T: +44 (0)1224 295579 E: [email protected]
Marine Licence Application for Construction Projects
Version 1.0
Marine (Scotland) Act 2010
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a Acronyms
Please note the following acronyms referred to in this application form:
BPEO Best Practicable Environmental Option EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ES Environmental Statement MHWS Mean High Water Springs MMO Marine Mammal Observer MPA Marine Protected Area MS-LOT Marine Scotland – Licensing Operations Team PAM Passive Acoustic Monitoring SAC Special Area of Conservation SNH Scottish Natural Heritage SPA Special Protection Area SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest WGS84 World Geodetic System 1984
Explanatory Notes
The following numbered paragraphs correspond to the questions on the application form and are intended to assist in completing the form. These explanatory notes are specific to this application and so you are advised to read these in conjunction with the Marine Scotland Guidance for Marine Licence Applicants document.
1. Applicant Details The person making the application who will be named as the licensee.
2. Agent Details Any person acting under contract (or other agreement) on behalf of any party listed as the applicant and having responsibility for the control, management or physical deposit or removal of any substance(s) or object(s).
3. Payment Indicate payment method. Cheques must be made payable to: The Scottish Government.
Marine licence applications will not be accepted unless accompanied by a cheque for the correct application fee, or if an invoice is requested, until that invoice is settled. Target timelines for determining applications do not begin until the application fee is paid.
4. Application Type Indicate if the application is for a new construction site or an existing construction site. Provide the existing or previous consent/licence number and expiry date if applicable.
5. Project Details (a) Give a brief description of the project (e.g. construction of a new sea outfall).
(b) Provide the total area of proposed works in square metres.
(c) Provide the proposed start date of the project. The start date will not be backdated, since to commence a project for which a licence has not been obtained will constitute an offence, which may result in appropriate legal action. A licence is normally valid for the duration of the project but not exceeding 3 years. If a project will not be completed before a marine licence lapses, it will be necessary for licence holders to re-apply for a further licence to continue any ongoing work at least 14 weeks prior to the expiry date of the licence. Target duration for determination of a marine licence application is 14 weeks.
(d) Provide the proposed completion date of the project.
(e) Provide the cost of the works seawards of the tidal limit of MHWS. This estimate should only cover
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a work taking place below the tidal level of MHWS and must take into consideration the cost of materials, labour fees etc.
(f) Describe the location of the proposed works. Include a list of the latitude and longitude co-ordinates (WGS84) of the boundary points of the proposed project. WGS84 is the World Geodetic System 1984 and the reference co-ordinate system used for marine licence applications. Co-ordinates taken from GPS equipment should be set to WGS84. Coordinates taken from recent admiralty charts will be on a WGS84 compatible datum. Ordnance survey maps do not use WGS84. In a few cases, (e.g. laying of long pipelines) it may only be practicable to supply co-ordinates for the start and end points.
Example: For positions read from charts the format should be as in the example: 55°55.555’N 002°22.222’W (WGS84). The decimal point specifies that decimals of minutes are used and the datum is stated explicitly. If seconds are used then the format should be as in the example: 55°55’44’’N 2°22’11’’W (WGS84).
It is important that the correct positions, in the correct format, are included with this application, as any errors will result in the application being refused or delayed.
To supplement your application, please provide photographs of the project location and submit these with your application. Please also provide a suitably scaled extract of an Ordnance Survey Map (1:2,500 scale but not more than 1:10,000) or Admiralty Chart which must be marked to indicate:
o the full extent of the works in relation to the surrounding area;
o latitude and longitude co-ordinates defining the location of the works;
o the level of MHWS;
o any adjacent SAC, SPA, SSSI, MPA, Ramsar or similar conservation area boundary.
Drawings and plans will be consulted upon. If they are subject to copyright, it is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain necessary approvals to reproduce the documents and to submit suitably annotated copies with the application.
Sewer outfalls, discharge pipes for industrial waste etc. The size and description of the pipe must be shown on the longitudinal sections and also details of its supports, foundations, methods of jointing and details of any tidal flaps.
Bridges over tidal waters: An elevation with longitudinal and cross-sections of the bridge to a suitable scale must show the dimensions of the spans and width of piers, etc. above and below MHWS and the maximum and minimum heights of the undersides of the superstructures above MHWS. The headroom above MHWS and the width of span of the nearest bridges, if any, above and below the site must be stated.
Tunnels under tidal waters: The longitudinal section of the tunnel must show the distances between the bed of the river or estuary and the top of the tunnels. Cross-sections must show the internal and external dimensions of the tunnel and particulars of construction. When a proposed future dredging level is known this must also be shown on all sections.
Overhead cables: Catenary must be supplied in addition to the site plan showing the minimum clearance of the cable at MHWS and the electrical clearance allowed.
(g) Indicate if the project is located within the jurisdiction of a statutory harbour authority and provide details of the statutory harbour authority where relevant.
(h) Provide a full method statement, including schedule of works and the ultimate fate of the structure.
(i) Provide assessment of the potential impacts the works may have, including interference with other uses of the sea. Please include details of areas of concern e.g designated conservation areas, such as a SAC, SPA, SSSI, MPA or Ramsar site and shellfish harvesting areas. Further guidance on designated conservation areas can be obtained from SNH at this website:
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/index.jsp and guidance on shellfish harvesting areas can be obtained from http://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/ with regards to the Shellfish Waters Directive (2006/113/EC) which has parameters set to protect the water quality in which edible shellfish are grown.
Applicants should also be aware of the need to pay due regard to coastal and marine archaeological matters and attention is drawn to Historic Scotland’s Operational Policy Paper HP6, “Conserving the Underwater Heritage”.
Any application for beach replenishment works must be cross checked as to whether the proposed site is a designated bathing water site. If so, all physical works should ideally be done outwith the Bathing Water Season (1st June to 15th September). Further guidance on the Bathing Waters Directive (2006/7/EC) can be obtained from http://apps.sepa.org.uk/bathingwaters/.
Where there are potential impacts from the works, please provide details of proposed mitigation, such as use of MMOs or PAM, in response to potential impacts.
6. Deposits and/or Removals (a) Complete the table to indicate all permanent substances or objects to be deposited and/or removed from below MHWS. If you propose using types of substances or objects for which a specific box is not provided in the table, please describe the nature of such substances or objects in the box marked “other”.
(b) Please indicate the method of delivery of any substance(s) or object(s) to be placed below MHWS.
(c) Where the proposed work involves salt marsh feeding, beach replenishment or land reclamation the description of the substances or objects must include details of its chemical quality. Where the substances or objects have not been chemically analysed, MS-LOT may request representative samples for analysis or require the applicant to arrange for analyses to be undertaken before the marine licence application can be determined.
(d) If temporary deposits are required, please provide details as with the permanent deposits above. The temporary deposit location details (Latitude and Longitude WGS84) must be added to the form, and the period of time the site will be used must be provided. If granting a licence, MS-LOT will include on the document details of any area that has been approved as a temporary deposit site.
7. Disposal of Dredged Substance(s) or Object(s) at Sea (a) If you are proposing to dispose of any excess substance(s) or object(s) arising from the project at sea, a separate marine licence will be required (see Dredging and Sea Disposal application form). The granting of a marine licence for construction projects does not imply that a marine licence for sea disposal will also be granted as different assessment criteria are used to determine each type of application. If a separate application is being submitted for dredging and sea disposal then this must be accompanied with a BPEO report.
(b) Provide the quantity of dredged substance(s) or object(s) for sea disposal in wet tonnes.
8. Noise Monitoring Under the Marine Strategy Regulations (2010), there is now a requirement to monitor loud, low to mid frequency (10Hz to 10kHz) impulsive noise. Activities where this type of noise is produced include seismic airguns, other geophysical surveys (<10kHz), pile driving, explosives and certain acoustic deterrent devices. Where noisy activity is being undertaken, you must complete an initial registration form for the noise registry which allows you to provide details on the proposed work. Completion of a 'close-out' form, which allows licensees to provide details of the actual dates and locations where the activities occurred, is also required within 12 weeks of the completion of the 'noisy' activity or, in the case of prolonged activities such as piling for harbour construction or wind farms, at quarterly intervals or after each phase of foundation installation.
These forms can be downloaded from: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/science/MSInteractive/Themes/noise-reduction
Marine licence applications will not be accepted until this form has been completed and submitted.
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a 9. Statutory Consenting Powers Please describe in the answer to this question what (if any) statutory responsibilities you (or your client) have to consent any aspect of the project.
10. Scotland’s National Marine Plan Scotland’s National Marine Plan has been prepared in accordance with the EU Directive 2014/89/EU, which came into force in July 2014. The Directive introduces a framework for maritime spatial planning and aims to promote the sustainable development of marine areas and the sustainable use of marine resources. It also sets out a number of minimum requirements all of which have been addressed in this plan. In doing so, and in accordance with article 5(3) of the Directive, Marine Scotland have considered a wide range of sectoral uses and activities and have determined how these different objectives are reflected and weighted in the marine plan. Land-sea interactions have also been taken into account as part of the marine planning process. Any applicant for a marine licence should consider their proposals with reference to Scotland’s National Marine Plan. A copy of Scotland’s National Marine Plan can be found at: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/03/6517/0
Indicate whether you have considered the project with reference to Scotland’s National Marine Plan and provide details of considerations made with reference to the policies, including but not limited to General Policies 7 and 13 (GEN 7 and GEN 13), that have been considered. If you have not considered the project with reference to Scotland’s National Marine Plan please provide an explanation.
11. Pre-Application Consultation Certain activities will be subject to public pre-application consultation. Activities affected will be large projects with the potential for significant impacts on the environment, local communities and other legitimate uses of the sea. The new requirement will allow those local communities, environmental groups and other interested parties to comment on a proposed development in its early stages – before an application for a marine licence is submitted. Further information can be obtained from: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00439649.pdf
If applicable, please provide your pre-application consultation report with your application.
12. Consultation (other than carried out under pre-application consultation) Provide details of all bodies consulted and give details of any consents issued including date of issue.
13. Environmental Assessment (a) Under the Marine Works Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations 2007, there may be a requirement for certain projects to undergo an EIA and produce an ES. If EIA is required, MS-LOT will not determine a marine licence application until the EIA consent decision in respect of the marine licence application has been reached. Please confirm if the project falls under Annex I or II of Directive 85/337/EEC: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32011L0092&from=EN in relation to the Marine Works (EIA) Regulations 2007.
Marine licence applications for proposals which fall under the regulations will not be accepted unless a screening opinion has been issued in relation to this.
(b) Please indicate if an EIA has been undertaken and whether it was for the marine licence application to which this application relates or for any other EIA regulator (e.g local authority). Please attach any previous ES to the application.
MS-LOT will not determine a marine licence application until the EIA consent decision in respect of any regulated activity associated with the marine licence application has been reached.
14. Associated Works Indicate whether the application is associated with any other marine projects (e.g. land reclamation, marine/harbour construction works, dredging and sea disposal etc). If this is the case, provide reference/licence number for the related marine projects.
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a Marine Licence Application for Construction Projects
Version 1.0
Marine (Scotland) Act 2010
It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain any other consents or authorisations that may be required.
Under Section 54 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, all information contained within and provided in support of this application will be placed on a Public Register. There are no national security grounds for application information not going on the Register under the 2010 Act.
Public Register Do you consider that any of the information contained within or provided in support of this application should not be disclosed:
(a) for reasons of national security; YES NO
(b) for reasons of confidentiality of commercial or industrial information where such confidentiality is provided by law to protect a legitimate commercial interest? YES NO
If YES, to either (a) or (b), please provide full justification as to why all or part of the information you have provided should be withheld.
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a WARNING
It is an offence under the Act under which this application is made to fail to disclose information or to provide false or misleading information.
Target duration for determination is 14 weeks. Please note that missing or erroneous information in your application and complications resulting from
consultation may result in the application being refused or delayed.
Marine licence applications will not be accepted unless accompanied by a cheque for the correct application fee, or if an invoice is requested, until that invoice is settled. Target timelines for determining applications do not begin until the application fee is paid.
Declaration I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief that the information given in this form and related papers is true.
Signature Date 23/07/2020
Name in BLOCK LETTERS
Application Check List
Please check that you provide all relevant information in support of your application, including but not limited to the following:
Completed and signed application form
Project Drawings
Maps/Charts
Co-ordinates of the boundary points of the area of harbour jurisdiction (if you are a statutory harbour authority)
Method Statement
Photographs of the location of the project
Additional information e.g. consultation correspondence (if applicable)
Noise Registry – Initial Registration Form (if applicable)
Pre-application Report (if applicable)
Environmental Statement (if applicable)
Payment (if paying by cheque)
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a
1. Applicant Details
Title: Initials: Surname:
Trading Title (if appropriate):
Address:
Name of contact (if different):
Telephone No. (inc. dialing code):
Email:
Statutory Harbour Authority? YES NO If YES, please provide a list of the latitude and longitude co-ordinates (WGS84) of the boundary points of the area of harbour jurisdiction using Appendix 01 Additional Co-ordinates form if necessary.
2. Agent Details (if any)
Title: Initials: Surname:
Trading Title (if appropriate):
Address:
Name of contact (if different):
Telephone No. (inc. dialing code):
Email:
3. Payment Enclosed Cheque Invoice
Contact and address to send invoice to:
Applicant Agent Other
If OTHER, please provide contact details: Title: Initials: Surname:
Address:
Email:
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a
4. Application Type Is this application for a new construction site or an existing construction site:
New Site Existing Site
If an EXISTING SITE, please provide the consent/licence number and expiry date: Consent/Licence Number Expiry Date
5. Project Details (a) Brief description of the project (e.g. construction of a new sea outfall):
(b) Total area of the proposed works (in square metres): m2
(c) Proposed start date (Target duration for determination of a marine licence application is 14 weeks):
(d) Proposed completion date:
(e) Cost of the works seawards of the tidal limit of MHWS: £
(f) Location:
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a
Latitude and Longitude co-ordinates (WGS84) defining the extent of the project (continue on Appendix 01 Additional Co-ordinates form if necessary): Latitude Longitude ° . ’ N ° . ’ W ° . ’N N ° . ’ W ° . ’ N ° . ’ W ° . ’ N ° . ’ W ° . ’ N ° . ’ W ° . ’ N ° . ’ W ° . ’ N ° . ’ W ° . ’ N ° . ’ W ° . ’ N ° . ’ W ° . ’ N ° . ’ W
(g) Is the project located within the jurisdiction of a statutory harbour authority? YES NO
If YES, please specify statutory harbour authority:
(h) Method statement including schedule of work (continue on separate sheet if necessary):
(i) Potential impacts the works may have (including details of areas of concern e.g designated conservation and shellfish harvesting areas) and proposed mitigation in response to potential impacts (continue on separate sheet if necessary):
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a
6. Deposits and/or Removals (a) Permanent substance(s) or object(s) to be deposited and/or removed from below MHWS (continue on a separate sheet if necessary):
Deposits Removals Quantity & Quantity & Type of Deposit/Removal Description Dimensions Description Dimensions (metric) (metric) Steel/Iron No. No. Dimensions Dimensions
Weight Weight (kg/tonnes) (kg/tonnes) Timber No. No. Dimensions Dimensions
Weight Weight (kg/tonnes) (kg/tonnes) Concrete No. No. Dimensions Dimensions
Weight Weight (kg/tonnes) (kg/tonnes) Plastic/Synthetic m2 m2
Clay Volume Volume (< 0.004 mm) (m3) (m3) Weight Weight (kg/tonnes) (kg/tonnes) Silt Volume Volume (0.004 ≤ Silt < 0.063 mm) (m3) (m3) Weight Weight (kg/tonnes) (kg/tonnes) Sand Volume Volume (0.063 ≤ Sand < 2.0 mm) (m3) (m3) Weight Weight (kg/tonnes) (kg/tonnes) Gravel Volume Volume (2.00 ≤ Gravel < 64.0 mm) (m3) (m3) Weight Weight (kg/tonnes) (kg/tonnes) Cobbles Volume Volume (64.0 ≤ Cobbles < 256.0 (m3) (m3) mm) Weight Weight (kg/tonnes) (kg/tonnes) Boulders Volume Volume (≥ 256.0 mm) (m3) (m3) Weight Weight (kg/tonnes) (kg/tonnes)
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a
Pipe Length (m) Length (m) External External Diameter Diameter (cm/m) (cm/m) Other (please describe below):
(b) Method of delivery of substance(s) or object(s):
(c) For work involving salt marsh feeding, beach replenishment or land reclamation please provide the following information relating to the substance(s) or object(s) to be deposited:
Quantity (tonnes): tonnes
Nature of substance(s) or object(s) (e.g. sand, silt, gravel etc.):
Source (if sea dredged state location of origin)
Particle size:
Have the substance(s) or object(s) been chemically analysed? YES NO If YES, please include the analysis data with your application
(d) Temporary substance(s) or object(s) to be deposited below MHWS (continue on a separate sheet if necessary):
Type of Deposit Description Quantity & Dimensions (metric)
Steel/Iron No. Dimensions Weight (kg/tonnes) Timber No. Dimensions Weight (kg/tonnes)
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a
Concrete No. Dimensions Weight (kg/tonnes) Plastic/Synthetic m2
Clay Volume (m3) (< 0.004 mm) Weight (kg/tonnes) Silt Volume (m3) (0.004 ≤ Silt < 0.063 mm) Weight (kg/tonnes) Sand Volume (m3) (0.063 ≤ Sand < 2.0 mm) Weight (kg/tonnes) Gravel Volume (m3) (2.00 ≤ Gravel < 64.0 mm) Weight (kg/tonnes) Cobbles Volume (m3) (64.0 ≤ Cobbles < 256.0 mm) Weight (kg/tonnes) Boulders Volume (m3) (≥ 256.0 mm) Weight (kg/tonnes) Pipe Length (m) External Diameter (cm/m) Other (please describe below):
7. Disposal of Dredged Substance(s) or Object(s) at Sea (a) Do you intend to apply for a marine licence for sea disposal of dredged substance(s) or object(s) as part of the project? YES NO
If YES, please specify nature of substance(s) or object(s) (e.g sand, gravel, silt, clay, rock etc.):
(b) Quantity of substance(s) or object(s) (wet tonnes): wet tonnes
A separate marine licence application will be required to be submitted for sea disposal.
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a
8. Noise Monitoring Will loud, low to mid frequency (10Hz to 10kHz) impulsive noise be produced YES NO by the project?
If YES, which please indicate the noise generating activities and sound frequencies: Noise Generating Activity Sound Frequency (Hertz) Use of Explosives Use of Accoustic Deterrent Devices Piling Other (please describe below):
If you have ticked YES, please complete the Noise Registry – Initial Registration form located at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/science/MSInteractive/Themes/noise-reduction
Marine licence applications will not be accepted until this form has been completed and submitted.
9. Statutory Consenting Powers Do you, or (if appropriate) your client, have statutory powers to consent any aspect of this project?
10. Scotland’s National Marine Plan Have you considered the application with reference to Scotland’s National Marine Plan? YES NO
If YES, provide details of considerations made with reference to the policies, including but not limited to General Policies 7 and 13 (GEN 7 and GEN 13), that have been considered:
If NO, please provide an explanation of why you haven’t considered the National Marine Plan?
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a
11. Pre-Application Consultation Is the application subject to pre-application consultation, under The Marine Licensing (Pre-application Consultation) (Scotland) Regulations 2013? YES NO
If YES, please indicate the date of the public notice for the pre-application consultation event and the type of consultation event held (a copy of the public notice must be supplied with this application): Event Type Date
12. Consultation List all bodies you have consulted and provide copies of correspondence:
13. Environmental Assessment
(a) Does the project fall under Annex I or II of the EIA Directive?
Annex I Annex II Neither
If ANNEX I or ANNEX II, please provide the screening opinion issued to you in relation to the project.
(b) Has an EIA been undertaken:
for the marine licence application to which this application relates YES NO for any other EIA regulator (e.g local authority) YES NO
14. Associated Works Provide details of other related marine projects, including reference/licence numbers (if applicable):
Marine Scotland, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Licensing/marine abcde abc a Appendix 01 - Marine Licence Application Additional Co-ordinates
Please use this appendix to provide any additional latitude and longitude co-ordinates (WGS84) for your marine licence application. Please identify the location details and provide exact latitude and longitude co-ordinates (WGS84).
Location Latitude Longitude (e.g Quay 1 Dredge Area, Example Harbour) 5 7 ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’NN ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W 5 7 ° 2 9 . ’N 0 0 7 ° 1 7 . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W ° . ’N ° . ’W
Declaration I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief that the information given in this form and related papers is true.
WARNING It is an offence under the Act under which this application is made to fail to disclose information or to provide false or misleading information.
Signature Date
Name in BLOCK LETTERS
Please check carefully the information you have given APPENDIX A – CB0192 – 1002 - CEMP Appendix A
WESTERN ISLES REMEDIAL CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
BMC Ref: CB0192-1002 22nd April 2020
Prepared by: Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd. Seaforth House Seaforth Place
Burntisland KY3 9AX Tel: +44 (0)1592 872939 www.briggsmarine.com
SSEN: Western Isles Remedial Rev 1.0 – 20.04.2020 CEMP CB0192-1002
CONTENTS 1. OVERVIEW ...... 5 1.1 Introduction ...... 5 1.1.1 - Scotland’s Marine Plan ...... 5 1.2. Project Description ...... 7 1.2.1. Overview ...... 7 1.2.2. Eriskay – Barra ...... 11 Eriskay – Barra (1a) - Decommissioned...... 11 Eriskay - Barra (1b) ...... 11 1.2.3. Benbecula...... 11 Benbecula - North Uist (2a) ...... 11 Benbecula - South Uist West (2b) ...... 11 1.3. Construction Programme ...... 12 1.4. Onsite Roles and Responsibilities ...... 12 2. GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS ...... 15 2.1. Hours of Work ...... 15 2.2. Management of Works ...... 15 2.3. Communication and Monitoring ...... 15 3. SITE MANAGEMENT ...... 16 3.1. Site Layout and Housekeeping ...... 16 3.2. Site Traffic ...... 16 3.3. Plant and Equipment ...... 16 3.4. Contractor’s Plant...... 16 3.5 Lighting ...... 16 4. SITE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ...... 17 4.1. Introduction ...... 17 5. WATER QUALITY PROTECTION AND POLLUTION ...... 23 5.1. Prevention ...... 23 5.1.1. Introduction ...... 23 5.1.2. Drainage Management Strategy ...... 23 5.1.3. Pollution Prevention ...... 23 5.1.4. Watercourse Crossing and Private Water Supplies ...... 23 5.1.5. Water / Ground Contamination (from Spillage) ...... 23 5.1.6. Fuel storage...... 24 5.1.7. Pollution Control ...... 24 5.1.8. COSHH Assessment ...... 24 5.1.9. Welfare Facility ...... 24 5.2. Air Quality ...... 24 5.2.1. General Principals ...... 24
Page 2 of 29
SSEN: Western Isles Remedial Rev 1.0 – 20.04.2020 CEMP CB0192-1002
5.2.2. Environmental Control Measures ...... 24 6. NOISE AND VIBRATION...... 25 6.1. General Principals ...... 25 7. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ...... 25 7.1. Introduction ...... 25 7.2. Incident Reporting ...... 25 7.3. Emergency Contacts ...... 25 8. BREEDING BIRD PROTECTION ...... 27 9. OTTER PROTECTION ...... 27 Appendix A – Potential seal haul-out sites...... 28 Appendix B – Sound of Barra Qualifying habitats ...... 29
Figure 1- Proposed site locations ...... 6 Figure 2- Proposed working corridors at Benbecula –South Uist West, Benbecula - North Uist and Eriskay .. 6 Figure 3 - Proposed working corridor on Eriskay ...... 7 Figure 4 - Eriskay 1a shore end (towards Barra), showing exposed decommissioned cable ...... 7 Figure 5 - Eriskay 1b (towards Barra), showing exposed in-service cable ...... 8 Figure 6- Proposed working corridor, Benbecula - North Uist (2a) ...... 8 Figure 7- North Uist shore end, showing exposed cable ...... 8 Figure 8- Benbecula shore end, showing exposed cable ...... 9 Figure 9- Proposed working corridor, Benbecula - South Uist West (2b) ...... 9 Figure 10- Benbecula shore end, showing exposed cable ...... 9 Figure 11- South Uist West shore end, showing exposed cable tape ...... 10 Figure 12 - cross section of proposed burial ...... 12 Figure 13 - Eriskay SAC site designationa highlighted, adjacent to proposed work site ( ) ...... 18 Figure 14- Benbecula and South Uist, no site designations in or adjacent to proposed work site ( ) ...... 18
Table 1-Planned works at each location...... 11 Table 2-Roles and Responsibilities on site ...... 12 Table 3-Management Roles ...... 15 Table 4-Planned Communications ...... 15 Table 5-Site Specific Designations ...... 17 Table 6-CEMP Requirements ...... 20 Table 7-Emergency Contact Information ...... 25
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Amendment Register
Revision Date Issued by Approved by Amendments
Rev 1.0 20/04/2020 Suzanne Grimes Martin Black
Rev 2.0 01/06/2020 Suzanne Grimes Matt Hart
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Definition
BMC Briggs Marine Contractors – Principal Contractor
ECoW Environmental Clerk of Works
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
MHWS Mean High Water Spring
MLWS Mean Low Water Spring
NNR National Nature Reserves
PAC Pre-Application Consultation
SAC Special Area of Conservation
SEPA Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
SFF Scottish Fishermen’s Federation
SHEPD Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution
SNH Scottish National Heritage
SPA Special Protection Area
SPP Scottish Planning Policy
SSEN Scottish & Southern Energy Networks - Client and Principle Designer
SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest
RAMSAR Wetland site designated of international importance under the Ramsar Convention
WFD Water Framework Directive
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1. OVERVIEW 1.1 Introduction This Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) has been prepared by Briggs Marine Contractors (BMC) on behalf of Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD). During routine inspections by SHEPD, essential maintenance works were identified to ensure a secure, safe supply of electricity to the islands and ensure the safety of the public when using the beaches. BMC have been contracted to carry out these works. The proposed locations are: Eriskay 1a – Eriskay to Barra (Eriskay shore end) out of service subsea power cable 1b – Eriskay to Barra (Eriskay shore end) in-service subsea power cable Benbecula 2a – Benbecula to North Uist subsea power cable (both landfalls) 2b – Benbecula to South Uist West subsea power cable (both landfalls) This plan details project specific construction and environmental management measures in respect of works associated with maintenance work on the exposed electricity cable at the shoreline locations. Figure 1 outlines the overall locations within the Western Isles, and Figure 2, shows the working corridors proposed within the marine licence application. 1.1.1 - Scotland’s Marine Plan Scotland's National Marine Plan is a framework for maritime spatial planning and aims to promote the sustainable development of marine areas, resources, and users. The proposed project consists of maintenance work on existing electricity cables(shore-end): requiring manual placement of iron shells along the exposed cables for their protection on a small section of the foreshores on Eriskay (1b) and Benbecula landfall - North Uist landfall (2a). Eriskay (1b) requires further protection in the placement of a max. 10 rock bags above high water, placed on the sand. There may be a possibility of a removal of one 2T rock bag at the Noth Uist landfall (2a). There is a requirement to partially remove 60m of disconnected subsea cable on Eriskay (1a) from low water to shore and reburial of sections of exposed cable on the Benbecula - South Uist cable route at low water. The works will have little effect in relation to landscape or seascapes as it is a minor change in the visual aspects of an existing exposed piece of infrastructure. There are also no marine noise effects associated with the proposed works. Due to the scale of the proposed works and the very limited nature of the effects on the marine environment from placing a number of iron shells onto the foreshore, placement of rock bags above high water, reburial of an exposed cable that dries out and partially removing a disconnected subsea cable from low water to shore, it was concluded that further consideration of the policies within the National Marine Plan were not necessary.
