Paragraph 14 Construction monitoringI1

The undertaker must, in discharging condition 9(1)(b), submit details (which accord with the offshore in principle monitoring plan) for approval by the MMO in consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation bodies of any proposed monitoring, including methodologies and timings, to be carried out during the construction of the authorised scheme. The survey proposals must specify each survey’s objectives. In the event that driven or part-driven pile foundations are proposed, such monitoring must include measurements of noise generated by the installation of the first four piled foundations of each piled foundation type to be installed unless the MMO otherwise agrees in writing.

The undertaker must carry out the surveys approved under sub-paragraph (1) , including any further noise monitoring required in writing by the MMO, and provide the agreed reports 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.

The results of the initial noise measurements monitored in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) must be provided to the MMO within six weeks of the installation of the first four piled foundations of each piled foundation type. The assessment of this report by the MMO will determine whether any further noise monitoring is required. If, in the opinion of the MMO in consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation body, the assessment shows significantly different impacts to those assessed in the environmental statement or failures in mitigation, all piling activity must cease until an update to the marine mammal mitigation protocol and further monitoring requirements have been agreed.

In the event that driven or part driven pile foundations are proposed to be used, the details submitted in accordance with the offshore in principle monitoring plan must include proposals for monitoring marine mammals.