Environmental Considerations

The nature and scale of the activity, and the statutory consents required, place great emphasis on environmental considerations during planning, construction and operation of offshore windfarms. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are a necessary requirement of the consents routes. The EIAs require developers to collate and evaluate existing site knowledge and information, conduct a wide range of environmental investigations and undertake monitoring studies. Public consultation with user and interest groups is also a crucial part of the process.

The Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) has published a Guidance Note for Offshore Windfarms for Environmental Impact Assessments relating to FEPA (Food and Environmental Protection Act) and CPA (Coast Protection Act) requirements.

A Catalyst for Applied Research

In response to our concerns, we recognise that research can help to enhance our overall understanding of the potential impact of development on the marine environment. The Crown Estate has taken a proactive approach to research by establishing COWRIE which has funded some key studies, including:

• The potential impacts on bird populations (including collision, barrier effect to migration routes and displacement from benthic feeding habitats)
• The impact of underwater noise and vibrations on marine mammals and fish
• The impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from seabed cables (particularly on sharks, skates and rays)
• Changes in benthic habitat
• An investigation into the potential visual impacts.

COWRIE – A Dedicated Research Fund

Through the round one procedures The Crown Estate established a trust fund administered by a steering group drawn from the offshore wind industry and conservation agencies. The trust fund is made up of the interest accruing on the refundable deposits paid by developers as part of the pre-qualifying process. The steering group, named COWRIE (Collaborative Offshore Wind Research into the Environment) has identified and prioritised environmental studies to benefit the offshore windfarm industry as a whole. COWRIE research projects aim is to provide practical guidance to developers so that impacts can be minimised through best practice and appropriate mitigation measures.

In round two, successful developers were required to pay a one-off option fee to The Crown Estate. These fees, totalling around £2.4 million were used to establish COWRIE Ltd which looks to build on the work of the original research fund. As well as generic research it will focus on data and information management. Developers will be required to submit environmental data from site investigations to The Crown Estate so that it can be made accessible for the benefit of the marine science community.

COWRIE works closely with the BERR which has created a Research Advisory Group (RAG), bringing together relevant government departments providing funding to research in support of the offshore wind programme. RAG manages a research fund and looks to establish an effective process in commissioning and interpretation of impact studies, mainly bird, fishing and navigation relating to the proposed deployment of offshore windfarms.