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Figure 1- Proposed site locations
Figure 2- Proposed working corridors at Benbecula –South Uist West, Benbecula - North Uist and Eriskay
This CEMP provides information and guidance on the following topics: • Waste Management; • Air Quality; • Water Quality Protection and Pollution Prevention; • Soil Management; • Ecology; • Cultural and Heritage; and • Emergency Procedures. This document also provides further detail and control measures, and include:
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• Otter control measures • Breeding Bird Control measures This CEMP is a live document that will be reviewed at regular intervals by Briggs onsite environment team and WSP Environmental Clerk of Works (ECoW) to reflect the progress of works, any changes in environmental requirements and to account for any emerging best practice or updates (from either statutory bodies or client/contractor best practice).
1.2. Project Description 1.2.1. Overview The proposed project will see cable repairs at three sites, Eriskay 1b, Benbecula – North Uist (2a) Benbecula – South Uist West (2b). There will also be partial cable decommissioning/removal at Eriskay 1a. Please refer to Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 10 and Figure 11 for site specific photographs.
Figure 3 - Proposed working corridor on Eriskay
Figure 4 - Eriskay 1a shore end (towards Barra), showing exposed decommissioned cable
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Figure 5 - Eriskay 1b (towards Barra), showing exposed in-service cable
Figure 6- Proposed working corridor, Benbecula - North Uist (2a)
Figure 7- North Uist shore end, showing exposed cable
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Figure 8- Benbecula shore end, showing exposed cable
Figure 9- Proposed working corridor, Benbecula - South Uist West (2b)
Figure 10- Benbecula shore end, showing exposed cable
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Figure 11- South Uist West shore end, showing exposed cable tape
Cable Route Landfall Cable Split pipe Rock bag Concrete Cable Burial Removal installation installation Bag Removal
Eriskay Barra Eriskay Circa 60m - - - - 1a of cable to be removed from Low Water to dunes. = 654 Kg
Eriskay Barra Eriskay - 360 shells Up to 10, - - 1b required. above High Water Circa 40-50m from Low Water to sand dunes
Benbecula - North Uist - 210 shells Removal of - North Uist 2a required. 1 concrete bag Circa 35m required from Low Water to shore
Benbecula - Benbecula - 210 shells - - - North Uist 2a required. Circa 35m required from Low Water to shore
Benbecula - South Uist - - - - On sections of South Uist West exposed existing West 2b cable from South Uist West landfall
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to Benbecula land fall.
Benbecula - Benbecula - - - - On sections of South Uist exposed existing West 2b cable from South Uist West landfall to Benbecula land fall.
Table 1-Planned works at each location
1.2.2. Eriskay – Barra Eriskay – Barra (1a) - Decommissioned This cable has been disconnected from distribution network and requires: 1. Mobile welfare unit and general hand held cutting equipment mobilised to site 2. Disconnect subsea cable to be cut within the marine channel at low water, at approx. 40-50m from the sand dunes. 3. The cable will be then be cut, with hand held cutting tool, b) earthed and c) capped, with cold shrink cap at low water (seaward side of the dune). The cut cable will then be removed from low water and shore environment. The total estimate of cable to be removed is 60m, which equates to 654kg Eriskay - Barra (1b) 1. Cable fully exposed on beach, suspended from the dunes and has been pulled over rocky outcrops. 2. Under cable support required (using up to ten 2 tonne rockbags), beside the dune where the cable is suspended. These rock bags will be placed on mobile sand, above high water. 3. Manual addition of 360 half shell protection to be added to the cable, please refer to Benbecula - North-Uist, for intended schedule of work for split pipe installation. 1.2.3. Benbecula Benbecula - North Uist (2a) 1. Placement of 420 split pipe/iron shells at both landfalls (210 at Benbecula island landfall and 210 at North Uist landfall) 2. Mobilisation of 7 tonne excavator, mobile welfare unit (suitable for a max. of 5 personnel) and equipment close to the project location 3. The iron half shells will be delivered by HIAB lorries close to the project location 4. Iron shells will then be transferred from the HIAB lorry into a tracked excavator for transport to the cable 5. Where necessary, loose stones from low water or shore end will be cleared from around the cable using a small excavator or manually by hand 6. Individual iron half shells will be manually placed around the exposed cable, approx. 40-50m length will be required from low water towards to the foreshore. To ensure that they sufficiently cover the cable the two half shells will be fused together. 7. The half shell will then be secured to each other and held in place by clamps. 8. Removal of any excess shells and equipment from the project locations. 9. The shells will stay in place until further maintenance work is required. 10. There may be a requirement to remove 1 rock bag at the North Uist landfall. Benbecula - South Uist West (2b) 1. Mobilisation of 7 tonne excavator, mobile welfare unit and equipment close to project location 2. The cable dries out between both landfalls and is exposed in sections between both shore ends. These areas require burial the of exposed cable from Benbecula landfall to South Uist West landfall at low water. 3. This will be achieved by using a 7 tonne excavator to create a trench alongside the existing cable route. 4. The existing cable will then be secured within the trench.
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5. This will then be backfilled with 'won ' material, to ensure minimal disruption to ecological habitats. Please also refer to figure 12 for cross section of proposed burial.
Figure 12 - cross section of proposed burial
The proposed works to all site locations would commence as soon as feasible to do so tide/weather permitting. Access will be taken using existing access tracks where possible and then across open moorland. 1.3. Construction Programme Works will take place when an appropriate tide will permit. This should be achieved between September 2020 – September 2021. Aiming for a possible target date of March 2021, to carryout the proposed, over two spring tides. 1.4. Onsite Roles and Responsibilities The roles and responsibilities of those onsite with a responsibility to manage environmental risk are described in Table 2.. Table 2-Roles and Responsibilities on site
Role Responsibility Contact details
Project • Oversee the project to ensure that the CEMP is Kevin Wilson, Manager completed; and; Tel. 01738 453723, mob. (SSEN on • Ensure the Construction Manager(s), Site 07469411335 site as Manager(s), Project Environmental Manager/ECoW(s) required) [email protected] and Consultant Archaeologists are aware of the requirements of the CEMP and that these requirements are carried out in line with requirements.
Site • Ensure the implementation of the CEMP; Iain Firth Supervisor • Ensure that the workforce is made aware of Tel.01463 728 831 (SSEN on environmental risks/issues associated with the project; site as M: 07876837494 required) • Ensure that environmental incidents are reported to the [email protected] company Helpline and Client in line with reporting timescales and requirements; Scottish &Southern Electricity Networks, 10
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• Ensure that environmental issues are included in site Henderson Rd, Inverness, management meetings; IV1 1SN • Ensure that site environmental controls are regularly monitored and recorded; and • Ensure environmental risk assessments are up to date and changes to the construction site posing environmental risk are recorded on the risk assessment, and where necessary updates/amendments to the CEMP are completed.
BMC • Oversee the project to ensure that the CEMP is Suzanne Grimes Assistant completed Tel : 07391 391564 Project • Ensure that the workforce is made aware of Manager [email protected] environmental risks relating to the project; • Ensure environmental risk assessments are up to date and changes to the construction site posing environmental risk are recorded on the risk assessment; • Assisting SSEN with Landowner liaison/coordination
BMC Site Ensure the implementation of this plan; TBC supervisor • Ensure that the workforce is made aware of environmental risks relating to the project; • Ensure that environmental incidents are reported to the company Helpline and Client in line with reporting timescales and requirements; • Ensure that environmental issues are included in site management meetings; • Ensure that site environmental controls are regularly monitored and recorded; • Inform BMC PM of any new environmental risk
Role Responsibility Contact details
ECoW • Undertake pre-construction site walk over of all Tracy Lang proposed work sites Consultant Ecologist Co-ordinate and manage the identified environmental WSP issues on the project
• Ensure the implementation of this plan; Tel: 0141 418 7357 • Provide support on any environmental issues on the Project; [email protected] • Ensure environmental risk assessments are up to date and changes to the construction site posing environmental risk are recorded on the risk assessment, and where necessary updates/amendments to the CEMP are completed; • Provide additional technical support to the Project as required by the Project Manager/Site Supervisor/Contractor Project Manager; and • Investigate any significant environmental incidents that occur on the Project.
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2. GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS 2.1. Hours of Work Most construction activities will be undertaken on Monday to Sunday between 07:00 and 19:00, daylight and tide dependant. 2.2. Management of Works Table 3 shows the project management roles and named personnel accountable for and relevant to the implementation of the CEMP. Table 3-Management Roles
Role Name and contact details
SSEN Project Manager Kevin Wilson Tel. 01738 453723, mob. 07469411335 E: [email protected] SHE (Safety Health John Ferguson Environment) Tel. 01463 728428, mob 07584 011739 E: [email protected] Site Supervisor Iain Firth 01463 728 831, M: 07876837494 E: [email protected] Scottish &Southern Electricity Networks, 10 Henderson Rd, Inverness, IV1 1SN BMC Project Manager Suzanne Grimes Tel : 07391 391564 E : [email protected]
WSP Contact Tracy Lang Tel: 0141 418 7357 E: [email protected]
2.3. Communication and Monitoring Table 4 describes the mechanisms for the communication of environmental risk and the frequency at which they shall be completed. Table 4-Planned Communications
Meeting/Briefing Frequency
HSEQ and Progress Meeting Weekly
Daily site team briefs Daily
Risk Assessment/Method Statement Each job task briefings
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Environmental Toolbox Talks including Minimum of one per fortnight good environmental practice
Site Induction On first attendance at site
Suitable monitoring of the CEMP Identified activity of the ECoW implementation
3. SITE MANAGEMENT 3.1. Site Layout and Housekeeping Mobile welfare units will be available to site personnel and will not require any ground preparation. Material laydown areas shall be limited to short durations and be in the immediate vicinity of the works, i.e. iron shells delivered to site prior to work commencing. The site will be maintained in a tidy and well-managed state at all times. 3.2. Site Traffic Traffic during construction will be minimal and restricted to a small number of works vehicles and machinery. Access will be taken using existing access tracks where possible. All traffic shall be escorted in by approved site personnel. 3.3. Plant and Equipment Construction vehicles and plant shall be regularly maintained. Emergency maintenance to construction plant will be carried out on site, where practicable, in a designated area and on an impermeable surface. In order to contain any environmental risk posed by vehicle and plant maintenance. A lockable bunded fuel bowser constructed in accordance with SEPA Guidelines – Guidance 2, will be used for refuelling on site. In the first instance, please refer to Appendix B CB0192 – 1003 GEMP, where GEMP 7 – Oil storage and refuelling should be implemented. Where practicable, refuelling shall take place at a dedicated refuelling area. Where this is impracticable, a nominated Fuel Marshal shall be responsible for overseeing refuelling activities and to ensure that refuelling of mobile plant does not take place within 30 m of a water environment. The refuelling bowser shall be equipped with a spill kit (refer to section 7.2 – Emergency procedures, for information regarding spill kits) and personnel will be trained in their use as part of the site induction training. All construction vehicles and mobile plant operators shall have easy access to spill kits during vehicle and mobile plant operation through a combination of vehicle spill kits and larger capacity fixed location spill kits. Plant nappies/drip trays shall be utilised for stationary plant and regular inspection arrangements shall be in place. Where plant is left stationary in excess of one hour, plant nappies will be required. 3.4. Contractor’s Plant BMC will provide a list of plant proposed to be used to undertake the works. The BMC Project Manager must be provided with this list prior to works commencing. It will be the responsibility of the SSEN Project Manager to approve all as appropriate. 3.5 Lighting Lighting will be directional and positioned to minimise light spill outside the site compound/works area. Particular care should be taken to avoid spill on known sensitive receptors (such as the shore). No artificial lighting should directly illuminate otter foraging/commuting habitat and/or be left on overnight in proximity to such features unless authorised by the appointed ECoW. It is not anticipated that artificial lighting will be required due to adequate daylight hours to complete the tasks.
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4. SITE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 4.1. Introduction Table 5-Site Specific Designations
Designation
Areas considered to be important for certain habitats and non‐bird species Special Area of Conservation of interest in a European context. One of the main mechanisms by which (SAC) the EC Habitats and Species Directive 1992 will be implemented.
Special Protection Area Sites designated by the UK Government to protect certain rare or (SPA) vulnerable species and regularly occurring migratory species of birds.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are those areas of land and water that best represent natural heritage in terms of their: • Site of Special Scientific flora – i.e. plants • Interest (SSSI) fauna – i.e. animals • geology – i.e. rocks • geomorphology – i.e. landforms • a mixture of these natural features
Thirty Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were designated in Scotland’s seas Marine Protected Area on 24 July 2014; 17 of these MPAs fall under the Marine (Scotland) Act (MPA) 2010 in inshore waters.
Marine Consultation Areas are identified by Scottish Natural Heritage as deserving particular distinction in respect of the quality and sensitivity of Marine Consultation Area the marine environment within them. Their selection encourages coastal (MCA) communities and management bodies to be aware of marine conservation issues in the area.
A Ramsar Site is a wetland site designated of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Convention on Wetlands, known as RAMSAR the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental environmental treaty established in 1971 by UNESCO, and coming into force in 1975.
National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are areas of land set aside for nature. As in other countries, the accolade is given to Scotland’s best wildlife sites, to promote their conservation and enjoyment. Most reserves contain Natural Nature Reserves nationally or internationally important habitats and species, so the wildlife is managed very carefully. Visitor facilities are designed and managed to ensure that people can enjoy NNRs without harming or disturbing the wildlife that lives there.
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Figure 13 - Eriskay SAC site designationa highlighted, adjacent to proposed work site ( )
Figure 14- Benbecula and South Uist, no site designations in or adjacent to proposed work site ( )
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Figure 15- Benbecula and North Uist, showing no site designations within or adjacent to proposed work site ( )
Figure 13, 14 and 15 illustrate any environmental constraints within or adjacent to the proposed working sites, as per Scottish National Heritage website (nature.scot). Figures 14 (Benbecula and South Uist West) and 15 (Benbecula and North Uist), show that when undertaking a desk top study, no site designations were found in or adjacent to these areas. Figure 13 shows a SAC designated area, for the proposed Eriskay site, within the Sound of Barra. The qualifying species known within this designation, are Harbour / Common seal (Phoca vitulina). This SAC designation is to avoid deterioration of the habitats or significant disturbance to the species, ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status. Please refer to Appendix A, Potential seal haul out areas. The working site on Eriskay is not known to be a potential Seal haul out location. However, to ensure that there will be disturbance, a pre-construction ECoW walkover will be undertaken and also daily checks of the beach areas for hauled out seals will be performed in the vicinity of the landfall points (prior to the commencement of works that day). If still no seal haul out is recognised, all BMC personnel must still be aware of the Scottish Government advice and responsible behaviour around seals and this information will be included within the daily toolbox talks. http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0045/00452869.pdf Other SAC qualifying interests within the Sound of Barra are Subtidal Sandbanks and Reefs. Please refer to Appendix B – Sound of Barra Qualifying habitats, the map highlights that no subtidal sandbanks or reefs are within the proposed working area on Eriskay, however, are adjacent to this area. In view of this, an ECoW Pre-construction walkover will be undertaken. If any subtidal sandbank or reefs are deemed to be within the work site, then further mitigation advice from the ECoW will be sought and this CEMP will be updated. Site specific measures to manage the environment are described in Table 6, alongside other information to allow effective management of the environment. This live document will be updated to reflect any further advice given to BMC from WSP, pertaining to the best environmental management practice. BMC will also work to any marine licence requirements that may be part of the marine licence application.
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Table 6-CEMP Requirements
Environmental CEMP Requirement When Due Responsibility Date Comment / completed/ Ongoing actions Feature required reviewed or checked
All The ECoW will attend proposed work locations for a pre-construction walkover. Pre- ECoW / BMC construction It is expected that this will occur August 2020 Construction This will be undertaken to ensure that all mitigation will be put in place throughout the construction period and to ensure that all environmental mitigation is relevant to the site.
Terrestrial All site personnel will attend a Tool Box Talk, as part of their site induction. Pre- ECoW Ecology Construction The toolbox talk will include: BMC - an outline of roles and responsibilities relating to any marine / terrestrial ecology within or adjacent to site; - a description of any key ecological features present, including photographs to help contractors recognise these; - any specific mitigation measures that need to be implemented on site, including any required protection zones around any discovered sensitive habitat; and - the procedure to follow if unexpected wildlife is encountered during the works.
Terrestrial Understand and implement all guidance and contained in the CB0192 – 1004 - Pre-Post BMC Ecology General Environmental Management Plan (GEMP) and it’s appendices Otter Construction and Bird Species Protection Plans (SPPs) for standard best practice methods. ECoW Construction SSEN
Otters During the desktop study, it is not been highlighted that any sensitive Otter Pre- ECoW habitat is in or adjacent to any of the proposed work sites. Construction BMC However, during a pre-construction ECoW walk over, if any Otter holt is found to be within 30 m of any work site, work shall require an otter licence from SNH.
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If this is the case, this CEMP will be updated to reflect any condition(s) that need to be put in place and all conditions of the licence shall be adhered to and; Any protection zones will be marked around the holts by the ECoW.
Otters If otter breeding at a site is not picked up during the preconstruction survey, but Construction BMC appears to commence when construction work is already underway, on-site activity will be suspended and the ECoW will be consulted. Suspension will remain in place until it can be demonstrated that: (a) breeding is not occurring on site (could take up to 8-10 weeks); or (b) the cubs are sufficiently old (and therefore mobile) for alternative sites to be used. If this is not possible, a larger (up to 200 m) protection zone will be required around the breeding area, or a licence sought; the exact approach being agreed in consultation with SNH. In all cases listed above, all traffic shall be escorted in by BMC approved personnel at all shore end work sites.
Seals There is a potential for both harbour seal and grey seal to be present in coastal Pre- BMC areas in the vicinity of the works. No known seal haul outs are within the Construction proposed working corridors (please see Appendix A – Potential seal haul out sites). However, a pre-construction ECoW walkover will be undertaken and daily checks of the beach areas for hauled out seals will be performed in the vicinity of the landfall points (prior to the commencement of works that day). BMC personnel will be aware of the Scottish Government advice and responsible behaviour around seals http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0045/00452869.pdf Pre-construction checks will be required if works are delayed and occur during seal pupping seasons (June/July for harbour seal and September-December for grey seal).
Birds The proposed working areas are not listed as a Special Protection Area (SPA). Pre- ECoW However, a ECoW site walkover will also determine any presence of breeding Construction birds. BMC BMC pre-construction check survey will also be required to confirm the absence of nesting birds no species will be disturbed. If required, all mitigation will be adhered to, according to CB0192 – GEMP, Appendix A Special Protected Plan – Breeding Birds.
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Habitats Desktop studies have shown one area sensitive habitat of sandbanks and reef Pre- ECoW are adjacent to the Eriskay worksite. A pre-construction ECoW site walkover Construction will conclude any mitigation that may be required regarding sensitive habitats. BMC If deemed necessary, works will be micro-sited to avoid as far as possible. Discrete areas of the most sensitive habitat will be clearly demarcated by the ECoW, using means such as hazard tape where they occur in proximity to the works. BMC personnel will follow ECoW to instruction to ensure no disturbance/risk to habitats.
Cultural During the ECoW pre-construction walk over in August, the archaeology of the Pre- ECoW heritage proposed work locations will be considered. If any further mitigation is required, Construction then this CEMP will be updated. BMC
Recreation All HSE construction signage to be put in place and working areas to be Pre- BMC sectioned off from the general public, to ensure that there will be no risk or harm. Construction Construction
Marine All works will be completed in accordance with the Marine Licence. Construction BMC Environment ECoW
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5. WATER QUALITY PROTECTION AND POLLUTION 5.1. Prevention 5.1.1. Introduction The following sections describe measures to protect water quality and prevent pollution. 5.1.2. Drainage Management Strategy The water environment could be potentially polluted during maintenance works, by virtue of: • spillage of oils or other pollutants from machinery and vehicles. 5.1.3. Pollution Prevention The pollution prevention of groundwater is to be prevented by adherence to the SEPA Guidance Pollution Prevention (GPP) series, (but also taking cognisance of the former Pollution Prevention Guideline (PPG) series). Please also refer to CB192-GEMP, section 1 - Watercourse Crossings and section 2– ‘Working In or Near Watercourses’ for best practice methods. Training will be provided to on-site personnel via toolbox talks highlighting the risks of the polluting water environments during construction and highlighting sensitive locations. Water quality monitoring by means of visual inspection will be undertaken, as a minimum, on a daily basis (and more frequently during periods of poor weather) of any areas considered at high risk during work activities. Temporary works areas will be sited at least 50m from the water environment including waterbodies where possible to reduce the potential for transmission of sediment laden run-off or accidental spillages. 5.1.4. Watercourse Crossing and Private Water Supplies Desk top studies have shown that there are no registered private water supplies on Benbecula, North Uist, South Uist and Eriskay. On-Site based investigations will also be carried out before work commences and if any watercourses are to be crossed by the access route, this will be undertaken in line with SEPA’s General Binding Rule 9 (1), specifically the following requirement: Following the operation of the machinery, any damage caused by the operation to the bed and banks of the surface water must be repaired, including re-establishing vegetation on any areas of bare earth on the banks resulting from the operation, either by covering the area with grass turfs or lining them with a biodegradable geotextile and seeding. https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/34761/car_a_practical_guide.pdf. Please also refer to CB0192–1004 GEMP, section 2 - working in or near surface waters. 5.1.5. Water / Ground Contamination (from Spillage) Potential pollution of the water environment and groundwater is to be prevented during works by adhering to the following measures: • All fuel storage containers are to be labelled showing contents and maximum capacity. • Plant nappies are to be used during refuelling operations. • All works within 30 m of a water environment must be carried out following SEPA GPP guidance and following a site specific environmental briefing. • Machine operators are to carry out daily inspections of plant, including hydraulic lines. This will be recorded on a mobile plant and lifting equipment inspection check sheet. • Spill kits are to be readily available at all sites and with all items of mobile / static plant. • All sites are to be kept tidy and clean. Materials and plant will be securely stored to avoid trespass and vandalism. • All oil storage tanks, drums etc. Must be placed on level ground with 110% bund containment and inspected daily (where applicable). • During maintenance work on plant, appropriate containers and drip trays are to be used to mitigate unavoidable spillage. Similar measures will also be used when re-fuelling. • Any contamination of ground will be removed immediately, in such a manner that does not have the potential to cause further pollution to the surrounding environment. Contaminated spoil is to be treated as Hazardous (Special) Waste and will be appropriately disposed of by a licensed waste contractor. All welfare facilities are to have an appropriate system for the treatment or removal of foul waste and provision made for the regular removal of waste products. Please also refer to CB0192-1004-GEMP, section 2 - working in or near surface waters Page 23 of 29 SSEN: Western Isles Remedial Rev 1.0 – 20.04.2020 CEMP CB0192-1002
5.1.6. Fuel storage In the first instance please see CB0192-GEMP, Section 2 - working in or near surface waters, Section 5 – Contaminated Land and Section 7 – ‘Oil Storage and Refuelling’. No refuelling is to take place within 30 m of the water environment limiting any potential spillages from polluting the water environment. Fuel storage will be at the main compound situated on impermeable ground. Refuelling of plant and machinery will only take place within a defined area within site compounds. Clearly defined areas for storage of oil and refuelling will be identified as part of the compound establishment process. Spill kits will be located and maintained at all oil storage and refuelling locations and in all site vehicles and plant. 5.1.7. Pollution Control The fundamental measure of pollution control is to seek to stop the action which is causing pollution immediately, CB0192 – GEMP in sections, 2 - working in or near surface waters, 5 – Contaminated Land and 7 – ‘Oil Storage and Refuelling’ but additionally: • take immediate remedial action - block spill; place booms and absorbent materials to help soak up spill; • ensure all plant is double bunded/double skinned/ appropriate drip trays in place to contain leakages; and • have control measures in place and have fully stocked spill kits easily accessible. 5.1.8. COSHH Assessment All substances identified as hazardous will be Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessed and appropriate COSHH sheets for each individual material type retained on site and accessible to all works personnel. The use of non-assessed substances is prohibited. All operatives are required to comply with the controls specified within COSHH assessments. All COSHH items will be stored in a secure, ventilated store, separate from non COSHH items. All COSHH waste items will be discarded within a defined COSHH waste storage receptacle until being removed from site by a suitably licenced contractor (suitable for the removal of hazardous wastes). COSHH assessments cover all range of materials and are not limited to construction associated items and will additionally be provided for any domestic cleaning materials used on site (e.g. bleach). 5.1.9. Welfare Facility Welfare facilities on site will be sufficient to adequately accommodate all site personnel. 5.2. Air Quality 5.2.1. General Principals Emissions to the atmosphere in terms of gaseous and particulate pollutants from vehicles and plant used on the site, will be controlled and limited as far as reasonably practicable. 5.2.2. Environmental Control Measures The following control measures will be implemented to minimise the risks to air quality on and off site. • vehicles, plant and equipment will be regularly serviced and inspected and any defects e.g. leaks or dark smoke, reported and removed from use or rectified immediately; • records of plant and equipment maintenance/inspections will be available on site for inspection; • engines will be turned off when not in use.
