Paragraph 27 Construction monitoring

The undertaker must, in discharging condition 22(1)(c), submit details (which accord with the in principle monitoring plan) for written approval by the MMO in consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation body of any proposed monitoring, including methodologies and timings, to be carried out during the construction of the authorised scheme. The monitoring 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 collectively under this licence and under licence 1 (generation), unless otherwise agreed in writing by the MMO.

The results of the initial noise measurements monitored in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) must be provided to the MMO within six weeks of the installation of the first four piled foundations of each piled foundation type (unless otherwise agreed with the MMO). 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 statutory nature conservation body, the assessment shows impacts significantly in excess of 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.

The undertaker must carry out the monitoring 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 body.

Construction monitoring must include vessel traffic monitoring by automatic identification system for the duration of the construction period. An appropriate report must be submitted to the MMO, Trinity House and the MCA at the end each year of the construction period.