)(i) must be updated with the results of the post installation surveys.

Annotations

Commencement

I1: Sch. 3 para. 29 in force at 22.9.2025, see art. 1