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6. NOISE AND VIBRATION 6.1. General Principals There is limited potential for noise impacts. The closest works are within approximately 320m on North Uist, 150m South Uist and 180m on Eriskay-Barra of residential dwellings. Noise from maintenance works will be minimised using Best Practicable Means, as defined under Section 72, Part III of the Control of Pollution Act (CoPA) 1974. BS 5228 provides guidance on controlling noise from work sites in Clause 8, which will be followed where appropriate and practicable. Measures will be adopted on both Sites to reduce noise of equipment and the work including those listed below. Please refer to CB0192 – 1004 – GEMP, section 14 noise and vibration. 7. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 7.1. Introduction Please refer to CB0192 – 1004 – GEMP, section 14, for procedures to be followed in the event of an environmental incident or pollution event. 7.2. Incident Reporting In the event of a pollution event or environmental incident on site an Incident Report Form will be submitted to the SSEN Project Manager and SHE representative as specified in Table 2.1. In the event pollution enters a surface water drainage channel SEPA must be informed. Should pollution enter surface water or foul water drainage channels Scottish Water and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Council must also be informed. Should an environmental incident or pollution event take place at the shore end location of the works that discharges to the littoral and tidal area, or to sea, this will be reported to SSEN immediately and SEPA subsequently contacted for direction. 7.3. Emergency Contacts Table 7-Emergency Contact Information
Organisation/Role Contact Name Contact Details
SSEN Project Manager Kevin Wilson Tel. 01738 453723, mob. 07469411335 [email protected]
SSEN SHE Advisor John Ferguson Tel. 01463 728428, mob 07584 011739 E: [email protected] 01463 728 831, SSEN Site Supervisor Iain Firth M: 07876837494, E: [email protected] Scottish &Southern Electricity Networks, 10 Henderson Rd, Inverness, IV1 1SN BMC Project Manager Suzanne Grimes Tel: 07391 391564 [email protected] ENVIRONMENTAL SEPA Western Isles Office REGULATORS 2 James Square
James Street Stornoway Isle of Lewis Page 25 of 29
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HS1 2QN
Tel: 01851 706477 SNH Stilligarry Isle of South Uist HS8 5RS
Telephone: 01313 144190 Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Balivanich Isle of Benbecula HS7 5LA Tel: 01870 602425 Marine Scotland 0300 244 4000
EMERGENCY SERVICES POLICE 999 / 101 FIRE AMBULANCE
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8. BREEDING BIRD PROTECTION Construction works have the potential to negatively impact on breeding birds as a result of either direct destruction of nests or disturbance which may result in breeding failure. In addition, some particularly sensitive species are liable to disturbance outwith the breeding season. In the first instance please refer to CB0192-GEMP, Appendix A Species Protection Plan. Whereby it outlines the procedures that must be followed where there is a potential for breeding birds to be affected. It explains the responsibilities of SSEN, BMC and its Contractors, the legislative protection for birds, and the measures required to minimise impacts on birds and thereby the risk of criminal offences being committed. Desktop studies have shown that none of the proposed locations are situated in or adjacent to a Special Protected Area (SPA). However, before work commences, BMC will employ an ECoW to undertake a site walkover of all proposed locations, with the aim to fully assess any mitigation that is required. Once this has been undertaken, this walkover will provide BMC with a greater understanding of the mitigations that will be required. It is BMC’s responsibility to comply with all the requirements of this plan and it is both BMC’s and SSEN’s responsibility to monitor compliance with the plan.
9. OTTER PROTECTION Otter is a European Protected Species and is afforded a high level of protection in Scotland. Otter mitigation will be confirmed after an ECoW pre-construction site walk over and this CEMP will be updated. Please also refer to CB0192-GEMP, Appendix B, for general guidance for the protection of otters and their shelters during construction works. The Plan contains two parts and details the procedures that must be followed where there is potential for otter to be present (Part 1), and where a Project Licence for otter has been issued by SNH to cover the project (Part 2):
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Appendix A – Potential seal haul-out sites
*Eriskay work site highlighted in yellow within map.
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Appendix B – Sound of Barra Qualifying habitats
Page 29 of 29 APPENDIX B – CB0192 - 1004 – GEMP
WESTERN ISLES REMEDIAL GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
BMC Ref: CB0192-1004 20th April 2020
Prepared by: Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd. Seaforth House Seaforth Place Burntisland KY3 9AX Tel: +44 (0)1592 872939 www.briggsmarine.com CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS (GEMPS) ...... 5 GEMP 1 - Watercourse Crossings ...... 5 1.2 Temporary Watercourse Crossings ...... 5 GEMP 2 – WORKING IN OR NEAR SURFACE WATERS ...... 6 2.1. General ...... 6 2.2 Surface Water Control ...... 7 2.3 Vegetation Removal ...... 7 GEMP 3 – PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES ...... 9 3.1 Planning ...... 9 3.2 Operations ...... 9 GEMP 4 - SOIL REMOVAL, STORAGE AND REINSTATEMENT...... 10 4.1 General principles ...... 10 GEMP 5 - CONTAMINATED LAND ...... 11 5.1 Japanese Knotweed ...... 12 5.3 On-Site Management ...... 12 GEMP 6 - WORKING WITH CONCRETE ...... 12 GEMP 7 - OIL STORAGE AND REFUELLING ...... 13 7.1 Protection Plan ...... 13 GEMP 8 - DUST MANAGEMENT ...... 15 8.1 Protection Plan ...... 15 GEMP 9 - WASTE MANAGEMENT ...... 17 9.1 Duty of Care ...... 17 GEMP 10 - WORKING IN PEAT, BLANKET BOG, WET HEATH AND DRY HEATH HABITATS ...... 18 GEMP 11 - BAD WEATHER ...... 19 GEMP 12 - RESTORATION ...... 21 GEMP 13 - FORESTRY ...... 23 GEMP 14 - NOISE AND VIBRATION ...... 23 GEMP 15 – EMERGENCY PROCEDURES - Environment ...... 24 APPENDIX A SPECIES PROTECTION PLAN ...... 25 1. BREEDING BIRDS ...... 25 1.1. Introduction ...... 25 1.2. Responsibilities ...... 25 1.3. Legislation ...... 25 1.3.1. Wild Birds ...... 25 1.3.2. Schedule 1 Birds ...... 25 1.3.3. Schedule 1A and A1 Birds ...... 25 1.4. Protection Plan ...... 25 1.5. Review of Works ...... 26
1.6. General Mitigation ...... 26 1.7. Specific Mitigation ...... 27 1.8. Habitat Management ...... 27 1.9. Active Dissuasion / Disturbance ...... 27 1.10. Removing Disused Bird Nests ...... 27 1.11. Schedule 1 Species ...... 28 APPENDIX B – SPECIES PROTECTION PLAN - OTTER PROTECTION ...... 29 1.1. Introduction ...... 29 1.1.1. Part 1: General Protection Plan ...... 29 1.1.2. Part 2: Project Licence Protection Plan ...... 29 1.2. Part 1: General Protection Plan ...... 29 1.2.1. Responsibilities ...... 29 1.2.2. Legislation ...... 29 1.2.3. Surveying for Otters ...... 30 1.2.4. Review of Otter Survey ...... 30 1.3. Mitigation Hierarchy ...... 30 1.3.1. Avoidance ...... 30 1.3.2. Disturbance ...... 30 1.3.3. Destruction ...... 31 1.4. Mitigation Measures ...... 31 1.4.1. General Mitigation ...... 31 1.4.2. Monitoring and Reporting ...... 31 1.4.3. Licensing Requirements ...... 31 1.4.4. Project Licence ...... 31 1.4.5. Individual Licence ...... 31 1.5. Part 2: Project Licence Protection Plan ...... 32
Amendment Register
Revision Date Issued by Approved by Amendments
Rev 1.0 20/04/2020 Suzanne Grimes Martin Black
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Definition
BMC Briggs Marine Contractors – Principal Contractor
ECoW Environmental Clerk of Works
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
MHWS Mean High Water Spring
MLWS Mean Low Water Spring
PAC Pre-Application Consultation
SAC Special Area of Conservation
SEPA Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
SFF Scottish Fishermen’s Federation
SHEPD Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution
SNH Scottish National Heritage
SPA Special Protection Area
SPP Scottish Planning Policy
SSEN Scottish & Southern Energy Networks - Client and Principle Designer
SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest
WFD Water Framework Directive
SSEN: Western Isles Remedial Rev 1.0 – 20.04.2020 GEMP CB0192-1004
INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS (GEMPS)
This section provides general environmental management plans that should be used by BMC as a basis for designing works in specific areas and undertaking certain types of activities. The working methods / good practice contained within the GEMPs are not exhaustive but should help to ensure that legislative requirements and environmental impact minimisation requirements are met. These should be used to inform construction method statements and working practices. GEMP 1 - Watercourse Crossings Construction of these structures presents potential risks to the environment. These include: • interference with fish migration and spawning, mammal movement, rare plants and their habitats and with riparian and linear wildlife corridors; • loss of aquatic and riparian habitat; • alteration of the flow regime; and • harmful discharges during construction and operation.
All watercourse crossings will require some level of authorisation under The Water Environmental (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR). BMC must submit outline drawings for each water crossing prior to the start of works for the Employers approval allowing sufficient time for review and amendment. BMC is required to comply with the following: General: • Plan all works in accordance with best practice; • BMC to consult SEPA on proposals, if necessary; • Seek to avoid watercourse engineering works wherever possible; • Where this is not possible, seek to use existing crossings, upgrading as required; • Only build new crossings where there is no other reasonable option; • Ensure all necessary consents under the Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) are in place; • Ask the ECoW for advice in planning water crossings and adhere to approved plans / crossing locations; • All reasonable steps shall be taken to prevent the transport of sediments or other matter disturbed by the works; • Where possible works should be undertaken during drier periods (subject to other ecological timing conditions) and avoid periods of high rainfall. The weather forecast should be consulted 3days in advance of works commencing on the water crossing; • Ensure all required pre-construction surveys have been completed before starting works (these will include, where appropriate, fresh water pearl mussel (FWPM), otter, water vole etc.); • Vehicle should not work within the water unless no other reasonable options exist; • All crossing locations should be reinstated to a condition that replicates the conditions prior to commencement of the works unless otherwise agreed with the Employer; • Any temporary dams used should be designed to accommodate periods of high watercourse discharge and dried out sections of bed should be check for stranded fish; • Where pumps are also used, back up pumps should be available. Pumps should also be fitted with screens to prevent fish mortalities and ingress of debris; • Where possible, flume pipes should be used for temporary works in areas where migratory fish are present; • Vegetation removal should be minimised wherever possible. 1.2 Temporary Watercourse Crossings • Must not impede fish passage through the system; • Should have access constructed of suitable material and in a manner that will not give rise to rutting, ponding and silt run-off; • Should have silt laden run-off directed to treatment facilities;
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• Carefully store any disturbed materials; • Comply with General Binding Rule (GBR 6). This includes a requirement to reinstate the banks and bed of the watercourse to the condition prior to the commencement of the works.
Fording of watercourses • Should be avoided if possible; • If required, access should be restricted to one crossing point; • If required, movements should be limited to the minimum required; • Reinstatement will be required to a condition prior to the commencement of the works. • Where fording of a watercourse is required BMC must agree the method statement with the Employer prior to the start of works; and • BMC shall consult with SEPA to obtain the relevant agreement or authorisations (as required). GEMP 2 – WORKING IN OR NEAR SURFACE WATERS Construction activities in or near water have the potential to cause serious pollution or impact on the bed and banks of a watercourse and on the quality and quantity of the water. Most pollution incidents are avoidable. With careful planning the risk of site work causing pollution can be reduced. Many measures needed to prevent pollution are not expensive, especially if they are included at the planning stage of any activity. Major causes of environmental harm associated with working in or near watercourses include: • silt e.g. disturbance of river bed or bank, dewatering and pumping of excavations, run-off from exposed ground, plant washing, roads and river crossings; • cement and concrete – which is very alkaline and corrosive and can cause serious pollution; • chemicals and solvents – oil storage, refuelling, trade materials etc; • bridge cleaning debris – e.g. dust, debris & wastewater; • herbicides – e.g. aerial application; • waste materials (including special waste) e.g. oily wastes, spent acids and solvents.
Most activities with the potential for affecting watercourses or groundwater will require an authorisation under The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR). BMC is required to comply with the following: 2.1. General • Identify all activities that will be undertaken in or near watercourses (including all identifiable drainage paths); • Plan all works in accordance with best practice; • Avoid works within 10m of a watercourse unless no other practical options exist, and leave a vegetated buffer strip; • Where works are undertaken within 10m of any watercourse or drain, ensure specific pollution prevention controls are in place; • Communicate risks associated with working in or near watercourses to all personnel and include control measures in the site specific construction method statements; • Seek to avoid or minimise watercourse engineering works wherever possible; • Ensure all necessary consents under the Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) are in place; • Ask the environmental project manager for advice in planning works in and near watercourses; • Vehicles should not work within the water unless no other reasonable options exist; • All construction machinery operating in-stream should be mechanically sound to avoid leaks of oils, hydraulic fluid, etc; • Machinery should be steam cleaned and checked prior to commencement of in-stream works; • All reasonable steps shall be taken to prevent the transport of sediments or other matter disturbed by the works; • Keep site tidy and do not store materials too close to watercourses or surface water features; • Check if there are any timing restrictions to works because of protected species (e.g. spawning salmonids, otter, water vole, etc.) or landowner commitments; • Ensure all required pre-construction surveys have been completed before starting works (these will include, where appropriate, FWPM, otter, water vole, etc.);
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• Any temporary dams used should be designed to accommodate periods of high watercourse discharge and dried out sections of bed should be check for stranded fish; • Where pumps are also used, back up pumps should be available. Pumps should also be fitted with screens to prevent fish mortalities and ingress of debris, and the outfall to pumps be designed to prevent erosion of the receiving waters (i.e. by dissipating the flow); • Care should also be taken to avoid pollution of watercourses with sediment and to ensure that any de- silting works would not interfere with the bank sides; • Vegetation removal should be minimised wherever possible; • Where stock has access to the works fencing may be necessary in order to allow the regeneration of native riparian and aquatic marginal vegetation; • Ensure construction works minimise disturbance to the current run-off regimes. 2.2 Surface Water Control • Locate areas of high risk activities away from watercourses and drainage paths. Areas of high risk include: • fuel and chemical storage; • refuelling areas; • material stockpiles; • vehicle and equipment washing areas; • site compounds / parking areas. • Minimise the volume of contaminated run-off being created by: • Diverting clean surface water away from areas using cut-off drains, catch pits and bunds (where necessary these can be lined); • Do not allow water to drain down the length of a haul road. Roads should have adequate cambers to shed water quickly and if necessary cut-off drains installed across the road. • Minimise erosion of exposed soils and working areas; • Minimise the area of exposed working area through phased construction • Reinstate exposed soil as soon as practical; • Roughen exposed surface; • Prevent water from leaving site prior to treatment; • Ensure adequate buffer zones are identified between working areas and surface waters; • Diversion drains should be used to catch sediment laden run-off and direct it to treatment facilities (where necessary these can be lined); • Catch dirty run-off and treat through silt fences, silt traps, bunds, settlement tanks / lagoons, straw bales and geotextile etc. (see CIRIA C648); • Maintain all protective measures (e.g. change bales once sediment laden etc); • Depending on the level of contamination, silty water can be pumped over land to filter through vegetation and infiltrate into the ground provided it is carried out in line with the CAR regulations.
An appropriate buffer distance must be agreed with the Employer to allow sufficient distance for the vegetation to filter the silty water prior to reaching a watercourse. 2.3 Vegetation Removal • Trees and shrubs should not be removed without agreement from the Employer; • Avoid un-necessary vegetation removal; • Where necessary leave a vegetated buffer distance of 10m between works and a watercourse; • Only break the ground surface when works are required and initiate a phased approach; • Comply with agreed buffer zones of vegetation as this will allow further treatment of surface water; • Do not dispose of cleared vegetation into the watercourse and avoid debris from clearance; • Vegetation removal can impact on bank stability and increase erosion. Ensure that all banks are restored to a condition prior to works commencing and assess what further protection may be
required. Other:
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• Identify all field drains, drainage risks and ensure reinstatement is provided to the satisfaction of all interested parties; • Ensure that all watercourses are routinely monitored for changes in water quality. If water quality deteriorates, immediately inform the site supervisor and ECOW, identify the source of the problem and implement appropriate mitigation measures;
Further information is available in: • SEPA Pollution Prevention Guidelines: PPG5 – Works and maintenance in or near water; • DETR (2000) Environmental handbook for building and civil engineering projects; • CIRIA (2005) Environmental Good Practice – site guide; • CIRIA (2006) Control of water pollution from linear construction projects – Technical Guidance – C648.
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GEMP 3 – PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES Civil engineering works has the potential to disturb drainage patterns (horizontally or vertically) and / or the quality of water that would otherwise sustain a private water supply (PWS). BMC is required to comply with the following in addition to any specific measures identified: 3.1 Planning • BMC shall undertake an assessment on all properties with a PWS that have the potential to be affected by the works. Should the results of this assessment indicate a risk to the PWS then mitigation shall be developed for inclusion in a site specific PWS protection plan; • At the earliest stage BMC shall consult the Employers ECOW about monitoring and communicating the implementation of mitigation measures to protect private water supplies; • It may be necessary to undertake tap water quality testing of the private supply where before any possible activity takes place that could affect the water supply, to establish a baseline of current water quality to act as a benchmark (at least two occasions). This will be highlighted in the CEMP; • Prepare a contingency plan to deliver an alternative water supply (on a temporary or permanent basis) in the event of an unforeseen problem with the existing supply; • Liaise in advance with the private water supply users regarding details of the proposed works, the contingency measures put in place to protect the supply and any diversion works that may be needed in relation to the distribution main. 3.2 Operations • Each PWS will have specific mitigations developed. Mitigation may include some / all of the following: • fence off the private water supply intake (to avoid accidental damage and to deter animals) and identify relevant buffer distances; • survey and peg out the route of the distribution main in the vicinity of the overhead line works and avoid / minimise activity within this area. • Put in place measures to protect the distribution main where it crosses beneath an access track (having discussed these in advance during the planning stages). This might include: • setting the existing pipe work within mass concrete; • upgrading or rerouting the existing pipe work; • ensure there are adequate pollution control and emergency response measures in place to deal with any accidents that could affect a water supply (e.g. spill response, leak or discharge of oily waste, sediment control etc.); • provision of an alternative supply (temporary / permanent). • Undertake regular health and safety briefings to construction staff. Include information on: • presence and importance of water supply intake and distribution main nearby; • need to protect these from accidental damage • need to act promptly if an accidental spill or pollution incident poses a threat.
What to do if Unknown Water Supplies are identified: • It is possible that private water supplies may be found which have not as yet been identified; • If this happens stop work in that location and inform the site supervisor and ECOW; • Necessary protection measures will be identified by the ECOW, in consultation with the PWS owner, specialists and relevant authorities and implemented before work can resume again in that location; • Works should only resume within the vicinity of the PWS following written agreement with from the ECOW.
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GEMP 4 - SOIL REMOVAL, STORAGE AND REINSTATEMENT Soil is a precious resource and can provide the following functions: • support a diverse ecological systems and provide the growing medium for crops and timber; • absorb rainfall, delaying its movement into watercourses; • filters or transforms chemicals that pass through it, preventing them from ending up in water or air.
Any damage to soil quality affects the long-term functioning of the soils and has an impact not only on ecological diversity and the performance and visual quality of the vegetated areas but can have impacts off-site such as on flooding, aquifer recharge and water quality. It is therefore essential that impacts to the resource are reduced to the minimum necessary for the works and that all work is undertaken in accordance with best practice. The methods or stripping, storage, reuse and disposal of soil can have significant impacts on both the soil resource and other environmental receptors. BMC is required to comply with the following: 4.1 General principles Soil Management Process • Unless agreed otherwise with the ECOW and within agricultural fields, all striping must follow the following process: • Turfs stripped to 300mm using large toothed bucket; • Turfs stored vegetation side up and watered if drying out; • Any remaining top soil and all subsoil layers to be removed and stored separately; • Subsoil, topsoil and turfs replaced in same order as removed; • Turfs reinstated vegetation side up; • The toothed bucket should not be used to smooth over the excavation as it results in greater initial damage and slower recovery of the vegetation; • BMC will adhere to industry best practice relating to biosecurity, including undertaking all reasonable precautions to minimise the risk of contamination and the spread of animal and plant diseases, pests, parasites and non-native species.
Stripping • Plan soil stripping carefully in advance; • Check all necessary pre-construction surveys have been completed prior to stripping; • Follow all identified mitigation requirements for the location and method of stripping; • Check whether the project archaeologist should be on site during the soil stripping; • Where possible, strip soil during drier periods. Do not strip soil during periods of very heavy rainfall.
Storage • Topsoil should be stripped and stored within the pre-identified areas to ensure safe storage and swift and successful reinstatement; • If space does not allow storage and the surplus is to be stored elsewhere on the site, consult the environmental project manager in advance to agree appropriate areas; • Separate areas must be created for the different layers and topsoil must not be mixed with subsoil layers; • Soil storage areas should be located away from watercourses (10m) protected from run-off from adjacent areas; • Storage areas should be reinstated to the condition prior to use for storage; • If soil storage is being carried out on sensitive habitats, consideration should be given to storage on top of a geotextile mat and storage duration should be minimised; • Best practice would be adopted in order to minimise the amount of compaction or other disturbance of the general structure of the superficial deposits; • Other site works should not impact on stored soil (e.g. Construction traffic must not track over stored soils); Page 10 of 32
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• Record where all removed soils are stored including the different subsoil layers (this is important as subsoil layers will need to be reinstated in the order they are removed); • If significant soil erosion is occurring from storage piles during periods of heavy rain consideration should be given to covering the stockpiles; • If any stored soil is contaminated it should be disposed of in accordance with the contaminated land GEMP; • In periods of dry weather check the need for bowsing to reduce dust and potential nuisance.
Reinstatement • Stripped soil should be reinstated as close to where it was removed as possible. This will help to maintain a local seed base and the local geological / hydrological characteristics; • Unless otherwise agreed, turfs should be reinstated following the works and orientated vegetation side up; • Where turfs are not available, areas would be left to revegetate naturally unless circumstances require otherwise; • Any soil found to be contaminated should not be used for reinstatement • The reinstatement of the construction areas are to be undertaken to a high standard, using the existing soil and vegetation material wherever possible, in accordance with best practice. GEMP 5 - CONTAMINATED LAND It is BMCs responsibility to investigate, excavate and dispose of any potentially contaminated areas in accordance with contaminated land, environmental and health and safety legislation. Know contaminated land areas are identified in the CEMPs. Contamination could however be encountered in areas where it has not been expected and BMC must check for such areas to ensure that any risks to the environment are controlled. BMC is required to comply with the following: Planning the Works: • Plan works taking account of recognised best practice and all relevant waste regulations.
Be on the lookout for: • Signs of contamination during boring, excavating, soil stripping and similar operations (these could include discoloured soil, unexpected odours, a fibrous texture to the soils (e.g. asbestos), presence of foreign objects (e.g. chemical/oil, containers/waste), evidence of previous soil workings, underground structures or waste pits, evidence of made ground, old drain runs and contamination within buildings).
If contamination is suspected: • Stop work immediately; • Report the discovery to the site manager and ECOW who must seek expert advice and provide guidance on required measures / mitigation; • Seal off the area to contain spread of contaminants; • Undertake risk assessment to minimise the risk to health and safety of site workers. This should identify acceptable working methods, PPE, contact, and other required procedures; • Clear site to ensure there is nothing that could cause fire or explosion; • Any unexpected contaminated land that has been disturbed by construction activities will need to be dealt with as hazardous waste and disposed of to a suitably licensed site in line with all relevant waste management regulations; • Ensure that the suspected contamination is tested and characterised and agree changes to the existing site proposals and method statements; • Inform landowner / occupier; • Avoid causing or spreading contamination; • Do not stockpile contaminated soil unless it cannot be avoided. If it is necessary stockpile only on an area of hard standing to prevent contamination of the underlying area; • Cover the stockpile with plastic sheeting to prevent infiltration of precipitation and spread of soluble contaminants and to prevent potentially contaminated wind-blown dust;
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• Control surface drainage from stockpiled area. Remember water draining from a stockpile may be contaminated and require controlled off-site disposal. 5.1 Japanese Knotweed • Is an extremely invasive and competitive plant. • Since there are no natural pests in the UK, the highly invasive and competitive nature of the plant makes it a problem not only for native wildlife but also for the built environment and relating infrastructure. Once established Japanese Knotweed is difficult to control. • It grows extremely densely and shades out native plants; provides poor habitats for insects, birds and mammals; devalues natural landscape; increases the risk of riverbank erosion when it dies back in the autumn; creates a potential flood hazard if dead stems fall into watercourses. 5.3 On-Site Management • Japanese Knotweed should not be stockpiled within 10m of a watercourse; any movement of contaminated soil and Japanese Knotweed for treatment within the site boundary, within a designated area, could involve the treatment of waste and may require a waste management license; the relevant local SEPA office should be contacted prior to any such movement and treatment of Knotweed material or associated contaminated soil. GEMP 6 - WORKING WITH CONCRETE Cement and concrete will be used during the construction Water contaminated with cement and concrete can be highly alkaline and can be toxic to fish, plants and animals. If cement or concrete is allowed to enter a watercourse in an uncontrolled manner it can have a devastating impact on wildlife. There is also a physical effect since cement particles can choke the gills of fish and also destroy their spawning grounds. Should concrete batching plants be proposed on site, BMC must identify the scale, scope and siting proposals for these prior to works commencing. The establishment of any concrete batching plant must not take place until written approval is provided by the Employer. BMC is required to comply with the following: • Should BMC identify the requirement to use concrete and cement within 10m of a watercourse, this should be agreed with the Employer in advance of the works; • Areas which have been identified with important habitats or species should be avoided, where possible; • Use only designated areas for concrete washout. No concrete contaminated water should be discharged to the water environment (including groundwater); • Ensure all staff are briefed on the risks of working with concrete; • Store bulk and bagged cement and concrete additives at least 10 metres away from watercourses, gullies and drains in properly secured, covered and bunded areas; • Ensure dust from storage areas is controlled; • NOTIFY the site manager IMMEDIATELY if you see any concrete spillages or concrete washout likely to cause pollution; • Immediately implement the identified emergency response procedures. These include: • Stop the action which is causing pollution immediately; • Take immediate remedial action – block spill, place booms and absorbent materials to help soak up the spill; • Inform the ECOW to identify more detailed required actions; • ECOW to Inform SEPA and landowners / occupiers as relevant; • Monitor effects of spill; • Learn from the experience and plan site works to avoid pollution happening again.
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GEMP 7 - OIL STORAGE AND REFUELLING Petrol, diesel and oils inappropriately used, stored or disposed of can give rise to pollution of the environment. Oil and fuel can be released into the environment through: • spillages during delivery or use; • spillages during refuelling operations; • spillages from hose bursts; • inadequate storage facilities; • spillages during attempted theft or vandalism; and • waste materials being poured directly to drains or gullies, or being burned.
Petrol, diesel and oil are all highly harmful to plant, animals and humans. If pollution is caused, prosecution may follow. The cost of clean up and legal proceedings following a spillage / pollution incident is likely to far exceed the cost of putting proper control measures in place. The Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 apply to any kind of oil including petrol, diesel, mineral oil, heating oil, lubricating oil, waste oil, vegetable and plant oil (except uncut bitumen) stored above ground at premises such as construction sites. The Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011 also apply to handling and storage of waste oil (see Section 9). BMC is required to comply with the following: 7.1 Protection Plan General • Compile a protocol for oil storage operations on site, including emergency response procedures; • Personnel carrying out refuelling are aware of the protocol, trained in the use of spill kits and know what actions to take in an emergency; • Spill kits should be located and maintained at all oil storage and refuelling locations and all site vehicles.
