Paragraph 28 Post construction
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 relevant statutory nature conservation body of proposed post-construction surveys, including methodologies (including appropriate buffers, where relevant) and timings, and a proposed format, content and timings for providing reports on the results. The survey proposals must specify each survey’s objectives and explain how it will assist in either informing a useful and valid comparison with the pre-construction position or will enable the validation or otherwise of key predictions in the environmental statement.
The post-construction surveys referred to in sub-paragraph (1) must, unless otherwise agreed with the MMO, have due regard to, but not be limited to, the need to undertake—
an appropriate survey to determine any change in the location, extent and composition of any benthic habitats of conservation, ecological and/or economic importance constituting Annex 1 reef habitats identified in the pre-construction survey in the parts of the Order limits in which construction works were carried out. The survey design must be informed by the results of the pre-construction benthic survey;
within twelve months of completion of Works Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 8, a full sea floor coverage swath-bathymetry survey that meets the requirements of MGN654 and its annexes, 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 have been buried or protected;
any marine mammal monitoring required by the monitoring plan submitted in accordance with condition 22(1)(c);
any ornithological monitoring required by the monitoring plan submitted in accordance with condition 22(1)(c); and
post-construction traffic monitoring, which includes vessel traffic monitoring by automatic identification system for a duration of three consecutive years following the completion of construction of the authorised scheme, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the MMO. An appropriate report must be submitted to the MMO, Trinity House and the MCA at the end of each year of the three year period.
The undertaker must carry out the surveys agreed under sub-paragraph (1) 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.
Following installation of cables, the cable monitoring plan required under condition 22(1)(d)(ii)(cc) must be updated with the results of the post installation surveys. The plan must be implemented during the operational lifetime of the project and reviewed as specified within the plan, following cable burial surveys, or as instructed by the MMO.