Storage • On-site storage of oil and fuels should be avoided if possible; • Where on-site storage of oil and fuels is required, the volumes to be stored should be minimised as far as practical through efficient management of resource; • Clearly defined areas for the storage of oil should be identified as part of the site establishment process. The following should be considered when identifying a sites for storage: • suitability of ground conditions e.g. can the area be protected against flood damage / inundation / subsidence; • proximity to sensitive environmental receptors such as surface waters, surface water drainage systems; (minimum of 10m from surface waters); • ease of access to proposed storage area for oil deliveries / refuelling; • ability to secure proposed oil storage areas (to prevent theft / vandalism); • Ensure no fuel stores are sited where they could be hit by moving vehicles and plant; and • Ensure all site staff are aware of designated fuelling areas and also those areas where fuelling is not permitted.
Storage areas should: • have an impermeable base in areas of groundwater risk (where necessary, discuss with SEPA); • have control measures in place and have adequate spill kits easily accessible; • be secured against damage / theft / vandalism; • spill kits should be located and maintained at all oil storage and refuelling locations; • storage containers should: • comply with the requirements of the Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006; • comply with the Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG) 2 – above ground oil storage tanks; • static oil storage tanks to be surrounded by an impervious bund with no surface water outlet. The bund to be capable of retaining at least 110% of the volume of the tanks; • valves and couplings connected to oil storage tanks to be located within the bund and delivery;
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• hoses to be fitted with trigger-type handles suspended back within the bund after use; • valves and trigger filler handles to be kept padlocked when not in use; • mobile fuel tanks (including those for generators) should be double skinned and locked when not in use; • be of appropriate type and capacity for the contents and in good condition; • be appropriately labelled identifying the contents.
Refuelling • Vehicles and plant should be refuelled, where possible, at designated refuelling bays; • Where this is not possible for operational reasons, refuelling should not be undertaken near drains or within 10m of surface waters; • Spill kits should be easily accessible for all re-fuelling operations and drip trays used during refuelling operations.
Construction plant • Oil, oil powered pumps, generators etc. to be positioned an impervious drip trays surrounded by earth or sand bunds and located at least 10m from any watercourse; • Drip trays to be used to contain leakages from stationary plant equipment on site including generators, winches, compressors etc.; • Drip trays to be used to contain leakages from stationary plant equipment on site including generators, winches, compressors etc. They should be regularly inspected.
Further information available from: • CIRIA (2005) C650 - Environmental Good Practice – site guide; • CIRIA (2006) C648 - Control of water pollution from linear construction sites – Technical
Guidance; • SEPA Pollution Prevention Guidelines – Above Ground Oil Storage Tanks: PPG2; • The Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
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GEMP 8 - DUST MANAGEMENT Dust arising from a site may frustrate local residents / landowners and can cause air pollution. At very high concentrations, dust may cause health problems. There is also the potential for legal action, which will have cost, programme and reputation implications. Likely issues: • Annoyance to neighbours and bad publicity for the site; • Claims from farmers for dust damage to crops; • Impact on project programme and budget (e.g. compliance with statutory notices relating to dust levels / abatement notices); • Impacts on ecology (e.g. plant growth, watercourses); • Under the Clean Air Act 1993 and Part 3 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities can impose limits on dust generated from a site (see Section 9).
BMC is required to comply with the following: 8.1 Protection Plan Likely sources of dust: • Haul roads and access tracks; • Soil storage areas; • Construction corridor (exposed areas following stripping); • Material transportation; • Loading and unloading materials; • Crushing / screening activities; • Transport of mud onto the public highway;
Control methods: • The site compound areas will be ‘hardstanding’; • Inspect areas at risk daily, especially during dry weather; • Vehicles carrying bulk materials should be sheeted if could give rise to dust; • Keep all public roads well swept and bowse if required; • Limit vehicle speeds along dusty haul roads; • Do not use drills that are powered by compressed air unless appropriate control measures are in place; • Mud should not be deposited on roads. Where applicable, have wheel cleaning facilities prior to vehicles leaving site; • Suppress dust from soil stockpiles, haul roads, stripped working corridors and material storage areas, by bowsing with water, where required; • Hand-sweeping and a road sweeper would be employed to clear up any deposited material to roads; • Wind conditions should be monitored throughout the works, and backfill material would be dampened down when dust generation which could affect the public and road users is likely; • Keep height of soil stockpiles to a minimum and gently grade the side slopes; • Store materials away form the site boundary; • Minimise the height of fall of materials; • Reduce the height that materials are unloaded from; • Planning activities to ensure that, as far as practical, particularly dusty activities are not carried out in unsuitable weather conditions (i.e. very dry / windy) unless suppression is in place; • Identifying any nearby dust sensitive receptors and adopt appropriate measures; • Communicating dust management procedures to all relevant personnel and training if required; • Follow-up any complaints immediately and take action to avoid a repeat complaint;
Further information available in: • BRE (2003) Control of dust from construction and demolition activities; • DETR (2000) Environmental handbook for building and civil engineering projects; • CIRIA (2005) Environmental Good Practice – site guide.
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GEMP 9 - WASTE MANAGEMENT Waste is defined as “any substance or object which the holder discards, intends to discard or is required to discard”. This includes materials that other people want, or for which they can find a beneficial use i.e. material that is to be recovered / recycled. In any construction project, there may be a variety of different wastes, from office and canteen waste to construction materials, waste oils, asbestos and clinical waste that will require management. BMC is required to compile a site waste management plan in accordance with the principles below: Principles of waste management Waste management priorities and practical actions that can be undertaken on site should follow the principles of the waste hierarchy as illustrated below: Eliminate>>>>>>>>>>> Design out waste Reduce >>>>>>>>>>>>Minimise waste generation Reuse>>>>>>>>>>>>> Reuse materials on site if possible Recycle >>>>>>>>>>> Reprocess materials for off-site use Recover >>>>>>>>>>> Recovery of energy from waste sent off site Dispose>>>>>>>>>>>> Least desirable option – last resort A site waste management plan (SWMP) will be compiled by BMC and agreed with the Employer prior to construction works starting. This plan should be based on the above principles and include the following minimum requirements: • Waste minimisation; • Allocate a waste champion – who is responsible for the SWMP; • Record types and quantities of waste that will be produced during the project; • Decide how waste arising will be managed in line with the waste hierarchy; • Plan for efficient materials and waste handling and set reduction targets (KPIs); • Measure quantities and types of waste produced and compare against targets; • Monitor the implementation of the SWMP and update as necessary; • Compile a waste budget. 9.1 Duty of Care All those who produce or handle waste legal responsibilities – a “Duty of Care” - for its safe keeping, transport and subsequent recovery or disposal. Failure to comply is an offence as the “Duty of Care” is a legal requirement under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. ‘Duty of Care’ requires the producer to: • ensure those transporting waste are registered with SEPA; • Ensure the waste is being treated, re-used or disposed of at a suitably licensed site in line with current legislation; • Keep a waste transfer slip for all waste being transported off site; • Ensure that all waste on site is properly stored and secured; • Take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised handling or disposal by others; • If you are dealing with hazardous / special wastes, such as asbestos, chemicals, oils or contaminated soils, you have extra legal responsibilities and may be required to complete detailed special waste consignment notes; • Should there be uncertainty over whether a waste is hazardous / special advice should be sought from the ECOW.
Storage: • All waste should be stored in designated storage areas; • The site should be kept tidy and free from litter at all times;
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• Waste storage areas should be appropriately secured to ensure to prevent pollution; • Controls to prevent wind blow (e.g. covered skips); • All wastes that could leach or be entrained in water run-off should be stored on an impervious surface with barriers to lateral flow; • Storage of liquid wastes should be stored on impermeable surfaces within a secondary containment system, ideally a bund with 110% capacity of the container; • Segregation of waste at the point of generation should be provided by the use of designated storage areas / containers to ensure cross-contamination is reduced; • All storage areas / containers should be clearly labelled to identify the waste type and properties; • Keep the duration of storage to the minimum required.
Special waste storage: • Weekly inspections should be undertaken for leaks, corrosion etc; • Separate all waste streams at source. Incompatible wastes such as chemicals that, if mixed, may react together; • Provide written instructions for storing and disposing of each type of waste • Maintain an inventory of the special wastes stored on each site, quantities, and location.
Movement: • All movement of waste should be undertaken in line with the relevant waste regulations; • Any waste being transported off site should be done so by a registered waste carrier; • A waste transfer note / special waste consignment note should be completed and retained prior to waste leaving the site; • Before waste is allowed to leave site, the producer should ensure that the site it is being transported to as appropriately licensed; • Vehicles transporting waste should be suitably secured so as not to allow waste to escape.
Reuse, Treatment, Disposal: • All re-use, treatment and disposal of waste must be undertaken in line with an appropriate waste management licence (WML) or an exemption to require a waste management licence (WMX); • If it can be proven that the material is not waste, it will not fall within these requirements; • WML’s and WMX should be applied for or registered with SEPA prior to undertaking the activity; • No burning of waste is permitted on site; • No fly-tipping is permitted.
Monitoring/Auditing: • Regular audits should be undertaken to ensure that the SWMP is being fully implemented.
Some useful links on waste management are: • www.wrap.org.uk; • www.bre.co.uk; • www.smartwaste.co.uk; • www.dti.gov.uk; • www.ciria.org.uk; • www.netregs.gov.uk; • www.envirowise.gov.uk.
GEMP 10 - WORKING IN PEAT, BLANKET BOG, WET HEATH AND DRY HEATH HABITATS This section of the CEMD includes plans for specific on-site activities in peat. These guidance plans are generic and should be developed and further detailed before construction begins for each particular location where working in peat is a constraint. BMC is required to comply with the following:
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General • Peat stripping and removal should be kept to an absolute minimum; • The access track routes and tower locations have been selected to avoid, wherever possible, areas of deep peat; • Maintain local hydrological conditions necessary for peat formation, maintenance and regeneration whilst taking into account sensitive habitats adjacent to works area; • Ensure that large loads do not compress peat and create a barrier to water movements which could cause pooling at one side of corridor and drying out at the other, or cause peat slump by displacement; • Consider how site will be restored / reinstated on completion of the works; • Define a water management strategy for working peatland areas in consultation with the ECOW; • Vehicle movements on untracked ground should be limited to reduce the impact of construction on soil compaction and surface vegetation loss; • Access to the site must be done as efficiently as possible avoiding unnecessary movements back and forth. The use of multiple parallel access track-ways should be avoided where possible as this will cause damage over a wide area leading to possible damage to sensitive areas; • For transportation across peat areas, use temporary matting (e.g. trackway geotextile membranes, timber log mats or bog mats) unless agreed otherwise with SSEN; • Access to peatland habitats is restricted to low ground pressure vehicles and excavators at all times; • Always seek advice from the project ECOW on working methods within peat areas; • Areas where rain water has been flowing over the surface should be identified in advance.
Post installation inspections should be made to identify whether any of the pre-construction areas show signs of soil erosion where water is flowing over large tracks of the trenches. Locally designed drainage channels or pipe systems to conduct water across cable trenches should be constructed to minimise post-construction damage and to allow better opportunities for re-vegetation. Access track construction • A tracked excavator should proceed the trenching works and remove turfs to a depth of 300mm using as large a toothed bucket as is practical; • Turfs and soil should be stored to the side of the excavation. Where this is on good quality blanket bog storage should be on top of a geotextile membrane; • Turfs should be stored root side down an should remain in the storage location until required for reinstatement (this is to avoid multiple handling and reduce the potential for turfs becoming unstable); • Turfs, peat and subsoil should be stored separately; • Stored peat should be regularly checked for signs of drying out. If drying out is occurring the storage areas should be sprayed with water to maintain moisture content; • Subsoil layers and peat layers should be reinstated in the order they were removed and the turfs should be reinstated root side down; • Design of works should avoid the potential for concentrated discharges of water onto the hill slopes; • In particularly susceptible areas, the use of drainage ditches may be necessary upstream of the construction corridor. These should only be installed following advice from hydrological specialists and the Employers ECOW; • Working in areas of peatland should be avoided, as far as practicable during times of the year with the highest rainfall, and stripping of peat / reinstatement should stop during periods of sustained heavy rainfall. GEMP 11 - BAD WEATHER It is important to consider the implications of poor weather conditions and associated environmental risks. Bad weather, particularly heavy rain, can cause significant environmental impacts during construction (for example, on sensitive habitats and increased risk of sediment laden run-off into surface waters). BMC is required to comply with the following: • Identify an action plan before construction starts with a protocol of measures to implement in times of bad weather. This should include heavy rain, high winds, snow and frost;
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• The weather forecast should be checked on a daily basis and thought should be given to possible sudden changes; • Ground conditions should be checked regularly and assessment made as to whether they are suitable for the proposed site activities; • Check whether plant is causing unacceptably high damage on site because of poor ground conditions (involve the ECOW) • Consider whether plant could be at risk if used in areas which are too wet; • Plan for high run-off in advance and Identify protection measures (silt traps, straw bales and booms etc); • Check for any materials stored close to watercourses during construction activities which could be washed into the water in times of storm; • During times of excessive rainfall and ground saturation, stripping and reinstatement works should not be undertaken.
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GEMP 12 - RESTORATION In order to undertake restoration to an acceptable standard (ensuring that the previous habitat and vegetation is reinstated to as near the original condition as possible), it is important to plan the works in such way as reinstatement is achievable. The way in which stripping, storage and replacement of soils / turfs is undertaken can significantly increase the successfulness of any reinstatement. The following guidance should form a basis of the restoration plan for the project. A site restoration plan should be included with the CEMP. It is noted that BMC is to assume that unless authorised by the Local Planning Authority all access is to be restored to original condition. It is recommended that BMC assume a pro-active approach to restoration i.e. use of temporary access materials such as Trakway and appropriate low pressure construction vehicles particularly in areas of wet ground is encouraged. BMC is to assume that all decommissioned tower bases will be removed to 1.5 m below grade. Planning Construction Works In planning the detailed construction works seek to avoid intrusive work wherever possible. There will be less restoration required once construction is finished. Seek to: • avoid major earthworks wherever possible; • retain natural features such as rocky outcrops wherever possible to aid in successful restoration; • avoid loss of mature trees wherever possible; for example, remove young regenerating birch in preference to mature trees which may have biodiversity and landscape value and will give structure to the finished works; • site tracks and micro-site route around groups of trees where possible to leave natural features rather than dissecting groups / copses which again will reduce the necessary restoration works; • when crossing hedges or walls plan to use gaps to avoid reinstatement works; • where possible plan to push trees over which require to be removed and leave on site (unless not considered appropriate by the environmental representative) which will help naturalise the area which is disturbed and promote biodiversity; • take account of archaeological resources and seek to avoid; • design any permanent drainage ditches to be as natural as possible (not too straight and engineered but with varied banks and alignments etc); • design drainage measures carefully to avoid unnecessary long term effects on adjacent habitats which could be difficult to restore; • plan all site activities to reduce the need for vehicle movements. This will help in final restoration by minimising compression etc.
Planning Restoration: • Restoration at the end of the works will always be more successful if planned in advance.
Always: • ensure that detailed restoration plans take account of specific habitat types and locations; • plan restoration in advance of working on-site - this will save time and money at a later stage and will ensure that opportunities are not lost and a more successful outcome is achieved; • identify where soils and peat and turfs will be stored with input from the site environmental representative(s); • discuss restoration proposals with the environmental representative(s); • take account of all agreements included in this CEMD and commitments register; • take account of all environmental interests, for example, seek to enhance local biodiversity but not by planting on sensitive archaeological or geological sites; • If any seeding is required this will need to be agreed with SSEN, ECoW and SNH.
Remember different seed mixes will give different colour in the final design-seek to avoid creating ‘stripes’; • plan how monitoring of restoration will be undertaken and by whom and when; • consider how deer pressures (grazing and wallowing) may affect the success of planting and plan restoration works accordingly;
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• plan restoration taking account of run-off erosion risks on steep slops in poor conditions; be aware of the potential for sediment rich run-off to smother sensitive or newly established communities in poor weather conditions and seek to curtail this.
Early Works: Some early works will help in achieving more successful final restoration. These include the following: • always take photographs of the site before works start to guide later restoration including of any drainage that will be disturbed; • strip turfs and vegetation carefully and use in temporary works to prevent erosion; • turfs can be stored successfully in cut-off ditches in some locations which can aid attenuation and prevent turfs/vegetation from drying out; • store top soil and subsoil separately according to best practice; • store stripped materials in immediate location or as close as feasible for future re-use in site restoration as close as possible to the location from which they were removed from; • keep a record of where all soils and turfs are stored; • remove large boulders (rather than cover) to replace in restoration works; • remove noxious weeds in accordance with best practice. Do not allow unnecessary spread or this will compromise the success of final restoration works; • seek to avoid compression of soils as much as possible on restoration. Drainage may impeded and may result in extensive rush areas being created; • during construction seek to avoid creating eroded areas which can be difficult to restore successfully.
Final Restoration At the end of construction in any area the site must be restored carefully and sympathetically taking account of all required mitigation and of the conditions. The following principles should also be adopted where appropriate: General • undertake restoration works in suitable weather conditions - wet ground conditions can be difficult as can hot dry and windy spells; • restoration should ensure the successful integration of the site with surrounding land uses and habitats; • all field, roadside or other boundaries disturbed during construction operations would be • reinstated using the original materials (in the case of stone dykes, this having been carefully set aside for re-use) or to the original specification and to at least the pre-existing condition, or better; • natural regeneration of habitats should be promoted in all appropriate areas; • where hedgerow field boundaries are removed they are to be replanted with the same species and at the same spacing intervals; • any required replanting and / or reseeding should be undertaken at appropriate times of the year and with the agreement of landowners / occupiers (and SNH if within designated sites); • any required replanting and / or reseeding should be undertaken at appropriate times of the year and with the agreement of landowners / occupiers (and SNH if within designated sites); • identify the most appropriate machinery to use for restoration in any area (small digger or large machine etc) according to the sensitivity of the habitats and the extent of areas to be restored (take advice from the site ecologist); • undertake small sections of the site for restoration and monitor success with input from the site environmental representative(s) before restoring large areas.
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GEMP 13 - FORESTRY The Employer requires that best practice is implemented at all times by BMC. The following is provided as a guide to the standards that will be expected during forestry works: • All tree works should comply with BS 5837 (2012) – Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction. • Vegetation should be left well balanced with natural crown shapes. • Pruning must also take into account the vegetation re-growth expected in the interval between cuts. This will vary widely between plant species and sites. • Avoid all recognised injurious practices such as: • Topping or lopping to an arbitrary height or branch length. • Flush cuts. • Unbalancing a tree crown by excessive one-sided pruning. • Inappropriate use of flailing. • Climbing damage - Care shall be taken to avoid injuring thin and weak barked species by inappropriate use of rope access techniques on trees (such as use of climbing irons) on trees to be retained. • Access damage - Vehicle access and treatment of arisings shall avoid injury to low branches, stems, root buttresses and feeder roots. • Spreading Disease - Appropriate regard shall be given to avoiding spreading fungal diseases.
Forestry Commission Biosecurity Guidance should be followed. Consideration should be given to landowners’ requirements for treating stumps. • If the only pruning option is to severely reduce or unbalance a tree, then coppicing, or felling and replacement planting are often better options and shall be agreed with the landowner. • Presentation of produce should be in neat, safely stacked piles ready for forwarder/tractor pickup, where required. • Cut and present material as agreed with the Environmental Project Manager and defined in the scope of works. • Sites shall be left tidy, with brash and stumps cut low and neatly with any hinge or jagged spikes removed, to prevent them becoming a trip hazard or an obstacle to vehicles. Remove all litter from site. • Utilise brash to assist with the access requirements for felling and construction machinery and give consideration to rights of way by transient wildlife. Small piles of brash and timber may be left on site at specific, identified locations in the interest of increasing biodiversity. • Leave watercourses, culverts and ditches undamaged and clear of arisings. No felling into watercourses is allowed. The Forestry Commission publication ‘Forest and Water Guidelines’ (Ver 4) should be followed. • Local drainage systems to be maintained and not damaged or interrupted by the felling works. • Avoid damaging those standing trees which are to be retained. • No fires should be lit on site. • A root protection zone should be identified around all trees to remain on site that are within close proximity to the works area to ensure that no accidental damage is caused to the tree roots. • No material arising from access works or another site works must be stored within the root protection zone or stacked against trees • Mulching should be used where there is a need to clear the site of tree residue or where trees or areas are too small to fell commercially (typically, a minimum top diameter of 7cm will be commercially recovered). The resultant mulch is to be partially incorporated with the vegetation layer. GEMP 14 - NOISE AND VIBRATION • Works will be scheduled so that high noise producing activities are not carried out on Saturday afternoons, where practicable. • Staff must show consideration to the sensitive receptors, including residential neighbours, and must not generate unnecessary noise when walking to and from the site, or when leaving and arriving at work; • SMART self-adjusting reversing alarms will be used;
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• Equipment will be fitted with effective silencers/insulation of the type recommended by manufacturers; • Acoustic shielding to be used where appropriate and practicable; • All plant will be regularly serviced, maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions to minimise extraneous noises arising from mechanical vibration; • Machines that are intermittently used will be shut down in the intervening periods between work or throttled down to a minimum; • Engine compartments will be closed when equipment is in use; • Mobile equipment will be situated as far as is reasonably practicable away from occupied buildings; and • All complaints will be recorded and investigated and any corrective actions implemented. Additionally, should any complaints arise regarding vibration, these will be investigated. GEMP 15 – EMERGENCY PROCEDURES - Environment In the event of a pollution/environmental incident the following general emergency procedure will be implemented immediately. • Assess the situation. Determine the source, composition and approximate quantity of the material entering the water environment and determine whether you have the appropriate equipment, PPE and training to tackle the pollution incident. • Get the help you require to deal with the pollution event safely. Inform the Site Supervisor of the incident. They will contact the Project Manager, ECoW and the 24hr Contact (where required). • The following protocols will then be adopted: STOP the source of the pollution; this may involve stopping works. CONTAIN the pollution material using suitable equipment including boom, spill kit, suitable inert material (e.g. sand), and installing silt mitigation (e.g. straw bales, silt fencing, clean stone) to prevent further material movement. DO NOT allow the pollution to enter further into the water environment (i.e. local drainage system). REMOVE the pollution. Fuel spills can be removed using spill mats/granules or may require a pump from a specialist contractor. Silt may also need to be pumped out of holding tanks for private water supplies. Booms can be deployed to absorb oil spills in holding tanks and collection ponds. DISPOSE of the waste material. Used spill kits MUST be placed in a designated COSHH bin separate from all other waste streams. Material which has been pumped may be stored in labelled, empty oil drums or other suitable container prior to removal from site by a registered special waste contractor. REPORT the incident. Complete an Incident Report Form. SEPA must be informed in the event of pollution to the water environment including a surface water drain/waterbody or the sea; Scottish Water and the Local Authority must be contacted should pollution from Site enter a surface water or foul drainage system. REVIEW the event to determine any actions required to prevent the incident from recurring. Review the effectiveness of the response plan and make any changes necessary.
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APPENDIX A SPECIES PROTECTION PLAN 1. BREEDING BIRDS 1.1. Introduction Construction works have the potential to negatively impact on breeding birds as a result of either direct destruction of nests or disturbance which may result in breeding failure. In addition, some particularly sensitive species are liable to disturbance outwith the breeding season. This Species Protection Plan (SPP) outlines the procedures that must be followed where there is a potential for breeding birds to be affected. It explains the responsibilities of SSEN, BMC and its Contractors, the legislative protection for birds, and the measures required to minimise impacts on birds and thereby the risk of criminal offences being committed. 1.2. Responsibilities It is BMC’s responsibility to comply with all the requirements of this plan and it is both BMC’s and SSEN’s responsibility to monitor compliance with the plan. 1.3. Legislation 1.3.1. Wild Birds All wild birds are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended). Recent and significant changes have been made to the protection of wild birds in Scotland by The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly1: • Kill or injure any wild bird; • Capture or keep [alive or dead] any wild bird; • Destroy or take the egg of any wild bird; • Sell or advertise for sale any wild bird or its eggs; • Destroy, damage, interfere with, take or obstruct the use of the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. 1.3.2. Schedule 1 Birds Additional protection is given to rare breeding birds listed under Schedule 1 of the WCA. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly; • Disturb any Schedule 1 species while they are nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young; • Disturb the dependent young of such birds. • Also with specific reference to capercaillie the Act makes it an offence to: • Intentionally or recklessly disturb capercaillie at lekking sites. Reckless acts would include disregard of mitigation aimed at protecting birds, resulting in killing, injury, and/or disturbance of birds or their nests. 1.3.3. Schedule 1A and A1 Birds Further protection is given to birds listed on Schedule 1A and A1 of the Act, making it an offence at any time of year to: • Harass a white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, hen harrier and red kite (1A); and • Damage a nest of a white-tailed eagle or golden eagle (A1). At present it is not possible to obtain a derogation to disturb Schedule 1 breeding birds or destroy nests of any wild breeding birds for the purposes of development. However, the control of certain species is licensable in a restricted number of circumstances such as for reasons of public health and safety. A licensing system is also in place for surveying protected species if a disturbance offence is possible. Further advice is available on the SNH website (http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlandsnature/protected- species/which-and-how/birds). 1.4. Protection Plan In advance of construction at any location where breeding birds may be present, it is essential that this plan is followed. Page 25 of 32
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Pre-construction/dismantling surveys and data collation 1. Pre-construction / dismantling surveys for breeding birds will be completed a maximum of 12 months prior to start of any works in a particular area, and at an appropriate time of year, to ensure availability of up-to-date information to inform any mitigation measures required. 2. Surveys will be carried out by suitably experienced ecologists / ornithologists using methods agreed with SNH under Survey Licences where required. 3. Pre-construction / dismantling surveys will: - be undertaken in accordance with SNH’s Guidance on Assessing the Impact of Overhead Power Line Proposals on Birds for overhead lines. 4. Relevant local recorders/field workers, e.g. raptor workers, will be contacted at the pre-construction phase for recent records of sensitive species that might be affected. 1.5. Review of Works 1. The Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will review whether construction activities are likely to affect breeding birds and, if so, what mitigation options are available. A hierarchical approach to mitigation will be applied to any occupied bird habitat that may be affected under the Project works, as detailed in the “General mitigation” section below. Priority will be given to assessing and mitigating impacts to species listed on Schedule 1. 2. Construction teams will be advised of existing / new constraints together with mitigation options by the ECoW. 3. Project Geo-databases and / or relevant site documentation, e.g. Environmental Management Plans (EMP’s), will be updated with new and amended information as it is produced, with changes communicated to appropriate staff as required. 1.6. General Mitigation 1. This SPP is designed to provide BMC and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) with an approved methodology for protecting breeding birds. 2. The ECoW will attend site on a regular basis throughout the construction period to ensure all environmental mitigation relevant to breeding birds is delivered. 3. A hierarchical approach to mitigation of Programme / Avoid / Risk Assess will be applied to any birds that may be affected under the Project works. - Where practicable, works will be programmed outwith breeding season see http://www.snh.gov.uk/about-scotlands-nature/species/birds/scotlands-birds/ for information on breeding seasons) for areas likely to contain numerous breeding sites (e.g. forestry areas). - For key specially protected or sensitive species, appropriate protection zones will be established upon confirmation of nest building / breeding taking place. Protection zones will also be set out by a suitably qualified ECoW for all breeding birds and those species whose roost sites are also protected i.e. red kite and hen harrier. No works will be carried out within these zones whilst birds are: 1. building or using their nest, 2. still dependent on the nest site, or 3. present at roost sites. The ECoW will advise when it is safe for works to be carried out. - During the breeding season (or whilst birds are roosting at other times of year) where programme critical works must be carried out within the protection zones, the ECoW will carry out a Protected Species Risk Assessment to assess whether disturbance can be avoided during the works. Considerations will include the species involved, local topography, natural screening, type of works and existing levels of human activity, e.g. farming, forestry and habitation. 4. The protection zone may then be reduced if it can be demonstrated and agreed by a Specialist Adviser and / or SNH as required, that works will not cause disturbance. 5. Monitoring will be undertaken by the ECoW or Specialist Adviser, where appropriate, to ensure no disturbance is caused. 6. An emergency procedure will be implemented by site workers if breeding birds are encountered. All work within 50 m (non-scheduled species), and the ECoW will inspect the site and define any mitigation in line with this SPP. 7. In exceptional cases, standard mitigation measures (as outlined above) may be insufficient. In such scenarios, mitigation will be determined on a case- specific basis. No construction works would be undertaken within the protection zone until mitigation has been agreed (in consultation with SNH if required).
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1.7. Specific Mitigation Dissuasion techniques may be used to make areas less attractive to nesting birds or birds returning back to a previous nesting location (dissuasion will not be carried out where there is potential to harass Schedule 1A species, or interfere with / damage a Schedule A1 nest). Dissuasion may include felling of trees / clearance of scrub prior to the breeding season commencing or placement of bird scarers / frightening devices. Should any bird nesting attempts be found within the footprint of construction, an appropriate protection zone will be marked around the nest. A suitably qualified ecologist will then ensure that works do not affect any nest, bird, eggs or young at this location, through micro-siting or re-programming of works as per the general mitigation outlined in this SPP. 1.8. Habitat Management Scrub clearance / felling / strimming may be used to discourage birds nesting prior to the start of the breeding season in suitable areas. This method has a dual purpose in also in dissuading reptiles / small mammals. For strimming a sward is cut to a height of 2-5cm depending upon vegetation type and ground conditions and this can be achieved by hand strimmers or mechanical means depending upon the ground conditions. The advantage of this method is that the vegetation can be cleared in advance of the works and in slow growing areas, i.e. heath, there is a potential for the site to remain free of constraints for a longer period of time. The ECoW will advise on the potential for other ground nesting species to occupy these areas; in such instances, scaring may be appropriate in conjunction with the management of sward height. Clearance of habitat will be undertaken outwith the breeding season; scarers will be placed no later than 10 days before construction commences. Weekly walkover checks by a suitably licenced and experienced ecologist shall then be undertaken to ensure that the mitigation measures are being effective. 1.9. Active Dissuasion / Disturbance 1. At sites where there will be a high level of human activity, noise and possible vibration from construction activities this should dissuade some nesting activities ; and 2. Areas identified to be at risk of nesting birds will be identified and disturbance levels at these locations will be increased. Sites will be visited regularly to dissuade birds from nesting (this may include tower climbing on overhead line projects). 3. Several types of bird scarer/ frightening device can be used, and are detailed below. The use of each should be determined by the ECoW. 4. Hawkeyes are probably the most effective of the bird scarers that have been used on the previous projects. A small number of these have been effective in deterring birds from nesting within construction areas. These will be deployed prior to the start of the breeding season and moved around the compound to stop the birds becoming accustomed to them. 5. Ticker tape can be used in more sheltered areas and can work well however they can be difficult to attach to poles/canes and work best on fencing such as that for the compounds. 6. Scarecrows can be constructed using old PPE and are a cheap way to supplement the Hawkeyes. 7. Once deployed, scarers will be kept on site for a period sufficient to minimize the risk of birds settling on site during the works. 8. As construction commences, suitable nesting sites within the construction footprint will normally be reduced. The frequency of ongoing checks will then be decided by the ECoW on a site by site basis. 1.10. Removing Disused Bird Nests The objective of this mitigation is to provide specific guidelines for the protection of birds and their nesting places before and during construction works, but also to facilitate the removal of old or disused nests where required for construction or maintenance works, such as: 1. In substations where birds have nested on equipment causing a fire risk; 2. In order to allow dismantling of redundant towers; or 3. Where the presence of a nest interferes with construction, maintenance or upgrading of overhead transmission lines. Not specially protected birds: 1. It is an offence to remove any birds nest while it is being built or in use and it is an offence to take, destroy or posses the egg of a wild bird. 2. If a bird nest is to be removed then it must be shown to be disused. 3. Before a nest of any species is removed, where there is any doubt as to whether the nest is in use or not, it will be monitored by the ECoW over a period of a week. Direct observations of nests will be
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made on the 1st, 3rd and 5th days as well as monitoring from suitable vantage points and where necessary with camera traps. The nest will be removed only when there is clear evidence that the nest is disused and no eggs are present. 4. Should eggs be found, the nest will not be moved until a licence has been obtained from SNH for the taking of the eggs. 1.11. Schedule 1 Species For white-tailed eagle and golden eagle (Schedule A1) it is an offence to remove or damage a nest at any time, regardless of whether it is currently in use. The disused nests of any other Schedule 1 or Schedule A1 species needing to be removed will be subject to an assessment and agreed with SNH. The assessment will detail the needs case for removal, bird species involved, monitoring, information about the nest and clarification of whether it is in habitual use, habitat and any further nests within the area associated with that bird. Nest monitoring will be undertaken by a suitably licensed and experienced ecologist and / or Specialist Adviser.
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APPENDIX B – SPECIES PROTECTION PLAN - OTTER PROTECTION 1.1. Introduction Otter is a European Protected Species and is afforded a high level of protection in Scotland. This Protection Plan provides guidance procedures for the protection of otters and their shelters during construction works. The Plan contains two parts and details the procedures that must be followed where there is potential for otter to be present (Part 1), and where a Project Licence for otter has been issued by SNH to cover the project (Part 2): 1.1.1. Part 1: General Protection Plan This Part applies to all projects where otter may be present and is issued to Contractors as part of the Construction Environmental Management Document (CEMD). Part 1 outlines the responsibilities of SSEN and BMC regarding protection of otter. It also details relevant legislation, survey requirements, general mitigation measures and the requirement for licensing and mitigation. 1.1.2. Part 2: Project Licence Protection Plan This is provided to Contractors in addition to Part 1 for large projects where a Project Licence has been issued by SNH to cover the work and identifies those activities and protection / mitigation measures which are permitted under the Project Licence and those activities which require a Method Statement to be submitted to SNH for written approval before works can commence. This Part should be followed in conjunction with Part 1 and the relevant Project Licence to provide approved guidance and methodologies for carrying out work. 1.2. Part 1: General Protection Plan Otters (Lutra lutra) are members of the weasel family with a widespread distribution in Scotland. They are largely solitary, semi-aquatic and obtain most of their food from rivers or the sea. Otters living on rivers may travel distances of 16 km or more at night. They use two kinds of shelter – underground holts and above ground couches. Otters may dig their own holts but they often enlarge existing structures such as rabbit holes so identification can be difficult. Couches may be nest-like structures or simply a depression in a stick pile or under a windblown tree. Each individual will use multiple shelters and holts can be located up to 500m from watercouses. Otters may have cubs at any time of year. Breeding sites are generally found in areas with the following characteristics: • Relatively undisturbed by humans / ungrazed by stock. • Close (<50 m) to water but rarely flooded or just above the floodplain level. • Containing patches of dense cover (e.g. scrub thickets, deciduous woodland, young conifer plantation, heather, log piles, tree roots, rock piles, stands of tussocky tall fen vegetation, or reed beds). Signs of otter: • Spraints (droppings) which have a high mucus content and are often formless, generally black or greenish –black in colour and may contain obvious fish bones or scales. • Otter prints and tracks – otter paths are 12-15 cm wide and normally connect with water and holts they are marked with spraints. Otter prints are about 6 cm wide and have five toes. • Feeding remains – hard parts of crustaceans, unpalatable bits of amphibians and bony parts of fish. • Otter shelters - holts or couches. 1.2.1. Responsibilities It is BMC’s responsibility to comply with all the requirements of this Protection Plan where otter may be present, and it is BMC’s responsibility to monitor compliance with the Protection Plan. The responsibility for applying for any Licence, including a Project Licence, may vary from project to project, but all applications and mitigation works will adhere to this plan. 1.2.2. Legislation Otter is a European Protected Species (EPS) protected under Annex II and IV of EC Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Habitats Directive). The Habitats Directive is transposed in Scottish law by the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994. Otter is listed on Schedule 2 of the Conservation Regulations 1994. The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2007 enhanced this protection. Current Legislation means that otters and their shelters are fully protected in Scotland. In summary it is illegal to:
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• Deliberately or recklessly kill, injure or take (capture) an otter; • Deliberately or recklessly disturb or harass an otter; • Damage, destroy or obstruct access to a breeding site or resting place of an otter (i.e. an otter shelter). 1.2.3. Surveying for Otters 1. Surveys for otter must be undertaken in all works areas containing suitable otter habitat, a maximum of 12 months prior to the works commencing, (this includes site investigations), to ensure the availability of up-to-date information on shelter locations. 2. Surveys must extend for a minimum of 200 m beyond working areas, including access tracks. 3. Surveys must be carried out by suitably qualified and experienced ecologists and will identify whether any active holts or places of shelter are likely to be affected by the works. Normally work within 30 m of a non-breeding shelter is regarded as likely to cause otter disturbance and will therefore require to be covered by a licence from SNH. However, works generating high noise / vibration levels (such as pile driving or blasting) can cause disturbance to non-breeding sites up to 100 m. Any work within 200 m of a breeding otter holt / shelter should also be regarded as capable of causing disturbance. 4. Appropriate monitoring (e.g. the use of suitable camera traps) should be undertaken where required to determine if any holt / place of shelter is being used for breeding. Camera trap monitoring may also require a Licence from SNH. 5. Active shelters will be classified as: o Holt: Underground or other fully enclosed structure (can range from enlarged rabbit holes and cavities amongst tree roots to rock piles and manmade structures). o Place of Shelter: Can be either a Couch / Lie-up - an above ground semi-enclosed resting place (e.g. under overhanging river banks / tree root plates); or Hover – a nest-like structures (0.3 -1 m in diameter) constructed from nearby vegetation or a depression in a stick pile or under a windblown tree. 1.2.4. Review of Otter Survey Once an otter survey has been carried out, the ECoW should review the survey results, apply the mitigation hierarchy outlined below and decide if a Licence is required (either Individual or Project) for the works. Construction teams should be advised of existing / new constraints, together with mitigation and licensing requirements by the ECoW. Relevant site documentation and project information sources should be updated with new and amended information on otter constraints as it is produced, with changes communicated to appropriate staff immediately. Note: Information from any previous surveys (e.g. surveys carried out to provide data for EIA or other Assessments) can be a useful guide to otter activity in an area, particularly if holts were recorded. However, surveys will always require to be updated if carried out more than 12 months prior to works commencing. 1.3. Mitigation Hierarchy There is a general presumption against works being carried out which could disturb otters in their place of shelter or to destroy / exclude any holt. A hierarchical approach to mitigation of Avoidance - Disturbance - Destruction will be applied to any holt / place of shelter that may be affected. 1.3.1. Avoidance This is the preferred option for active holts / places of shelter identified within 30 m of works (100 m for high noise / vibration activities) or 200 m for confirmed breeding sites or. Protection zones of either 30m, 100 m or 200 m should be marked and signed on the ground with appropriate material to restrict work access. Protection zones must be maintained until works are completed. Site staff should be briefed of their purpose through a Toolbox Talk and works micro-sited out with the protection zone. If otter disturbance can be avoided in this way, there is no need to obtain a Licence from SNH for the works. 1.3.2. Disturbance For any works required within 30 m of active holts / places of shelter (or 200 m for confirmed breeding sites), and for high noise / vibration activities such as pile driving or blasting within 100 m of holts / places of shelter, a Licence from SNH will be required (either Individual or Project). Individual Licence applications to SNH should be accompanied by a Protection Plan which outlines how disturbance will be minimised and holts protected, for example through screening of works and modifying protection zones. If a Project Licence is in place, and a breeding holt will be disturbed, a Method Statement
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SSEN: Western Isles Remedial Rev 1.0 – 20.04.2020 GEMP CB0192-1004 must be submitted to SNH for written approval in accordance with Part 2 of this document, prior to any works commencing. 1.3.3. Destruction Destruction of holts / other places of shelter should only be undertaken as a last resort. For destruction of active holts / places of shelter a Licence will be required from SNH (either Individual or Project) Individual Licence applications to SNH should be accompanied by a Protection Plan which outlines how disturbance will be minimised and individuals protected. The plan should include monitoring to ensure breeding is not taking place and provision for the creation of an artificial holt if required. Any holt / place of shelter subject to works under Licence will be monitored during and after those works. If a Project Licence is in place, a Method Statement must be submitted to SNH in accordance with Part 2 of this document for written approval prior to any works commencing. 1.4. Mitigation Measures 1.4.1. General Mitigation 1. All works close to waterbodies and watercourses showing signs of regular use by otters should not take place at night or within 2 hours of sunset / sunrise, if possible. 2. Where works close to waterbodies and watercourses are required at night, lighting should be directed away from riparian areas. 3. All works close to water courses and waterbodies must follow best practice measures outlined in this GEM, to ensure their protection against pollution, silting and erosion. 4. Any temporarily exposed pipe system should be capped when staff are off site to prevent otters from gaining access. 5. All exposed trenches and holes should be provided with mammal exit ramps e.g. wooden planks or earth ramps when BMC are off site. 6. An emergency procedure should be implemented by site workers if otter / otter shelters are unexpectedly encountered. All work within 30 m (100 m for high noise/vibration activities) or 200 m for breeding sites should cease until a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist has inspected the site and determined the appropriate course of action. 7. An exceptional circumstance procedure will be implemented should mitigation options not prove satisfactory in a particular case. Works will be halted whilst mitigation is determined (under consultation with SNH if required). 1.4.2. Monitoring and Reporting 1. The Environmental Representative will attend site on a regular basis throughout the construction period to ensure all environmental mitigation relevant to otter is delivered. 2. Reports will be submitted to SNH as required by the relevant Licence. 1.4.3. Licensing Requirements Licence applications must be sent into SNH species licensing team sufficiently in advance of the project start date (approximately 40 days) to ensure the licence is in place prior to any work commencing. 1.4.4. Project Licence An SNH Project Licence is likely to be the most appropriate form of Licence for any large scale and / or long running Project, which may result in a large number of minor unavoidable otter offences. For example, multiple instances of disturbance to a number of otter shelters over several years. A Project Licence can be used to standardise protected species mitigation / compensation, creating consistency across the project area and throughout the Project’s lifespan. Project Licences do not negate the need for thorough pre-construction survey within 12 months of the planned project start date. Any Project Licence application will need to be accompanied by the Mitigation Plan and procedures for otter included in Parts 1and 2 of this SPP. 1.4.5. Individual Licence For small scale Projects expected to be completed over relatively short timescales, which will result in a low number of unavoidable otter offences an Individual SNH Licence is most likely to be appropriate. Licence applications should be accompanied by a Method Statement / Mitigation Plan and should be sent sufficiently in advance of the Project start date to ensure the licence is in place prior to work commencing. Further guidance and details of how to apply for an otter Licence can be found on the SNH website (http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing).
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1.5. Part 2: Project Licence Protection Plan The following sections of this plan are to be read in conjunction with the Project Licence. The Licences are included in this Part of the SPP. More disruptive activities, listed in Section 1 below, will also require a specific Method Statement / Mitigation Plan to be submitted to SNH for approval (see Appendix A). It is the BMC’s responsibility to submit these Method Statements to both SSEN and SNH for written approval. No works shall proceed without this written approval. Sufficient time should be allowed for in the programme to carry out any consultation work and obtain necessary approvals. The Project Licence will specify reporting requirements detailing all disturbance and destruction works carried out. Works Allowed under the Project Licence: Under the Project Licence there is a general presumption against works being carried out which could disturb otters in their place of shelter, or to destroy / exclude any holt unless it can clearly be demonstrated that either it is inactive (i.e. through monitoring) or that there is no alternative solution against Project timescales and requirements. 1. Activities requiring an SNH Approved Method Statement The following activities require a formal Method Statement to be submitted and approved by SNH prior to any works commencing: a. Destruction of a holt at any time of year. b. Disturbance to a breeding holt at any time of year. c. Any exceptional circumstances not covered in this SPP. 2. Activities not requiring additional SNH approval The following works may be carried out under this SPP and / or specific Method Statements without the prior approval of SNH, using the prescribed methodologies: a. Disturbance to a non-breeding holt / place of shelter at any time of year i. Appropriate monitoring will be undertaken to ensure the place of shelter is not being used for breeding. ii. The Agent or their representative will check, prior to works each morning, that suitable access / egress between the holt / place of shelter and a watercourse is maintained. A check will also be made of the works area to check no otter is present within construction plant / materials. iii. Works can commence once the Agent or their representative is satisfied that no otter is present within the works area. iv. The Agent or their representative will set up a suitable protection zone as far from the holt/place of shelter as is reasonably practicable to prevent damage and minimise disturbance. v. The Agent or their representative will monitor the works to ensure compliance with the licence conditions. vi. The emergency procedure detailed will be implemented if an otter is found during works. b. Destruction of a place of shelter at any time of year i. Appropriate monitoring will be undertaken to ensure the place of shelter is not being used for breeding. ii. The Agent or their representative will check to ensure that the place of shelter is not being used immediately prior to its destruction. iii. If it can be determined that the place of shelter has not been used recently, no exclusion will be required prior to destruction. iv. The Agent or their representative will monitor the destruction works to ensure compliance with the licence. v. The emergency procedure will be implemented if an otter is found during the works. In the event of a destruction, a report will be sent to SNH detailing the destruction works undertaken.
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APPENDIX C – EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE 29/05/20 WITH CEANN A’ GHARAIDH HARBOUR AUTHORITY
From: Iain Buchanan To: Suzanne Grimes Cc: Andrew Kinninmonth; Martin Black; Matthew Hart; Jessica Reoch; Kenneth Morrison - TS | G Subject: Appendix C - Email correspondence Date: 29 May 2020 16:14:18 Attachments: image001.png
Hi Suzanne.
Many thanks for this update.
Once you have further information on confirmed dates you can let us know.
Best Regards Iain.
Iain Bochanan | Iar-Mhaighstir nan Calaidhean (Asst Harbour Master) | Oifis Chalaidhean na Comhairle | So-mhaoin, Ionmhas is Stòrais | Rathad Shanndabhaig | Steornabhagh | Eilean Leodhais | HS1 2BW [email protected] | 01851 822869 | 211274 | 07827 311501
All use of CNES Harbour facilities is subject to terms and conditions of use. These are available to view at https://www.cne- siar.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/ports-piers-and-harbours/forms-and-documents/ or by request from the Comhairle Harbour Office.
From: Suzanne Grimes [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 29 May 2020 15:21 To: Iain Buchanan; Kenneth Morrison - TS | G Cc: Andrew Kinninmonth; Martin Black; Matthew Hart; Jessica Reoch Subject: RE: Proposed works within the Eriskay harbour jurisdiction
[External Email]
Hi Iain,
Apologies the method of split pipe wasn’t attached into my previous email, please see below:
1. Placement of 360 split pipe/iron shells
2. Mobilisation of 7 tonne excavator, mobile welfare unit (suitable for a max. of 5 personnel) and equipment close to the project location
3. The iron half shells will be delivered by HIAB lorries close to the project location
4. Iron shells will then be transferred from the HIAB lorry into an excavator for transport to the cable
5. Where necessary, loose stones from low water or shore end will be cleared from around the cable using a small excavator or manually by hand
6. Individual iron half shells will be manually placed around the exposed cable (at approx. 40-50m from low water to shore) from near-shore towards foreshore. To ensure that they sufficiently cover the cable by fusing the two half shells together
7. The half shell will then be secured to each other and held in place by clamps.
8. Removal of any excess shells and equipment from the project locations.
9. The shells will stay in place until further maintenance work is required.
Kind regards,
Suzanne
Suzanne Grimes Assistant Project Manager
Briggs Marine Contractors Limited Seaforth House Seaforth Place Burntisland Fife KY3 9AX Tel: Mobile: 07391391564 Email: [email protected]
With over 40 years experience in coastal, near shore and offshore operations, the Briggs Group has grown to become market leaders in Marine & Environmental Services with an enviable reputation in:
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From: Suzanne Grimes Sent: 29 May 2020 15:03 To: [email protected]; [email protected] Cc: Andrew Kinninmonth
Hi Iain,
Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. BMC have been instructed by SSEN to carry out maintenance work to two cables, both of which are located on the Eriskay shore end. One disconnected cable, that will be removed and one cable that requires re-burial (on shore). Please see below for the proposed works and location. We are currently putting together documents to obtain the marine licence for these works, but wanted to provide you and Kenny with the information in advance. Regarding the proposed date that we expect works to be carried out is depending on when the marine licence is granted. Works could be possible in September 2020, or if this is not the case, then it would be March 2021. I will update you as soon as I am able to provide any further information regarding dates.
The coordinates for the subsea cables on Eriskay are: 57° 4.573'N, 7° 18.417'W. With a proposed working corridor: NW: 57° 4.676'N, 7° 18.793'W NE: 57° 4.683'N, 7° 18.470'W SW: 57° 4.401'N, 7° 18.726'W SE: 57° 4.417'N, 7° 18.278'W
Eriskay – Barra (1a) – Decommissioned Cable This cable has been disconnected from distribution network and requires:
1. Mobile welfare unit and general hand held cutting equipment mobilised to site
2. Disconnect subsea cable to be cut within the marine channel at low water, at approx. 40-50m from Low Water to sand dunes, using a hand cutting tool, earthed and sealed by a cold shrink cap.
3. The cable will be then be cut, with hand held cutting tool, b) earthed and c) capped, with cold shrink cap at low water (seaward side of the dune). The cut cable will then be removed from low water and shore environment. Eriskay - Barra (1b)
1. Cable fully exposed on beach and suspended from the dunes and has been pulled over rocky outcrops.
2. Under cable support (using up to ten 2 tonne rockbags) beside the dune where the cable is suspended. These rock bags will be placed on sandy shore
3. Manual addition of 360 half shell protection to be added to the cable, please refer to Benbecula - North-Uist, for split pipe intended schedule of work
We expect that it would take 3 days to complete the work required at this location, with all the work being carried out at low water / on shore. Please let me know if you require any further information.
Kind regards,
Suzanne
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Please consider the environment before printing this email. APPENDIX D – PDZ DECISION (a-c)
Appendix D (a)
Appendix D (b)
Appendix D (c)
APPENDIX E – FLMAP REGIONAL OUTER HEBRIDES 2020 SHEPD
Marine Scotland Licence
Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution Fishing Liaison Mitigation Action Plan (covering all sea users) Outer Hebrides
Applies to Fishing Liaison Mitigation Action Plan for Distribution Transmission Outer Hebrides Revision: 1.00 Internal Use Issue Date: Review Date:
Contents
1 Introduction ...... 3
2 Communications ...... 6
3 Scheduling of liaison and information distribution ...... 7
4 Formal Notifications...... 8
5 Communication Distribution List ...... 10
6 Commercial Fishing ...... 20
7 Other Sea Users ...... 26
8 Cable Asset Interactions: Commercial Fishing and Other Sea Users ...... 43
9 Safety ...... 45
10 UK Legislation, References and Guidance ...... 48
Notice to Mariners Example Template ...... 49
Communication Strategy ...... 52
Commercial Fishing Charts ...... 60
Other Sea Users Charts ...... 75
Cable-Specific Interactions ...... 108
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1 Introduction
1.1 Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) would like to make it easy for all stakeholders who have interests in the submarine electricity cable planning process to have a strong voice in helping us determine our installation and protection practices but also inform our inspection and maintenance works. We are committed to open, honest and transparent communication and engagement.
1.2 This Fishing Liaison Mitigation Action Plan (FLMAP) outlines how we will interact with all sea users, prior to and during any works relating to 15 submarine cables at the following locations:
. Laxay-Kershader (2) . North Uist-Berneray . Barra-Vatersay . Eriskay-Barra 1 . Eriskay-Barra 2 . Harris-Scalpay East . Harris-Scalpay West . Kismul Castle . South Uist-Eriskay . North Uist-Benbecula East . North Uist-Benbecula West . North Uist-Benbecula Centre . North Uist-Benbecula Centre 2 . Benbecula-South Uist East . Benbecula-South Uist West
1.3 The purpose of this FLMAP is to:
. Illustrate the associated risks to the commercial fisheries industry (and other legitimate sea users) and address the potential effects (highlighted in the marine licenced evidence). . Identify how to minimise and mitigate potential impacts on local communities.
1.4 SHEPD aim to facilitate co-existence between all parties as recommended in the FLOWW1 and ESCA2 (previously SCUK) guidelines. SHEPD has also developed the policy document How Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution co-exists with other marine users3 which should be used in conjunction with this FLMAP.
1 Fishing Liaison with Offshore Wind and Wet Renewables Group (FLOWW) Best Practice Guidance for Offshore Renewables Developments: Recommendations for Fishing Liaison, 2014 2 European Subsea Cables Association 3 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks: How we co-exist with other marine users, available: https://www.ssen.co.uk/SubmarineCables/AboutUs/
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1.5 To help us understand the impacts that our cable installation decisions have, we work proactively with our regulators, customers and stakeholders. This helped our collaborators to better understand the impacts our engineering decisions can have on the safety of mariners, energy costs for communities we serve, on local and national economic activity and on the natural environment4.
1.6 Cable works that will be covered by this FLMAP include cable inspections, surveys and cable installations. This FLMAP operates in conjunction with the Outer Hebrides FLMAP Delivery Programme, which outlines the programme of communication for the identified stakeholders during the cable works activities and sets out the register of commitments for disseminating this information. The FLMAP Delivery Programme also forms an audit trail, documenting communication and agreed mitigation between SHEPD and sea users during specific cable works. This will advise SHEPD’s approach to continuous improvement on mitigating cable activities throughout the region and will be developed and updated accordingly.
1.7 A summary table of potential interactions for each cable outlines key potential interactions with the fisheries industry and other sea users. These are given in Appendix E Cable-Specific Interactions.
1.8 This FLMAP identifies the respective responsibilities of the Company Fishing Liaison Officer (CFLO) and the Fishing Industry Representative (FIR), and how the FIR and CFLO will operate. The FLMAP has been constructed to facilitate co-existence between SHEPD and other legitimate sea users.
1.9 The potential marine activities relevant to the area of cable works are listed below. A more detailed summary of activities is provided in Chapters 6 and 7 and visual representations of relevant activities are provided in Appendix C and Appendix D:
. The Outer Hebrides are a moderately popular area for marine recreation. . There are moderate to high levels of coasteering over Barra-Vatersay. . There are very low to high levels of canoeing/kayaking, scuba diving and sea angling from shore. . There are low to moderate levels of bird and wildlife watching, visits to historic sites or attractions, motor cruising, sailing and cruising. . There are very low to low levels of all other activities over the cables: power boating, long distance swimming, chartered angling, surfing and paddle boarding, yacht racing, jet skiing, wild fowling and rowing and sculling. . There are no renewable energy developments in the vicinity of the cable works. . There are a number of shellfish and finfish aquaculture sites in the vicinity of the cable works. . Conservation designations within the vicinity of the cable locations include:
4 For further details see Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks: Submarine Electricity Cable Cost Benefit Analysis Method Statement: https://www.ssen.co.uk/CBAFULL/ and Method Statement Executive Summary: http://news.ssen.co.uk/media/266234/CBA-Model-Statement-Executive-Summary.pdf
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o The National Scenic Areas (NSAs) South Uist Machair and South Lewis, Harris and North Uist o The Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with marine components Sound of Barra . There are a number of wreck sites in the vicinity of Eriskay-Barra, Kismul Castle and Harris- Scalpay. . A number of cables fall within the following Harbour Authority boundaries: 5 o Sound of Scalpay, Harris – covers Harris-Scalpay East 6 o Sound of Berneray, Berneray – adjacent to North Uist-Berneray 7 o Ludaig, South Uist – adjacent to the South Uist landfall of South Uist-Eriskay 8 o Haun, Eriskay – adjacent to the Eriskay landfall of South Uist-Eriskay 9 o Ceann a' Gharaidh, Eriskay – covers Eriskay cable landfall of Eriskay-Barra 10 o Eoligarry, Barra – covers Barra cable landfall of Eriskay-Barra 2 11 o Castle Bay Pier, Barra – covers Kismul Castle 12 o Vatersay Causeway, Vatersay – covers Barra-Vatersay . The cables Laxay-Kershader 2, North Uist-Benbecula and Benbecula-South Uist do not fall within any harbour authority boundaries.
1.10 The main commercial fishing activity around the Outer Hebrides is potting (creeling) for Nephrops (and to a lesser extent crab and lobster), scallop dredging and (Nephrops) trawling. Potting vessels represent the most days at sea within the region due to the nearshore location of the cables, it is likely to be the primary fishery that may interact with the cable locations.
5 http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/harbourmaster/index.asp 6 http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/harbourmaster/index.asp 7 http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/harbourmaster/index.asp 8 http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/harbourmaster/index.asp 9 http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/harbourmaster/index.asp 10 http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/harbourmaster/index.asp 11 http://www.cmassets.co.uk/location/barra-castlebay/ 12 http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/harbourmaster/index.asp
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2 Communications
2.1 Information regarding any cable survey or construction works (referred to as works hereafter) required will be issued to all fishing and other relevant statutory and non-statutory stakeholders to ensure effective co-existence during the works (this includes inspection surveys and any subsequent requirement for cable installation).
2.2 Some activities such as cable installation works require additional information which will inform the potential interactions with sea users. When required SHEPD will provide the Project Description and other necessary documents.
2.3 Survey contractors shall provide details of all vessel movements, works and relevant co- ordinates to the CFLO and the FIR who will disseminate this information.
2.4 Relevant stakeholders will be contacted before planned works which have the potential to impact them and, depending on the progress of this activity; it would also be common practice for there to be regular contact throughout the works.
2.5 In addition to statutory stakeholder engagement, SHEPD also has a number of obligations where it is necessary to engage with non-statutory stakeholders prior to, during and/or upon completion of certain work activities.
2.6 In the event that the date or duration of works deviates from the notification timings (e.g. NtM) outlined in the Outer Hebrides FLMAP Delivery Programme13, an update will be issued to the relevant stakeholders. Similarly, if the scope or methodology of the planned works activity changes, then any stakeholder likely to be affected, including any relevant licensing authority, would be consulted. Any change to associated timelines would be agreed prior to the works commencing.
13 The Delivery Programme is to cover the entire period to April 2023.
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3 Scheduling of liaison and information distribution
3.1 Dissemination of information to the fishing industry and other legitimate sea users will be issued as described in Table 1.
Table 1 Schedule for dissemination of information
Activity Timescale for distribution . Notice and information to be distributed at the earliest opportunity once information is available. . Regular liaison and updates by Fishing Industry Representative (FIR) with local fishermen of proposed timings with Inspection Programme confirmations of when operations are finalised. . Regular liaison and updates by the Company Fishing Liaison Officer (CFLO) with other legitimate sea users of proposed timings with confirmations when operations are finalised. Surveys (including any requirement for . Regular liaison and updates by FIR with local fishermen, well in advance of disruption, defining who might be affected, Pre-construction surveys) that have the where and when. Liaison to take into account weather, number of creels to be moved, bait ordering etc. potential to require gear relocation . Notice to Mariners and information distributed not less than 20 days prior to survey mobilisation, if possible, to allow inclusion in the Kingfisher Fortnightly Bulletin. Specific construction activities i.e. . Notice to Mariners and information distributed not less than 20 days, if possible, for individual construction vessels installation works mobilisations. . Regular liaison and updates by FIR with local fishermen of proposed timings with confirmations when operations are finalised. . Regular liaison and updates by CFLO with other legitimate sea users of proposed timings with confirmations provided when planned works are finalised.
. Meetings as required during all works i.e. the inspection surveys and any subsequent requirements for pre- Meetings with fishery stakeholders construction and construction phases. . Meetings as required during all works i.e. the inspection surveys and any subsequent requirements for pre- Meetings with other legitimate sea users construction and construction phases. . Additional unscheduled liaison and consultation will be undertaken by either the CFLO or the FIR as required to Ongoing Liaison address issues or fishermen’s concerns as they arise. Page 7 of 122
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4 Formal Notifications
4.1 Details of the cable works will be distributed to appropriate sea users. The anticipated formal communications are provided in Table 2.
Table 2 Formal notifications
Type Function Distribution Submarine electricity cable . It is intended that flyers will be issued for specific cable works. . Flyers14 will be published through Kingfisher Information flyer . This is not a requirement set out in the marine licences but is a Service Offshore Renewables and Cable Awareness proactive initiative taken by SHEPD to provide as much advance (KISORCA) and Fishing News. warning of the forthcoming works as possible. . Flyers will be issued nominally at least 4 weeks, if possible, prior to commencing the operations to which they relate. Notices to Mariners (NtM) . NtM and/or radio navigational warnings and publication in . All NtMs15 will be issued by the CFLO appropriate bulletins to comply with the conditions in the . NtMs will be published through KISORCA marine licences. . Details of the works will be promulgated to all appropriate . Each NtM will contain full details of the vessel, location, sea users activities, contact details etc. . NtMs will be issued at least 20 days prior to works’ start . In the case of incidents or emergencies requiring notification, date, if possible, to allow inclusion in the Kingfisher the NtM will be issued as soon as reasonably possible. Any Fortnightly Bulletin. actions required to notify an incident or emergency will go ahead . NtMs will be issued using the example NtM document at even if there is not sufficient time for it to appear in the relevant stages of cable surveys and works. Kingfisher Fortnightly Bulletin. NtM updates It is intended that the issued NtMs will comprehensively describe If required, the NtM update to be issued by email to the the planned activities. However, in the unlikely event that a Source Data Receipt at the UK Hydrographic Office and copied significant change to these activities becomes apparent, an update to the distribution list set out in the NtMs. will be issued.
14 The flyer will contain the following information: submarine electricity cable specific information; useful contacts; working area; national and regional charts; site specific charts. 15For details see Appendix A: Notice to Mariners example template. Page 8 of 122
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Type Function Distribution Notices to static gear Further specific liaison will take place between SHEPD’s FIR and the The static gear fishermen will receive the NtMs. fishermen fishermen who have static fishing gear in the works areas to agree the detailed arrangements for removal of static gear. This will include details of dates and numbers of creels. Notices to mobile gear Specific liaison between SHEPD’s FIR and the fishermen who will be The mobile gear fishermen will receive the NtMs. fishermen affected by the survey and installation operations will take place to ensure that they are given a minimum of 24 hours’ notice that vessels of restricted mobility will be in the area. Notices to other legitimate Specific liaison between SHEPD’s CFLO and the legitimate sea users Other legitimate sea users identified through consultation will sea users who will be affected by operations will take place to ensure that receive the NtM (the distribution lists are given in Table 3, and they are given a minimum of 24 hours’ notice that vessels of Table 4). restricted mobility will be in the area.
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5 Communication Distribution List
5.1 A key aim is to co-exist with sea users in the marine environment. Coexistence is assisted by actively engaging with sea users and stakeholders and those with consented development rights. The way we approach engagement is specific to each cable although there is a generic set of Standard Operating Procedures16 to ensure our approach is consistent and fair to all sea users in the area.
5.2 The Outer Hebrides submarine electricity cables have a discrete footprint in a small regional area. For simplicity, the communication distribution list has been separated into regional stakeholders, given in Table 3, and cable specific stakeholders in Table 4.
5.3 The communication distribution list provides the following information on each stakeholder:
. Stakeholder name . SHEPD point of contact . Role of the stakeholder in the consent procedure . Details of specific contact to be made by SHEPD with a given stakeholder.
16 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks: Standard Operating Procedures, available: https://www.ssen.co.uk/SubmarineCables/AboutUs/
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Table 3 Regional stakeholders’ roles and duties Regional SHEPD point of contact Role Details Stakeholder Marine Scotland Lead Engagement and MS is the licensing authority for all Specific contact with MS will be made (MS) Submarine Policy works and as such all consent Manager conditions that require to be met . Prior to commencement of the works: must be demonstrated to them either upon request or as agreed in · Marine Scotland is responsible for the integrated management of the license. Scotland’s seas. This includes consultation on the proposed FLMAP and delivery plan; and inclusion of compliance with it as a licence condition. . During the works:
· to allow access for an authorised Enforcement Officer to inspect the works · to notify any changes to the works that may affect the validity of the licence · to submit and seek approval of plans to mitigate navigational dangers or risks, where required . On completion of the works:
· to notify the completion of the works
· to submit an assessment of any risks posed by the installed cable
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Regional SHEPD point of contact Role Details Stakeholder Scottish Natural Lead Engagement and SNH is the Scottish public body SHEPD will engage on matters related to the project as required. Heritage (SNH) Submarine Policy responsible for natural heritage. Manager SNH advises the Scottish Government regarding nature conservation requirements when deciding whether to consent activities. SNH are a consultee to Marine Scotland and as such they can influence licence conditions. Maritime and Up to work starting The MCA is an executive agency of SHEPD will engage on matters related to the project as required. Coastguard Agency Stakeholder the United Kingdom and is (MCA) Engagement Manager responsible for implementing British and international maritime law and During Works - Project safety policy. Manager The MCA are a consultee to Marine Scotland and as such they can influence licence conditions. Northern Lighthouse Up to work starting The NLB is a consultee to Marine SHEPD will engage on matters related to the project as required. Board (NLB) Stakeholder Scotland and as such they can Engagement Manager influence licence conditions.
During Works - Project Manager Scottish Up to work starting SEPA is Scotland’s environmental SHEPD will engage on matters related to the project as required. Environment Stakeholder regulator. SEPA is a consultee to Protection Agency Engagement Manager Marine Scotland and as such they (SEPA) can influence licence conditions. During Works - Project Manager
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Regional SHEPD point of contact Role Details Stakeholder Royal Society for the Lead Engagement and The RSPB is a consultee to Marine SHEPD will engage on matters related to the project as required. Protection of Birds Submarine Policy Scotland and as such they can (RSPB) Manager influence licence conditions. Scottish Fishermen’s Company Fishing Liaison The SFF represents predominantly Specific contact will be made with the SFF and the associations that are Federation (SFF) Officer (CFLO) the mobile commercial fishing fleet represented by the SFF. Regular liaison and updates by CFLO will be that operate in deeper waters undertaken with meetings as required. As part of ongoing regular liaison outside of where the cables will be with the SFF, SHEPD will keep the SFF apprised of the installation as it replaced. proceeds, specifically in relation to the presence of support vessels. Outer Hebrides Company Fishing Liaison The organisation is legally Specific contact will be made with the OHRIFG. Regular dialogue between Regional Inshore Officer (CFLO) authorised to impose restrictions the CFLO and the OSF will be maintained prior to and during the survey Fisheries Group and regulations, to issue licences work (and any subsequent requirement for cable installation), noting that (OHRIFG) and the right to set tolls. both mobile and static gear commercial fishing operations are present in the area Scottish Creel Company Fishing Liaison SCFF is the national trade Specific contact will be made with the SCFF. Regular dialogue between the Fishermen's Officer (CFLO) association for the creel fishing CFLO and the SCFF will be maintained prior to and during any installation Federation (SCFF) industry. It is comprised of ten work. fishermen’s associations including the Scottish Scallop Divers Association and Scottish Creelers and Divers. Unaffiliated Company Fishing Liaison There are independent commercial Specific contact will be made with relevant unaffiliated commercial commercial Officer (CFLO) fishing operators who are not fishermen. The CFLO and FIR will identify these individuals and maintain fishermen affiliated with the RIFG. liaison with them, particularly in relation to the requirement to remove creels to allow the works to be carried out.
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Regional SHEPD point of contact Role Details Stakeholder The Crown Estate Wayleaves Project TCE manage property belonging to SHEPD will engage on matters related to the project as required. (TCE) Manager the Sovereign. Part of the HDD installation (seaward of MHWS) is located within Sovereign territory and, as such, SHEPD is required to obtain permission via survey licences and wayleave consent in terms of the Master Wayleave Agreement from TCE. United Kingdom Project Manager and The UKHO is the UK's agency SHEPD will maintain contact with the UKHO to provide regular updates on Hydrographic Office Company Fishing Liaison providing hydrographic and progress of the works provide a copy of the marine licence and provide as- (UKHO) Officer (CFLO) geospatial data to mariners and built details upon completion. maritime organisations across the world. The CFLO will maintain contact with the UKHO via NtMs or Hydrographic notes. Kingfisher Company Fishing Liaison Kingfisher works with all the SHEPD will maintain contact with KISORCA to provide regular updates on Information Service Officer (CFLO) offshore industries, including oil & progress of the works and provide as-built details upon completion. Offshore gas, subsea cable, renewable energy Renewables and and marine aggregates to provide The CFLO will maintain contact with KISORCA via NtMs for the Kingfisher Cable Awareness the latest news and most accurate bulletin. (KISORCA) information to the fishing industry. Information is in relation to the latest hazards, planned developments, new structures being installed and zones created.
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Regional SHEPD point of contact Role Details Stakeholder Ministry of Defence Company Fishing Liaison The MoD is the British government SHEPD and CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required (MoD) Officer (CFLO) department responsible for implementing the defence policy set by Her Majesty's Government and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces. The MoD has access to training areas and ranges in marine areas. Royal Yacht Company Fishing Liaison The RYA is the national governing Specific contact will be made with the RYA. Regular dialogue between the Association (RYA) Officer (CFLO) body for certain water sports in the CFLO and the RYA will be maintained prior to and during the installation United Kingdom. Activities it covers work that may affect recreational activities in the area. include Sailing, Windsurfing, Motor cruising, Powerboating and Personal watercraft. Comhairle nan Company Fishing Liaison The CC will keep the local CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Eilean Siar (Western Officer (CFLO) community up to date on proposals. Isles Council) NAFC Marine Centre Company Fishing Liaison The NAFC marine centre is an We will engage on matters related to the project as required. Officer (CFLO) educational and scientific institute. Research and development in subjects relevant to the fishing and aquaculture industries and marine spatial planning.
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Regional SHEPD point of contact Role Details Stakeholder Scottish Coastal Company Fishing Liaison The Scottish Coastal Forum was CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Forum Officer (CFLO) formed in 1996 to encourage debate at national level on coastal issues. Its members advise Marine Scotland, from an operational perspective, on the development of policy relating to marine planning and licensing within a sustainable marine environment. Stornoway Port Company Fishing Liaison The main port on the Outer We will engage on matters related to the project as required. Authority Officer (CFLO) Hebrides is Stornoway Port and is regularly used by visiting cruise ships. Shellfish are also landed into this port.
Table 4 Cable specific stakeholders
Cable specific SHEPD point of contact Role Details stakeholder Western Isles Company Fishing Liaison The local fisheries association in the Specific contact will be made with the SFA. Regular dialogue between the Fisherman Officer (CFLO) Outer Hebrides CFLO and the SFA will be maintained prior to and during the installation Association work, noting that both mobile and static gear commercial fishing operations are present in the area. Caledonian Company Fisheries The ferry operator of the Outer CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required MacBrayne (Ferry Liaison Officer (CFLO) Hebrides ferry routes. operator)
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Cable specific SHEPD point of contact Role Details stakeholder Majestic Line (West Company Fisheries The luxury cruise operator runs CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Coast Cruises) Liaison Officer (CFLO) cruises around the Outer Hebrides from 6- 10 days.
Hebrides Cruises Company Fisheries Hebrides Cruises runs wildlife CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Liaison Officer (CFLO) cruises around the Outer Hebrides.
The Cruise Line Company Fisheries The luxury cruise operator runs CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Liaison Officer (CFLO) cruises around the Outer Hebrides (7-day cruises)
Nobel Caledonia Company Fisheries Nobel Caledonian offer luxury CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Liaison Officer (CFLO) cruises (including in the Outer Hebrides)
St Hilda Sea Company Fisheries Small scale cruise ship operator CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Adventures Liaison Officer (CFLO) around the Outer Hebrides
Skye Adventure Company Fisheries They offer a range of marine CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Liaison Officer (CFLO) recreational activities including coasteering and sea swimming.
Skye Sailing Club Company Fisheries Offers a range of marine activities CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Liaison Officer (CFLO) including Dinghy sailing, rowing and power boating around Skye.
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Cable specific SHEPD point of contact Role Details stakeholder SeaSkye Marine Company Fisheries Marine tourism firm offering boat CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Liaison Officer (CFLO) trips around Skye.
Responsible Travel Company Fisheries Small ship cruising holidays around CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Liaison Officer (CFLO) the Outer Hebrides (13 trips including)
The Royal Scottish Company Fisheries Luxury super yacht tours around CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Shipping Line Liaison Officer (CFLO) West coast of Scotland – including the Outer Hebrides
South Uist Angling Company Fisheries Local angling club based in South CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Club Liaison Officer (CFLO) Uist.
Hebridean Sea Company Fisheries Sea swimming club covering the sea CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Swimmers Liaison Officer (CFLO) and the lochs in the Inner and Outer Hebrides.
Stornoway Angling Company Fisheries Angling club for Lewis and Harris. CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Association Liaison Officer (CFLO)
Uist Sea Trips Company Fisheries Uist Sea Tours operate boat trips CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Liaison Officer (CFLO) from Lochboisdale. They operate whale watching and bird watching and access to uninhabited islands.
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Cable specific SHEPD point of contact Role Details stakeholder Comhairle nan Company Fisheries Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (West SHEPD will engage on matters related to the project as required. Eilean Siar (West Liaison Officer (CFLO) Isles Council) department covers a Isles Council) range of responsibilities associated development with policy and project development for the use and development of land in the Western Isles. Lady Anne Boat Company Fisheries Small boat trips based in Kallin CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Trips Liaison Officer (CFLO) Harbour, Isle of North Uist.
Isle of Man Company Fisheries Association of fishermen based on CFLO will engage on matters related to the project as required. Fishermen Liaison Officer (CFLO) the Isle of Man, some of which regularly fish off the West Coast of Scotland.
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6 Commercial Fishing
6.1 This section summarises the existing commercial fishing baseline in relation to the submarine electricity cable assets. Commercial fishing activity is defined as the activity undertaken by licensed fishing vessels undertaken for the legitimate capture and sale of finfish and shellfish. The baseline evaluation will focus specifically on those fleets which are active in the vicinity of the cable corridors. The commercial fisheries charts are given in Appendix C (Figure 2 to Figure 15).
6.2 Commercial fishing in European Union (EU) waters is subject to numerous controls and regulations at European, national and local levels. Such measures may have a direct impact on fishing effort, landings weights and values. Many of these measures are implemented at short notice with limited consultation, which limits confidence in predicting future trends. The main bodies regulating fishing in sea areas in which the cables are located are the EU through the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Marine Scotland (MS) and the Inshore Fisheries Management and Conservation (IFMAC) through national and regional regulations, and regional Inshore Fisheries Groups (rIFGs).
6.3 The 15 Outer Hebrides submarine electricity cables are located within International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) 42E2, 43E2, 44E2, 44E3 and 45E3. Pressure stocks are managed by ICES Division and quota is also allocated at this scale. Fishing data are recorded, collated and analysed by ICES rectangles within each division. ICES rectangles are the smallest spatial unit available for the collation of fishing data and have therefore been used to define the analysis areas for the proposed cable replacements.
6.4 The Outer Hebrides submarine electricity cables are sited within the 6nm limit, in which the UK has exclusive fishing rights. The territorial fishing limits of EU member states extend out to 12nm, within which only the vessels of a state or vessels from other states with historical rights are entitled to legally fish.
6.5 There is no single data source or recognised model for establishing a baseline of commercial fishing activity within discrete sea areas such as those encompassed by the footprint of submarine electricity cables. The overview has therefore been derived using data and information from a number of sources. In addition to analysis of fisheries statistical datasets, emphasis has been placed on undertaking direct consultation with the relevant national fishermen’s federations, local associations and skippers whose fishing grounds are located within the vicinity of the cable corridor.
6.6 The key data sources used to characterise the baseline of the commercial fishing receptors are summarised in Table 5. It should be noted that Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) datasets show activity for the over-15m fleet only and will therefore underrepresent total fishing activity. It is considered that the surveillance sightings and effort data will be more representative as vessels working in the vicinity of the cable corridors will often be under 10m vessels.
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Table 5 Commercial fishing key data sources Data Year Coverage Confidence Notes UK Marine Management 2014 UK vessels landing into UK and High Landings data provided by Organisation (MMO) to European ports. Non-UK value (£). Fishing Statistics (landings 2018 vessels landing into UK ports. values data) UK MMO Surveillance 2014 Sightings of vessels by gear Medium to May underestimate total Sightings to type (all nationalities) recorded high extent of fishing activity 2018 in UK waters on weekly due to flyover frequency surveillance fly overs during and timing. daylight hours. UK MMO Satellite 2014 Aggregated VMS pings High VMS provided by value Tracking (VMS) Data to recorded in 0.05° by 0.05° grids (£). 2018 from UK vessels only in As dataset limited to European waters. vessels over 15m this will Only vessels over 15m. not be indicative of the inshore fleet. European Marine 2017 The maps are based on AIS Low - High EMODnet Vessel Density Observation and Data data purchased by CLS and Maps were created by Network (EMODnet) show shipping density in COGEA in 2019 in the 1km*1km cells of a grid framework of EMODnet covering all EU waters (and Human Activities, an some neighbouring areas). initiative funded by the Density is expressed as hours EU Commission. per square kilometre per month. The following ship types have been covered in this dataset: other, fishing, service, dredging or underwater ops, sailing, pleasure craft, high speed craft, tug and towing, passenger, cargo, tanker, military and law enforcement, unknown and all ship types.
6.7 The potential fishing activity methods in the vicinity of the Outer Hebrides submarine electricity cables are reviewed in order to assess possible interaction scenarios. A brief characterisation of the fishing methods identified in the area around the Outer Hebrides cable corridors, with a description of the gear and photographic examples of the types of vessels is given in Table 6.
6.8 Surveillance sightings by method and nationality (Figure 2 and Figure 3) have recorded that most of the activity around the coastline of the Outer Hebrides islands is potting by UK- registered vessels, though towards the centre of the Inner Seas (the Minch, the Little Minch and Sea of the Hebrides) there appears to be a heavy concentration of demersal trawling activity sighted predominantly by UK vessels, though there are a few Irish and Danish trawler sightings also registered. There are lower levels of scallop activity by UK-registered vessels on the eastern coast of the Outer Hebrides islands.
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6.9 Landing values by species (Figure 4) indicate that the highest landings value is derived from Nephrops, which make up the majority of landings in both 45E3 and 44E3. There are smaller but significant landings values of scallops, edible crabs and lobsters. This is reflected in MMO data for landings values by gear (Figure 5), with pots (targeting Nephrops, crabs and lobsters) generating the highest proportion of landings values in the region, followed by bottom otter trawls (targeting Nephrops) and boat dredges (targeting scallops).
6.10 In ICES 45E3, 44E3 and 42E2, the largest proportion of landings values are derived from vessel 15m and over in length. In ICES 44E2 and 43E2, the largest proportion of landings values come from the 10m and under fleet (Figure 6).
6.11 MMO VMS effort data for all fishing methods indicates that there are high levels of effort from the east coast of the Outer Hebrides to the west coast of Skye, with the highest recorded effort over 100 hours. The highest recorded effort over the cables was in the central section of Eriskay-Barra (Figure 7).
6.12 VMS value by all gears shows somewhat lower levels of value relative to effort, with some small pockets of high value (>£35,000) along the east coast of Harris and Lewis, with moderate values (£6,000-£35,000) elsewhere along the east Hebrides coast. The highest recorded landings values are again over Eriskay-Barra (Figure 11).
6.13 Dredging effort is concentrated in the centre of the Little Minch and along the east coast of the Outer Hebrides, especially of South Uist, Eriskay and Barra. The highest effort over the cables is over Eriskay-Barra (50 to 100 hours; Figure 8).
6.14 Dredging values follow the pattern shown for fishing effort, with the peak of value over cable assets over Eriskay-Barra (£10,000 - £20,000; Figure 12).
6.15 Effort by mobile gear shows high levels (50 to 100+ hours) along the east coast of the Outer Hebrides, with the highest levels seen off the east coast of Harris and Lewis. The highest effort seen in the vicinity of the cables is over is 50-100 hours between Eriskay and Barra (Figure 9). The peak value derived from mobile gear is £10,000 to £20,000 around the landfall and central portion of the Eriskay-Barra cable (Figure 13).
6.16 As discussed earlier in Chapter 6.6 the creeling potting activity is likely to be under represented as this is predominately undertaken by the under 10m vessels not represented by VMS. No effort or value for potting and trapping is recorded in the cable locations. The highest value and effort seen between the east coast of the Outer Hebrides and the west coast of Skye is 20-50 hours (Figure 10) and £10,000 to £20,000 (Figure 14).
6.17 EMODnet fishing vessel AIS density (Figure 15) shows generally low to medium levels of activity (0.5-10 hours per km² per month) in the Outer Hebrides region, the highest over the cables being 10 hours per km² per month seen over Barra-Vatersay and 5 hours per km² seen over Harris-Scalpay.
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Table 6 Characterisation of the fishing methods in the area
Fishing Description Pictorial representation gear Creeling Creels (pots) are static traps commonly baited with low value fish such as mackerel, herring, and dogfish. Creels are the principal method used to target active scavenging crustaceans such as brown crab, velvet crab, lobster, Nephrops, green crab and whelks. A number of pots are set on a main line anchored to the seabed and marked with a buoy or a ‘dhan’ (flag and buff) at either end. The number of pots per string can vary from 5-50. Vessels generally work between 200-500 pots at sea, which are fished on a continuous cycle to maintain cover of the ground.
Fishing effort follows a seasonal pattern with activity varying to shelter from adverse weather conditions, react to seasonal changes and exploit target species.
The Outer Hebrides Inshore Fisheries Group Management Source: Stornoway Harbour MarineTraffic.com Plan17 suggests the importance of the shellfish sector in the region, operating in the inshore waters around the Outer Hebrides. Over recent years there has been a shift from trawled Nephrops to creel caught Nephrops due to reduced fuel costs and acquiring a higher value from this method.
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Fishing Description Pictorial representation gear Scallop Each dredge consists of a ruggedly constructed triangular steel dredging frame and a tooth bar, behind which a mat of linked steel rings is secured. Heavy netting is laced into the frame to form a bag into which the catch is retained. As scallops usually lie recessed in sand and fine gravel, they are raked out by teeth and swept into the bag. Typical tooth length is around 15cm which corresponds to the approximate penetration depth of the gear.
A number of dredges are attached to a bar fitted with bridles and is towed using a single warp. The dredges are usually deployed from outrigger booms. The number of dredges deployed varies with the size of the vessel. Scallop dredges are typically towed at speed around 3 knots.
Many scallop grounds around the Outer Hebrides can only
support periodic and light fishing levels. Most of the activity is Source: Scottish scalloper Fishing News located around the Minches and the west cost of Harris18
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Fishing Description Pictorial representation gear Nephrops Specifically designed Nephrops trawls are also used to target trawls this species. A long winged low net, with light weight gear is towed over predominately soft muddy grounds.
This net is designed so that the relatively fragile bottom of the net (known as the fishing line) skims a few inches off the seabed with the leaded bights of grass rope trailing on the seabed encouraging Nephrops into the net. These nets differ little from white fish gear apart from being lighter rigged with a smaller mesh size.
Source: Fishing news : Trawler based on Skye ( above) Nephrops trawl below (Source: Seafish)
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7 Other Sea Users
7.1 This section of the report provides a brief overview of other sea users in relation to the submarine electricity cable assets. For the purposes of these interaction tables, named cables with multiple components (e.g. Benbecula-South Uist East and Benbecula-South Uist West) are treated as one. Other legitimate sea users that may be affected by cable replacement works include:
. Aquaculture . Marine Archaeology . Ferries . Shipping . Sailing . Recreational: bird and wildlife watching, visits to historic sites and attractions, long distance swimming, surfing, coasteering, sailing, diving, boating, angling, canoeing/kayaking, jet skiing and wild fowling . MoD . Conservation sites/areas . Telecommunications . Subsea cables
7.2 There is no single data source or recognised model for determining the activity of all other legitimate sea users within discrete sea areas such as those encompassed by the footprint of sub-sea cables. It is beyond the scope of this report to produce a complete baseline overview for all other legitimate sea users therefore data and information are derived from assessments utilised by regional marine spatial plans and the PAC report.
7.3 AIS vessel density data for all vessels in 2017 has been published by EMODnet, showing hours of activity per km² per month (Figure 16). The highest levels of activity (100+ hours per km² per month) can be seen in the xx over the xx cables and at the entrance of xx. Across xx a range of 20-50 hours per km² per month was reported. Lower levels (2-15 hours) can be seen elsewhere along the cables. These data have been further separated into the categories of fishing vessels (as detailed in the previous chapter), cargo vessels, high speed vessels, passenger vessels, sailing vessels, tankers and tugs, shown in Figure 15, and Figure 17-Figure 22.
7.4 The Scottish Marine Recreation and Tourism Survey (SMRTS) 201519 and the Marine Scotland interactive Marine Plan20 have been the main sources of reference for legitimate sea users listed in Table 7. Additional data on conservation sites has been sourced from the Scottish Government SpatialData.gov.scot website, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Reserves web map service, European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) and
19 Scottish Marine Recreation and Tourism Survey (SMRTS) 2015; http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0049/00497904.pdf 20 Marine Scotland National Marine Plan Interactive; https://marinescotland.atkinsgeospatial.com/nmpi/
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the website Ports and Harbours of the UK21. Where information is available, charts of spatial activity are provided for each of the legitimate sea users defined above.
Table 7 Other legitimate sea users data sources Data Year Coverage Confidence Notes Marine Scotland Varied Overall Assessment Low - High National Marine Plan National Marine Physical Characteristics interactive (NMPi) allows Plan Interactive Clean and Safe you to view different types Healthy and Biologically Diverse of information and, where Productive appropriate, links have been Climate Change provided to the related Administrative parts of Scotland's Marine Regions Atlas and will also be National Marine Plan provided to the National Aerial Photography Marine Plan in due course. Base Layers Scottish Marine 2015 The SMRTS survey was carried out Low-High Commissioned by the Recreation and between August and October Scottish Government, the Tourism Survey 2015. The survey provides Firth of Clyde Forum, The (SMRTS) 2015 baseline information to inform Crown Estate and Scottish marine planning in Scotland. Coastal Forum. Aim to More than 2100 individuals, 137 gather robust information clubs and 279 businesses on marine recreation and completed the survey, indicating tourism activity around areas where people conducted Scotland. different activities. Scottish 2018 National Scenic Areas (NSAs) are High The designation’s purpose is Government Scotland's only national landscape both to identify our finest SpatialData.gov.scot designation, and defined as areas scenery and to ensure its “of outstanding scenic value in a protection from national context” for which inappropriate development. special protection measures are required. NSAs are broadly equivalent to the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty found in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are 40 NSAs in total covering roughly 1 million hectares (13% of Scotland).
21 Ports and Harbours of the UK; http://ports.org.uk/
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Data Year Coverage Confidence Notes Joint Nature 2019 The JNCC Marine Protected Area High This includes certain Special Conservation (MPA) mapper is an interactive Areas of Conservation Committee (JNCC) resource containing information (SACs) for habitats and non- Marine Protected on the MPAs designated in UK avian species and Special Area (MPA) mapper and Crown Dependency waters. Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds. The JNCC MPA mapper only displays SACs and SPAs that protect the marine environment - so called SACs and SPAs with 'marine components’. Royal Society for 2019 All RSPB reserve boundaries. High The dataset contains the the Protection of boundaries of all land Birds (RSPB) managed, leased or owned as part of publicly accessible RSPB reserves.
European Marine 2017 The maps are based on AIS data Low - High EMODnet Vessel Density Observation and purchased by CLS and show Maps were created by Data Network shipping density in 1km*1km cells COGEA in 2019 in the (EMODnet) of a grid covering all EU waters framework of EMODnet (and some neighbouring areas). Human Activities, an Density is expressed as hours per initiative funded by the EU square kilometre per month. The Commission. following ship types have been covered in this dataset: other, fishing, service, dredging or underwater ops, sailing, pleasure craft, high speed craft, tug and towing, passenger, cargo, tanker, military and law enforcement, unknown and all ship types. Ports and Harbours 2019 Online resource containing Low-High The site has been compiled of the UK information on over 950 ports, by a volunteer and is not an harbours, jetties and piers around official list. the coastline of the UK.
7.5 The range of water sports activity in the vicinity of the subsea electricity cables in the Outer Hebrides is given below. A heat map using the data collated from the Scottish Marine Recreation and Tourism Survey (SMRTS) is used to summarise all recreational activity around the Outer Hebrides cables. The recreational activities recorded in the vicinity of the submarine electricity cable assets are:
. Bird and wildlife watching . Visits to historic sites and attractions
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. Angling . Yacht racing . Wildfowling . Rowing and sculling . Canoeing or kayaking . Coasteering . Long distance swimming . Motor cruising . Jet skis . Power boating . Sailing and cruising . Scuba diving . Surfing and paddle boarding
7.6 Recreational activity has been assessed using regional datasets as there is little information on discrete sea areas such as those encompassed by the footprint of the Outer Hebrides cables.
7.7 The charts showing recreational activity are given in Appendix D (Figure 23 to Figure 38).
7.8 The SMRTS 2015 survey around Scotland show predominantly moderate, and some low levels of bird and wildlife watching across the cable locations (944 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interaction is summarised in Table 8 below and shown in Figure 23.
Table 8 Bird and wildlife watching Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula (East, West, Centre Yes Low to moderate levels of activity over the cables. and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Low to moderate levels of activity over the cables. Kismul Castle Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cables. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.9 The SMRTS 2015 survey around Scotland for visits to historic sites or to attractions show very low to moderate levels of activity in the vicinity of all cable locations except Kismul Castle, where there are high levels of activity (924 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interaction is summarised in Table 9 below and shown in Figure 24.
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Table 9 Visits to historic sites or to attractions Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. Kismul Castle Yes High levels of activity over the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay Yes Low to moderate levels of activity over the cable. There is a hotspot of high activity adjacent to the east of the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.10 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for power boating show very low to low levels of activity in the vicinity over the cable locations, with no activity recorded over Laxay-Kershader 2 (204 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interaction is summarised in Table 10 below and shown in Figure 25.
Table 10 Power boating Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. Kismul Castle Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 No North Uist-Berneray Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.11 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for canoeing and kayaking show activity levels ranging from very low to high depending on cable location (418 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interaction is summarised in Table 11 below and shown in Figure 26.
Table 11 Canoeing and kayaking Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes
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North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables, though there is an (East, West, Centre area of low activity adjacent to the east of the cables. and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Low to moderate to high levels of activity over the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Low to moderate to high levels of activity over the cables. There is a small spot of high activity approximately 2.6km south of the cables. Kismul Castle Yes High levels of activity over the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Low to moderate levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay Yes Low levels of activity directly over the cable, though there is an area of high activity approximately 850m east of the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Low levels of activity over the cables, though there is an and West) area of moderate activity adjacent to the west of the cables. Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.12 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for long distance sea swimming show very low to low levels of activity in the immediate vicinity of all cable locations (79 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interaction is summarised in Table 12 below and shown in Figure 27.
Table 12 Long distance swimming Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. Kismul Castle Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.13 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for motor cruising show activity levels ranging from very low to moderate depending on cable location (163 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interaction is summarised in Table 13 below and shown in Figure 28.
Table 13 Motor cruising Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes
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North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. There is a hotspot (East, West, Centre of higher activity approximately 3.2km east of the cables. and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. Kismul Castle Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.14 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for sailing and cruising show activity levels ranging from low to moderate in the immediate vicinity of the cables, depending on the cable location (542 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interactions is summarised in Table 14 below and shown in Figure 29.
Table 14 Sailing and cruising Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. Kismul Castle Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay Yes Low levels of activity directly over the cable, though there is an area of moderate activity adjacent to the east of the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.15 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for chartered angling show no activity over the cables except for Laxay-Kershader 2, over which there are very low levels of activity (353 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interactions is summarised in Table 15 below and shown in Figure 30.
Table 15 Chartered angling Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes
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North Uist-Benbecula No (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay No Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) No Kismul Castle No Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray No Barra-Vatersay No Harris-Scalpay (East No and West) Benbecula-South Uist No (East and West)
7.16 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for sea angling from shore show activity levels ranging from very low to high in the immediate vicinity of the cables, depending on cable location (368 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interactions is summarised in Table 16 below and shown in Figure 31.
Table 16 Sea angling from shore Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables, though there is a (East, West, Centre hotspot of activity approximately 2.4km north west of the and Centre 2) cables. South Uist-Eriskay Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Kismul Castle Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.17 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for surfing/paddle boarding show activity levels ranging from low to none in the immediate vicinity of the cables, depending on cable location (201 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interactions is summarised in Table 17 below and shown in Figure 32.
Table 17 Surfing and paddle boarding Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes
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North Uist-Benbecula Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay No Eriskay-Barra (1 and No No activity directly over the cables, though there is an 2) area of low activity adjacent to the east of the cables. Kismul Castle No Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay No Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.18 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for yacht racing show activity levels ranging from very low to none in the immediate vicinity of the cables, depending on cable location (26 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interactions is summarised in Table 18 below and shown in Figure 33.
Table 18 Yacht racing Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay No Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Kismul Castle No Laxay-Kershader 2 No North Uist-Berneray No Barra-Vatersay No Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.19 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for coasteering show hotspots of activity in the immediate vicinity of Barra-Vatersay and nearby Harris-Scalpay. There are very low levels of activity over all other cables. 238 people provided spatial information. This activity and possible interactions is summarised in Table 19 below and shown in Figure 34.
Table 19 Coasteering Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes
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North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Kismul Castle Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay Yes Moderate to high levels of activity over the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Very low levels of activity directly over the cables, though and West) there is a hotspot of activity adjacent to the west of the cables. Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.20 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for jet skiing show a small amount of activity adjacent to the cables at Barra-Vatersay and Kismul Castle (9 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interactions is summarised in Table 20 below and shown in Figure 35.
Table 20 Personal water craft (jet skis) Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula No (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay No Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) No Kismul Castle Possible There is an area of low activity adjacent to the south east of the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 No North Uist-Berneray No Barra-Vatersay Possible There is an area of low activity adjacent to the south east of the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East No and West) Benbecula-South Uist No (East and West)
7.21 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for wild fowling show very low levels of activity over all cables (59 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interactions is summarised in Table 21 below and shown in Figure 36.
Table 21 Wild fowling Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes
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North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Kismul Castle Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. North Uist-Berneray Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Barra-Vatersay Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.22 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for scuba diving show activity levels ranging from very low to high in the immediate vicinity of the cables, depending on cable location (168 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interactions is summarised in Table 22 below and shown in Figure 37.
Table 22 Scuba Diving Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Very low to low levels of activity directly over the cable, though there is a hotspot of moderate-high activity directly adjacent to the south of the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Moderate-high levels of activity at both cable landfalls, with very low activity elsewhere along the route. Kismul Castle Yes High levels of activity over the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Barra-Vatersay Yes High levels of activity over the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. and West) Benbecula-South Uist Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. (East and West)
7.23 The SMRTS 2015 survey results for rowing and sculling show no activity over any of the cables, except for Laxay-Kershader 2, for which activity levels are very low (237 people provided spatial information). This activity and possible interactions is summarised in Table 23 below and shown in Figure 38.
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Table 23 Rowing and sculling Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula No (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay No Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) No Kismul Castle No Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. North Uist-Berneray No Barra-Vatersay No Harris-Scalpay (East No and West) Benbecula-South Uist No (East and West)
7.24 There are potential wreck sites within the cable corridors as indicated in Figure 39 and summarised in Table 24. An online database of historical wreck sites, Canmore, has been used to assess the potential for interaction between wreck sites and submarine electricity cables. It includes a record of Scotland’s maritime heritage and any current or scheduled archaeological sites of national importance, legally protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. This database has been compiled and managed by Historic Environment Scotland, and is available as part of Marine Scotland’s NMPi.
Table 24 Marine archaeology Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula No (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay No No wreck sites in the immediate vicinity, but the nearest is 2.9km away. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Possible interaction with wreck sites. Kismul Castle Yes Possible interaction with wreck sites. Laxay-Kershader 2 No North Uist-Berneray No Barra-Vatersay No No wreck sites in the immediate vicinity, but the nearest is 1.7km away. Harris-Scalpay (East Possible Possible interaction with wreck sites in close proximity to and West) the cables. Benbecula-South Uist No (East and West)
7.25 The Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with marine components Sound of Barra covers both South Uist-Eriskay and Eriskay-Barra. The National Scenic Areas (NSAs) South Uist Machair and
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South Lewis, Harris and North Uist interact with several cables as well. There are RSBC reserves on Lewis and Harris (Loch na Muilne) and North Uist (Vallay and Balranald), though these do not interact with any of the cable routes. The nature conservation designations in the vicinity of the cable corridors are shown in Figure 40, Figure 41and Figure 42 and summarised in Table 25.
Table 25 Conservation designations Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula No (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay Yes Sound of Barra SAC – covers entirety of the cable. South Uist Machair NSA – Covers South Uist landfall of the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Sound of Barra SAC – covers entirety of the cables.
Kismul Castle No Laxay-Kershader 2 No North Uist-Berneray Yes North Uist Machair and Islands SPA – does not intersect the cable, but lies adjacent to the west of the Berneray landfall. South Lewis, Harris and North Uist NSA – Covers the entirety of the cable. Barra-Vatersay No Harris-Scalpay (East No Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC – does not intersect and West) the cables, but lies adjacent to the east. South Lewis, Harris and North Uist NSA – Covers the entirety of the cables. Benbecula-South Uist No (East and West)
7.26 There are a number of recorded aquaculture farms within the vicinity of the cables, operated by Traigh Mhor Oysters, Mowi Scotland Limited, Biadh na Gradh, Western Isles Mussels, Raven Rock Sea Products Ltd., Lewis Mussels and Alisdair Cunningham. These are, for the most part shellfish farms, though there are finfish farms in the vicinity of Eriskay-Barra and Harris-Scalpay. The potential interaction is summarised in Table 26 and shown in Figure 43.
Table 26 Aquaculture sites Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula No (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay No Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes Two shellfish aquaculture sites lie adjacent to the Barra landfalls of each cable – Sounds of Barra (1), operated by Traigh Mhor Oysters and Ard Mhor (2), also operated by Traigh Mhor Oysters. There are a number of other shellfish aquaculture sites and one finfish site within 5km of the cables.
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Kismul Castle Possible Nearest shellfish aquaculture site is Biadh na Gradh (operated by Biadh na Gradh), approximately 1.3km west of the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 Yes There are four shellfish aquaculture sites in the vicinity of the cable; Gob Glass (700m east), Keose (2.5km east), Sgeir nan Each (32.km east) and Rubh a Chleirich (2.4km west). These are operated by Western Isles Mussels, Raven Rock Sea Products Ltd., Lewis Mussels and Western Isles Mussels respectively. North Uist-Berneray No Barra-Vatersay Possible Nearest shellfish aquaculture site is Biadh na Gradh (operated by Biadh na Gradh), approximately 2.6km north east of the cable. Harris-Scalpay (East Yes The shellfish aquaculture site Sound of Scalpay operated by and West) Alisdair Cunningham lies directly over the eastern cable. Two finfish sites, Raineach and Scotasay (both operated by Mowi Scotland Ltd.) are approximately 1.7km and 2.4km west of the western cable respectively. Benbecula-South Uist No (East and West)
7.27 There are a number of ferries that overlap with the cables. The proximity of these ferry routes to the cable works is summarised in Table 27. There is an average of 20-50 transits undertaken in the immediate vicinity of South Uist-Eriskay, Eriskay-Barra, Kismul Castle, and North Uist- Berneray. There are 20 or fewer transits over all other cables, shown in AIS density data for passenger vessels, Figure 44.
Table 27 Ferry routes Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula No (East, West, Centre and Centre 2) South Uist-Eriskay No No ferry routes directly over the cable, but the ferry route from Barra to Eriskay, operated by CalMac Ferries, runs approximately 1.7km south of the cable. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes The Barra-Eriskay ferry route overlaps with the cables. Kismul Castle Yes The Barra-Kismul ferry service, operated by Historic Scotland, runs adjacent to the east of the cable. The Oban- Barra service (operated by CalMac Ferries) runs approximately 120m west of the cable. Laxay-Kershader 2 No North Uist-Berneray Possible The North Uist-Harris ferry service, operated by CalMac Ferries, departs from Berneray approximately 580m east of the cable. Barra-Vatersay No No ferry routes directly over the cable, but the ferry route from Barra to Kismul runs approximately 1.9km east of the cable.
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Harris-Scalpay (East No No ferry routes directly over the cables, but the ferry route and West) from Skye to Harris (operated by CalMac Ferries) runs approximately 3.2km west of the western cable. Benbecula-South Uist No (East and West)
7.28 The nearest ports to each of the cable works is summarised in Table 28 below. Information on these ports is gathered from the website, Ports and Harbours of the UK. A summary of vessel movements (by AIS) is shown in Figure 45 (all vessels), broken down into the categories of cargo vessels (Figure 46), port service craft (Figure 47), tankers (Figure 48) and passenger vessels (previously shown in Figure 44).
Table 28 Local ports Cable Name Interaction on chart Notes North Uist-Benbecula No Nearest harbour is Kallin, approximately 11.6km south west (East, West, Centre of the cables. This hosts a sizeable fishing fleet targeting and Centre 2) shellfish and flatfish. A number of vehicles from southern Europe use the harbour to pick up produce for markets and restaurants in Spain or Italy. South Uist-Eriskay Possible Nearest piers are Ludag and Haun, 1km from the South Uist and 2.1km from the Eriskay landfalls respectively. Both are used primarily for fishing and leisure purposes. Eriskay-Barra (1 and 2) Yes The harbours of Isleornsay and Ceann a’ Gharaidh lie adjacent to the cables. Isleornsay is used mainly by fishing boats and as a landing point for yachts moored in the harbour. Ceann a’ Gharaidh operates as a ferry terminal for the Barra services. Kismul Castle Yes Castlebay lies adjacent to the west of the Barra cable landfall, and is used as a ferry terminal for the Oban-Barra service. Laxay-Kershader 2 No Keose is located approximately 3km east of the cable. North Uist-Berneray Yes Orasaigh lies approximately 210m east of the North Uist cable landfall. Eoligarry lies approximately 1.1km east of the Berneray landfall, and is used primarily by fishing vessels. Barra-Vatersay Yes Vatersay lies approximately 760m east of the Barra cable landfall, and is used by a small number of fishermen. Harris-Scalpay (East Possible Kyles Scalpay lies approximately 410m west of the eastern and West) cable, though it is no longer in use. Scalpay is located approximately 1.6km south of the western cable, and is used mainly by local fishing boats. Benbecula-South Uist No Nearest harbour is Petersport, approximately 9km south (East and West) west of the cables. It is used by a small number of fishing boats.
7.29 There has been no activity recorded for water skiing and wakeboarding and kite surfing in the location of the cables.
7.30 There are currently no operational wave or tidal energy farms in the vicinity of the cables.
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7.31 A summary of the potential interactions between the Outer Hebrides submarine electricity cable and other legitimate sea users is given in Table 29.
7.32 The key points of contact for these legitimate sea users are identified in Appendix B: Communications Strategy.
Table 29 Summary of other legitimate sea users’ interactions
Interaction on Activity Notes chart Bird and wildlife Yes Low to moderate levels of activity over the cables. watching Visits to historic sites Yes Very low to moderate levels of activity over the cables. or to attractions
Power boating Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables.
Canoeing/kayaking Yes Very low to high levels of activity over the cables.
Long distance Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. swimming
Motor cruising Yes Very low to moderate levels of activity over the cables.
Sailing and cruising Yes Low to moderate levels of activity over the cables.
Chartered angling Yes Only very low levels of activity over Laxay-Kershader 2. Recreational Sea angling from Yes Very low to high levels of activity over the cables. shore
Surfing and paddle Yes Low to no activity over the cables. boarding
Yacht racing Yes Low to no activity over the cables.
Moderate to high levels of activity over Barra-Vatersay, Coasteering Yes very low levels elsewhere. Personal water craft Low levels of activity adjacent to Barra-Vatersay and Yes (jet skis) Kismul Castle, none elsewhere.
Wild fowling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables.
Scuba diving Yes Very low to high levels of activity over the cables.
Rowing and sculling Yes Only very low levels of activity over Laxay-Kershader 2.
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Interaction on Activity Notes chart The Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with marine components Sound of Barra covers both South Uist- Conservation sites Yes Eriskay and Eriskay-Barra. The National Scenic Areas (NSAs) South Uist Machair and South Lewis, Harris and North Uist interact with several cables as well.
Wave/Tidal No
Some local finfish and shellfish sites in the vicinity of the Aquaculture (finfish and shellfish) Yes cable locations. Possible interaction with wreck sites, including Marine Archaeology Yes protected wrecks. AIS indicates that there are low levels of cargo vessel Shipping Yes transits (<10 transits) over all cable routes.
There are ferry routes overlapping Eriskay-Barra and Ferries Yes Kismul Castle, with ferry routes in the vicinity of the other cables.
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8 Cable Asset Interactions: Commercial Fishing and Other Sea Users
8.1 The potential interactions to fishing stakeholders and other sea users, based on the site specific proposed construction methods, are specified in the Cefas and MCEU (2004)22 guidelines and summarised in the Cost Benefit Analysis Model23. It should be noted that stakeholders will vary in their sensitivity to socio-economic pressures depending on:
. Spatial adaptability based on operational range and . Spatial tolerance based on dependency on fishing grounds and specific sea areas
8.2 The main gear types within the Outer Hebrides are potting (creeling) for Nephrops (and to a lesser extent crab and lobster), scallop dredging and Nephrops trawling. However, potting (creeling) vessels represent the primary fishery that may interact with the cable locations, due to their nearshore location.
8.3 While fishermen will be kept up to date with construction areas by Notices to Mariners (NTMs), Weekly Notices of Operations (WNO) and update emails from the developer and their subcontractors, there is scope for conflicting demands on the same area of sea. Construction schedules are fluid and dependent upon many factors and fishermen may not regularly read emails, if they have access to the internet at all and therefore may not be aware of recent updates.
8.4 In most cases the presence of a FIR onboard the survey boats should prevent fishing gear interactions by survey/construction vessels. However, it may not be feasible for all vessels to have an offshore FIR on board therefore a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been created for the FIR and crew of the survey and construction vessels to follow (Fishing Gear Interaction SOP)24.
8.5 The potential interactions between fishing stakeholders and other sea users with survey vessels (and construction vessels if cable installation is required following inspection surveys) are dependent on the survey and installation methods to be used.
8.6 Inspections will be carried out on SHEPD’s submarine electricity cables to identify the behaviour and integrity of the cable. This will inform the ongoing maintenance plan and influence cable replacement decisions. Survey information obtained along the cable route will include ROV mountable magnetometer, MBES and SSS, and a gradiometer array for a minimum corridor
22 Cefas, Marine Consents and Environment Unit (MCEU), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) (2004) Offshore Wind Farms - Guidance note for Environmental Impact Assessment In respect of FEPA and CPA requirements, Version 2 23 Please refer to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks: Submarine Electricity Cable Cost Benefit Analysis Method Statement: https://www.ssen.co.uk/CBAFULL/ and Method Statement Executive Summary: http://news.ssen.co.uk/media/266234/CBA-Model-Statement-Executive-Summary.pdf 24 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks: Standard Operating Procedures, available: https://www.ssen.co.uk/SubmarineCables/AboutUs/
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width of +/-7.5m, centred on the existing cable route. Please refer to the Construction Method Statement for full details where cable installation is identified, following the inspection surveys.
8.7 Due to the range in levels of activity for all other sea users there is scope for conflicting demands on the same area of sea. It is anticipated that the formal notifications such as NtMs, COLREGS and the code of good practise for all vessels will provide sufficient mitigation for potential interactions.
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9 Safety
9.1 Safety management is a key aspect of the FLMAP. SHEPD’s approach to safety and to ensuring co-existence has been outlined in the document How Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution co-exists with other marine users25. With regards to commercial fishing, Safety Management Plans produced by SHEPD for submarine cable works will include reference to the following elements:
. Code of Good Practice for all Vessels . Procedures in Relation to Gear Fastening or Loss . Safety Zones (500m) around any required Active Construction Areas . Appendix B: Communication Strategy
9.2 When we employ contractors for the surveys and construction required for the Outer Hebrides cable inspections, we will outline certain obligations to which the contractors must follow in order to ensure external communication is accurate and to aid coexistence with legitimate sea users. These may include ensuring:
. Any debris accidently dropped during any construction and maintenance activities (if required following inspection surveys) is removed if practicably feasible and safe to do so . All vessels under contract with us adhere to COLREGS and SOLAS requirements . All vessels under contract with us do not engage in any commercial or recreational fishing activities whatsoever . All vessels under contract with us will maintain polite, proactive and professional communications with fishing vessels and other legitimate sea users during offshore operations . All vessels under contract with us will monitor the required VHF channels at all times so as to receive communications directly from fishing vessels and other legitimate sea users . All vessels contracted to undertake project specific work will have undertaken appropriate risk assessments in respect of potential interactions with commercial fishing vessels and their gears . Where appropriate, for vessels using anchored positioning, contractors will be obliged wherever possible to adopt anchor release procedures to minimise the size of anchor mounds and where necessary undertake remedial actions to level any significant anchor mounds . All vessels contracted with us will have on board approved fishing liaison/interaction manuals . Where appropriate, suitably qualified and certified offshore FIRs will be on board certain project vessels . Standard transit routes for vessels engaged by us will be discussed with fishing stakeholders prior to operations commencing and vessels transiting to the site shall follow these where possible.
25 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks: How we co-exist with other marine users, available: https://www.ssen.co.uk/SubmarineCables/AboutUs/
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9.3 The following procedure outlined below replicates that which has been in place in respect of the UK offshore oil and gas industry and describes the steps that should be undertaken in the event of fishing gear becoming fastened on or in the vicinity of a submarine electricity cable:
. If the fastened gear is not easily retrieved, fishermen should not apply excessive winch, line or net hauler loads or engine powers in attempts to retrieve fastened gear . Fishermen are to advise the coastguard and the CFLO/FIR immediately, giving an accurate position of the vessel and/or lost gear . If the coastguard or CFLO/FIR confirms that the vessel is in the immediate vicinity of a cable, serious consideration will be given to the slipping of the gear and buoying and recording of its position; . If the gear is slipped, after buoying off the gear, the position should be confirmed with the coastguard and the CFLO/FIR . On return to port, the skipper is to contact the local Fishery Office and register the incident in the normal manner . On no account should skippers grapple in an attempt to recover fishing gear lost or cut away in the vicinity of a submarine electricity cable.
9.4 The purpose of a safety zone is to ensure the safety of other legitimate sea users by communicating a safe distance between other users and the construction, operation and maintenance activities related to the submarine electricity cables.
9.5 Whilst 500m is the maximum permissible size for a safety zone, it could be that during any required construction phases, the safety of other users is better served through an additional precautionary area communicated by Notice to Mariners in which it is recommended other legitimate sea users do not enter. If entry is unavoidable, then navigation with extreme caution is advised.
9.6 We will aim to organise any required construction schedules as far as is practicably possible with the aim of reducing potential combined loss of fishing area during this phase.
9.7 Fishing stakeholders will be informed of all the cable works throughout the inspection surveys (and any subsequent pre-construction or construction phases).
9.8 SHEPD will, in consultation with commercial fishing stakeholders, work towards identifying acceptable and feasible mitigation options with the aim of minimising any potential effects on commercial fishing associated with the replacement of submarine electricity cables. There are various options available to mitigate the risks describe previously, including:
. Continuing effective positive liaison with commercial fishing stakeholders through the pre- construction, construction and operational phases of any cable replacement . Continued employment of CFLO/FIR services until the completion of the replacement works . Ensuring contractors comply with the contractor’s obligations outlined above so as to minimise any interference to commercial fishing activities . Managing the cable replacement works so as to minimise any potential effects on the marine environment, habitats and commercial fishing . Raising awareness of the danger of fishing in the vicinity of submarine cables
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. Adopting a hierarchical approach to submarine cable protection, taking account of legitimate sea users concerns . Organising a construction phasing workshop (if new cable is required) to inform commercial fishermen of planned activities . Organising construction schedules (if new cable is required) as far as is practicably possible in order to reduce the combined loss of fishing area associated with safety zones . Distributing Weekly Notices of Operations . Providing information in plotter format to enable fishermen to easily interpret the information . Scouting surveys to identify potting areas and any other relevant static gear areas.
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10 UK Legislation, References and Guidance
10.1 Damage to submarine cables is expensive to repair and can cause disruption to power distribution to often sparsely populated islands. There is applicable legislation in respect to safety zones (Energy Act 2004), navigation (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972; COLREGS) and submarine cable protection (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Article 113, 1982, and UK 1964 Continental Shelf Act). It is an offence to wilfully damage submarine cables (UNCLOS, 1982; UK 1964 Continental Shelf Act).
10.2 In regards to navigation, in normal circumstances, the provisions laid down by COLREGs are sufficient to ensure that actions taken by fishing vessels and those restricted in their ability to manoeuvre when two vessels are approaching allow both to continue operating with minimum disruption.
10.3 Further information on UK and international legislation for subsea cables, safety zones and navigation is provided in the document How Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution co-exists with other marine users26.
26 Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks: How we co-exist with other marine users, available: https://www.ssen.co.uk/SubmarineCables/AboutUs/
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Notice to Mariners Example Template Notice to Mariners
Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) – Notice to Mariners [Month Year].
Issued [Date].
Please be advised that [Contractor] (on behalf of SHEPD) will be undertaking a [description of works, e.g.: survey across the CABLE ROUTE submarine electricity cable corridor]. The survey will utilise four different vessels to complete survey operations:
. Vessel 1 . Vessel 2 . Vessel 3 . Vessel 4
The survey operations will commence during an appropriate weather window following [date] and will continue over a planned minimum period of [16 weeks], weather permitting.
The survey operations will be concentrated across the cable corridor within the boundary defined by the following coordinates.
[Chart of survey area]
[Coordinates of survey area boundary]
The survey operations will be undertaken by the [vessel 1, vessel 2, vessel3…..] pictured below. The vessels may not commence their activities at the same time but may operate simultaneously at times over the survey duration. The vessels may operate primarily from [Kirkwall] but may use other ports along the [island] coastlines, such as [port 1] or [port 2].
Vessel Photo Vessel Description [Photo of vessel 1] [Description, contact details and call sign of vessel 1, e.g.: The M.V. [vessel name] is a multi-purpose survey vessel, 65.2 m in length with a beam of 14m and a draft of 5.3 m; transit speed of 12 kts and a survey speed of ~5 kts (geophysical survey). Operating on a 24-hour basis] [Photo of vessel 2] [Description, contact details and call sign of vessel 2] [Photo of vessel 3] [Description, contact details and call sign of vessel 3] [Photo of vessel 4] [Description, contact details and call sign of vessel 4]
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Survey Description
The [survey/installation] will involve [the coverage of dedicated survey lines by the vessel(s) with a full suite of geophysical survey systems (Multi beam Echo Sounder, Side Scan Sonar and Magnetometer)] mounted on the vessel or towed from the stern of the vessel.
Other vessels should maintain an appropriate and safe distance of 500 m when passing the [survey] vessel(s) whilst undertaking survey operations and should pass at the lowest possible speed to avoid vessel wash effects. The vessel(s) will be working [24-hour operations] and will display appropriate day shapes and lights during reduced visibility and night operations. The vessel(s) will also monitor VHF Channels 16 and 12.
Primary Survey Equipment
Towed / Hull Approximate tow Primary equipment Vessel mounted / Sampling length (if applicable) Multibeam Hull mounted N/A Vessel 1, Vessel 2 Echosounder Sidescan Sonar Towed 50-350m Vessel 1, Vessel 2 Magnetometer Array Towed 50-350m Vessel 1, Vessel 2 Remotely Operated Tether Management N/A Vessel 1 Vehicle (ROV) System Subsea Crane Crane WD 140 max Vessel 1 Operations
Contact Details
The vessel contact details are given in the tables below
VESSEL 1 Call sign Bridge Offshore manager / Party Chief Email Onshore Site Manager
VESSEL 2 Call sign Bridge Offshore manager / Party Chief Email Onshore Site Manager
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Fishing Liaison Officers
Fishing liaison for the [survey] will be co-ordinated by Brown and May Marine (BMM). For any commercial fishery queries please contact the Company Fishing Liaison Officer (CLFO) Alex Winrow-Giffin on 07760 160039 / 01379 872144, [email protected]. A local Fishing Industries Representative (FIR) [name and contact details TBC] will also be in place to liaise with the vessel and fishing operations in the area. The vessel master will issue regular broadcasts whilst the survey vessel is operating to ensure minimal disruption and that vessels maintain an appropriate and safe distance.
Further Details
Further enquiries should be addressed to the following people in the following order:
Name Contact Number Email
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Communication Strategy
An example standardised high level cable replacement communication plan is given in in Table 30. (This is in the event that cable replacement is identified following inspection surveys). A programme of actions to be undertaken in the event of an unplanned outage is given in Table 31. Please note that the communication plan will need to be applied for each cable.
Table 30 Example of a communication programme for cable replacement Time What’s happening What we want to communicate Who we are speaking to and frequency
Month 1 Cable inspection list created for [year] . No communications at this stage. N/A
We have developed a list based on a number of define factors and pervious cable history. This allows us to “guess future health” where the most vulnerable cables will be and their importance on the network. This includes roughly 150% of the cable projects we intend to deliver, so we make sure we capture the right projects.
Month 2 Mobilisation of inspection vessels for [year] . Essentially a safety message to let . Mariners: the number of programme of cable replacement mariners know that we will have vessels, routes they are taking vessels in the area. and activities they will be Sending out inspection vessel, divers and/or ROV completing (daily) closely following cable to inspect cable condition and record it on film. This is then used to inform our health assessment of the cable.
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Time What’s happening What we want to communicate Who we are speaking to and frequency
Month 3 Review inspections from 2 years ahead to create 1 . No communications at this stage, . Domestic and generation SHEPD year ahead survey list unless there has been engagement customers to advise them that with stakeholders who have we will be replacing the cable From Inspection data we refine our project list to experienced wet outages. (one off). 125% of projects to make sure we survey as much as possible without wasting these works on cables which are healthy.
Month 4 Survey [year] Cable routes . Essentially a safety message to let . Mariners: the number of mariners know that we will have vessels, routes they are taking With our 125% list we then issue instruction to vessels in the area. and activities they will be survey the cable routes. . Messaging to highlight any completing (daily). environmental mitigation measures . Environmental groups: to This uses a vessel dragging a sonar device across a we have implemented to safeguard highlight any mitigation wide area multiple times to build up an image of the marine life (e.g. checking for dolphins measures (one off). sea bed. It may also include carrying out intrusive before beginning sonar survey) geotechnical investigations.
Month 5 Select [year] cable routes and advise Marine . No external communications at this N/A Scotland (licensing) stage.
From our survey we will then define the project which is to be delivered.
Reducing our project list to 100% of what we are able to deliver.
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Time What’s happening What we want to communicate Who we are speaking to and frequency
Month 6-7 PAC events and license application . The proposed project including . Statutory and non-statutory location and route along with possible stakeholders as well as Pre-application consultation events are advertised protections methods. communities and mariners (one and held. Comments received are noted and off). addressed as part of the licence application.
Month 8 Mobilisation of vessels for cable installation . Essentially a safety message to let . Mariners: the number of mariners know that we will have vessels, routes they are taking With all cable projects now consented and licences vessels in the area. and activities they will be approved, cable laying vessels are in the water. The completing (daily). boats(s) will collect all cables and fittings from our storage depot.
Month 9 Start – completion of installation works . Essentially a safety message to let . Mariners: the number of mariners know that we will have vessels, routes they are taking . From there the vessel will transit to the cable vessels in the area. and activities they will be installation location and begin works. completing (daily). Dependant on the projects the vessel(s) might . Domestic and business do one of more than one cable installation customers to be advised of any during one voyage. planned outages to allow us to . Dependant on physical protection levels of carry out works (as required). cables there may be a number of extra vessels dispatched to complete the works. . In parallel there will be onshore works which will be connecting the cable from the sea/shore end into the existing electrical network. . All vessel(s) return to port(s)
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Time What’s happening What we want to communicate Who we are speaking to and frequency
18 months after Post installation cable inspections . Essentially a safety message to let . Mariners: the number of installation mariners know that we will have vessels, routes they are taking . Sending out inspection vessel, divers and/or vessels in the area. and activities they will be ROV to inspect the cables most recently completing (daily). installed. This will allow us to decide what remedial works are required. . The cable is inspected by closely following cable to inspect cable condition and record it on film. This is then used to inform our assessment.
Remedial works Remedial works . Essentially a safety message to let . Mariners: the number of following cable mariners know that we will have vessels, routes they are taking inspection (if If required, we will send more vessels to complete vessels in the area. and activities they will be required) any works which are required (from protection to completing (daily). complete cable replacement).
Table 31 Example of unplanned outage due to wet fault in a cable Time What’s happening What we want to communicate Who we are speaking to
Day 1 . Declared a wet fault following testing at . We are aware of a submarine . Domestic and business demand termination poles at both shore ends. This will electricity cable fault. and generation customers. give the distance to the fault location within the sea. Page 55 of 122
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Time What’s happening What we want to communicate Who we are speaking to
. Depending on the severity of the fault and the . Our engineers are on site and are demand of the island we may be able to restore connecting generators to restore your power whilst still investigating the fault. power. . Embedded generation team will be deployed to operate the generators on the island. There will be someone on site 24 hours. . We formally notify Marine Scotland, Northern Lighthouse Board and Fishing Liaison Officer at this point. Day 2 -13 We are mobilising our marine contractors (divers, . Power will have been restored from . Domestic and business demand vessels and crew). the customers’ perspective. customers if we want to share . Generation customers may be good news story. assisting islands in maintaining supply stability. We may wish to communicate this as a good news story. Day 14 -17 Locating the fault . We need to be sharing safety message . Mariners: We will have vessels with the marine community to beware operating in and around the . If the cable is 30 m deep then divers visually that we have vessels operating in the cables. inspect the cable to find the fault. area. . This should advise of specific . If it is deeper than this Remote Operated . This should highlight how many there movements. Vehicles are deployed to do the same job. are in the water and what they are . Visibility can be very poor so this will impact on doing. how long this takes. . We may want to talk to the outside world about anyways we are mitigating our impact on either the environment or mariners.
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Time What’s happening What we want to communicate Who we are speaking to
Day 18 Fault zone found . We need to be sharing safety message . Mariners: We will have vessels with the marine community to beware operating in and around the Fault zone found visually (probably a worn section of that we have vessels operating in the cables. cable with splayed armour; or disruption on seabed; area. or orange deposits on the armour). There is still . This should highlight how many there work to be done in actually pin pointing the fault. are in the water and what they are doing. Day 19 – 20 Fault finding . We need to be sharing safety message . Mariners: We will have vessels with the marine community to beware operating in and around the . We cut the cable in the fault zone. that we have vessels operating in the cables. . Tie one end that will remain in the sea to the area. This should highlight how many . This should tell mariners where buoy. We will check this is healthy once we have there are in the water and what they the buoys are and that the checked the end that we think has the fault. are doing. Especially since there will a cable is at this location. . The end we think has a fault will be recovered number of anchors temporarily in the onto the cable vessel. Jointers will strip the area whilst we are looking for the fault cable ready for testing. We find the exact and fixing it. location of the fault by cutting 10 metre lengths until the tests show that the cable is healthy. Once we know cable is healthy we make it waterproof and tie it to a buoy to it. Day 21 Option A . We need to be sharing safety message Option A and B with the marine community to beware We call this a piece in where we are able to re-joint that we still have vessels operating in . Mariners: We will have vessels the cable with a new section of cable. the area. operating in and around the . This should highlight how many there cables and estimate when we Option B are in the water and what they are will be away. doing.
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Time What’s happening What we want to communicate Who we are speaking to
Depending on the distance from shore, we may take Option A and B Option C and D at new section of cable from the shore end to the existing cable (only needing one joint) Estimate how long we will be in the area Mariners and statutory consultees: mending the cable for and advise of vessel We need to do a full cable Option C movements. replacement and so need to apply for a marine licence which gives us If the cable is too deep (greater than 50 metres) we Option C and D consent to carry out the work. can’t repair the cable by traditional means we will have to replace the entire cable end to end. We need to apply for full marine licence.
Option D Please refer to other communication plan from here on. If cable has faulted and is planned for replacement due to health of cable we will replace entire cable end to end.
Day 22 Option A . We need to be sharing safety message . Domestic and business demand with the marine community to beware and generation customers: The Take cable vessel to fault location and joint new that we still have vessels operating in submarine electricity cable has piece in between the two ends. The cable is tested the area. been repaired and mobile to make sure it is healthy and then lowered back . This should highlight how many there generators have been removed onto the sea bed. We will then re-energise cable are in the water and what they are from the island. when safe to restore power. doing. . Mariners: We will have vessels operating in and around the Option B cables and estimate when we will be away Position the cable vessel close to the shore in line with the point of termination in land. We float the cable from the cable vessel to connection point on shore. The floats are removed when cable is in Page 58 of 122
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Time What’s happening What we want to communicate Who we are speaking to
position and install the cable to the jointing location where it meets the cable which we left in the sea attached to a buoy (the original fault location) and joint the cable. We test the cable to make sure it is clear of all faults. We will then re-energise cable when safe to restore power.
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Commercial Fishing Charts
Figure 1 Outer Hebrides study area Page 60 of 122
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Figure 2 MMO surveillance sightings by method (2014-2018) Page 61 of 122
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Figure 3 MMO surveillance sightings by nationality (2014-2018) Page 62 of 122
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Figure 4 Average MMO landings value by species (2014-2018)
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Figure 5 Average MMO landings value by method (2014-2018) Page 64 of 122
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Figure 6 Average MMO landings value by vessel length (2014-2018) Page 65 of 122
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Figure 7 Average UK MMO VMS effort (hours) all gears (2014 to 2018) Page 66 of 122
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Figure 8 Average UK MMO VMS effort (hours) for dredges (2014 to 2018) Page 67 of 122
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Figure 9 Average UK MMO VMS effort (hours) for mobile gear (2014 to 2018) Page 68 of 122
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Figure 10 Average UK MMO VMS effort (hours) for pots & traps (2014 to 2018) Page 69 of 122
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Figure 11 Average UK VMS value (£) for all gears (2014-2018) Page 70 of 122
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Figure 12 Average UK VMS value (£) for dredging (2014-2018) Page 71 of 122
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Figure 13 Average UK VMS value (£) for mobile gears (2014-2018) Page 72 of 122
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Figure 14 Average UK VMS value (£) for pots and traps (2014-2018) Page 73 of 122
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Figure 15 AIS density for fishing vessels in 2017 (EMODnet, 2019) Page 74 of 122
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Other Sea Users Charts
Figure 16 AIS density for all vessels (EMODnet, 2019) Page 75 of 122
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Figure 17 AIS density for cargo vessels (EMODnet, 2019) Page 76 of 122
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Figure 18 AIS density for high speed vessels (EMODnet, 2019) Page 77 of 122
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Figure 19 AIS density for passenger vessels (EMODnet, 2019) Page 78 of 122
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Figure 20 AIS density for sailing vessels (EMODnet, 2019) Page 79 of 122
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Figure 21 AIS density for tankers (EMODnet, 2019) Page 80 of 122
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Figure 22 AIS density for tugs (EMODnet, 2019) Page 81 of 122
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Figure 23 Bird and wildlife watching (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 82 of 122
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Figure 24 Historic sites and attractions (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 83 of 122
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Figure 25 Power boating (Marine Scotland 2018)
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Figure 26 Canoeing and kayaking (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 85 of 122
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Figure 27 Long distance swimming (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 86 of 122
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Figure 28 Motor cruising (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 87 of 122
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Figure 29 Sailing and cruising (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 88 of 122
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Figure 30 Chartered angling (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 89 of 122
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Figure 31 Sea angling from shore (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 90 of 122
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Figure 32 Surfing and paddle boarding (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 91 of 122
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Figure 33 Yacht racing (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 92 of 122
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Figure 34 Coasteering (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 93 of 122
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Figure 35 Personal water craft (jet skis) (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 94 of 122
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Figure 36 Wild fowling (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 95 of 122
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Figure 37 Scuba diving (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 96 of 122
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Figure 38 Rowing and sculling (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 97 of 122
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Figure 39 Known wreck sites (Marine Scotland 2019) Page 98 of 122
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Figure 40 National Scenic Area coastal sites (Marine Scotland 2019) Page 99 of 122
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Figure 41 Marine Protected Areas, Special Protection Areas with marine components and Special Areas of Conservation with marine components (JNCC 2019) Page 100 of 122
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Figure 42 RSPB reserves (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 2019) Page 101 of 122
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Figure 43 Active saltwater aquaculture sites (Marine Scotland 2019) Page 102 of 122
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Figure 44 Passenger vessels – ferries (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 103 of 122
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Figure 45 AIS all vessel types 2012-2015 (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 104 of 122
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Figure 46 AIS cargo vessels 2012-2015 (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 105 of 122
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Figure 47 Port service craft 2012-2015 (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 106 of 122
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Figure 48 AIS tankers 2012-2015 (Marine Scotland 2018) Page 107 of 122
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Cable-Specific Interactions
Table 32 Interactions for Cables North Uist-Benbecula East, West, Centre and Centre 2 Activity Interaction Notes MMO Surveillance sightings, No Within 10km radius there is a single potter/whelker sighting. 2014-2018 MMO landings value (£) 2014- Yes (straddles ICES rectangles 43E2 and 44E2) Average of £1,288,486 landings value per year for 44E2, with pots 2018 by species, gear type and making up over three quarters of these landings, followed by boat dredges. The largest proportion of vessels gear length returning these landings are under 10m, with a roughly even split between 10m-15m and >15m vessels. The largest proportion of landings value comes from lobsters, followed by Nephrops and scallops. Average of £2,900,223 landings value per year for 43E2, with almost three quarters of this from pots, followed by boat dredges. The largest proportion of vessels returning these landings are <10m, with a roughly even split between 10m-15m and >15m vessels. The largest proportion of landings value comes from Nephrops, followed by lobsters. MMO VMS effort (hours) 2014- No 2018 MMO VMS landings value (£) No 2014-2018 EMODnet AIS vessel density Yes Average of <2 hours of AIS activity per square km per month. (fishing) 2017 Bird and wildlife watching Yes Low to moderate levels of activity over the cables. Visits to historic sites or to Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. attractions Power boating Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Canoeing and kayaking Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables, though there is an area of low activity adjacent to the east of the cables. Long distance swimming Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Motor cruising Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. There is a hotspot of higher activity approximately 3.2km east of the cables. Page 108 of 122
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Activity Interaction Notes Sailing and cruising Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Chartered angling No Sea angling from shore Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables, though there is a hotspot of activity approximately 2.4km north west of the cables. Surfing and paddle boarding Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. Yacht racing Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Coasteering Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Personal water craft (jet skis) No Wild fowling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Scuba Diving Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Rowing and sculling No Marine archaeology No Conservation designations No Aquaculture sites No Ferry routes No Local ports No Nearest harbour is Kallin, approximately 11.6km south west of the cables. This hosts a sizeable fishing fleet targeting shellfish and flatfish. A number of vehicles from southern Europe use the harbour to pick up produce for markets and restaurants in Spain or Italy.
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Table 33 Interactions for Cable South Uist-Eriskay Activity Interaction Notes MMO Surveillance sightings, Possible Within 10km radius there are low levels of potter/whelker, scallop dredger (French/Newhaven type) and pelagic 2014-2018 trawler activity. MMO landings value (£) 2014- Yes Average of £2,900,223 landings value per year, with almost three quarters of this from pots, followed by boat 2018 by species, gear type and dredges. The largest proportion of vessels returning these landings are <10m, with a roughly even split between gear length 10m-15m and >15m vessels. The largest proportion of landings value comes from Nephrops, followed by lobsters. MMO VMS effort (hours) 2014- No 2018 MMO VMS landings value (£) No 2014-2018 EMODnet AIS vessel density Yes Average of ≤2 hours of AIS activity per square km per month. (fishing) 2017 Bird and wildlife watching Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cable. Visits to historic sites or to Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cable. attractions Power boating Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Canoeing and kayaking Yes Low to moderate to high levels of activity over the cable. Long distance swimming Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Motor cruising Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cable. Sailing and cruising Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Chartered angling No Sea angling from shore Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Surfing and paddle boarding No Yacht racing No Coasteering Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable.
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Activity Interaction Notes Personal water craft (jet skis) No Wild fowling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Scuba Diving Yes Very low to low levels of activity directly over the cable, though there is a hotspot of moderate-high activity directly adjacent to the south of the cable. Rowing and sculling No Marine archaeology No No wreck sites in the immediate vicinity, but the nearest is 2.9km away. Conservation designations Yes Sound of Barra SAC – covers entirety of the cable. South Uist Machair NSA – Covers South Uist landfall of the cable. Aquaculture sites No Ferry routes No No ferry routes directly over the cable, but the ferry route from Barra to Eriskay, operated by CalMac Ferries, runs approximately 1.7km south of the cable. Local ports Possible Nearest piers are Ludag and Haun, 1km from the South Uist and 2.1km from the Eriskay landfalls respectively. Both are used primarily for fishing and leisure purposes.
Table 34 Interactions for Cables Eriskay-Barra 1 and 2 Activity Interaction Notes MMO Surveillance sightings, Yes Low levels of potter/whelker, scallop dredger (French/Newhaven type), Norwegian pelagic trawler and Irish pair 2014-2018 trawler activity in the vicinity of the cables. MMO landings value (£) 2014- Yes Average of £2,900,223 landings value per year, with almost three quarters of this from pots, followed by boat 2018 by species, gear type and dredges. The largest proportion of vessels returning these landings are <10m, with a roughly even split between gear length 10m-15m and >15m vessels. The largest proportion of landings value comes from Nephrops, followed by lobsters. MMO VMS effort (hours) 2014- Yes Average fishing effort of 50-100 hours for dredging and mobile gear over the central portion of the cable route. 2018 MMO VMS landings value (£) Yes Average landings value of up to £20,000 per year for dredging and mobile gear. 2014-2018
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Activity Interaction Notes EMODnet AIS vessel density Yes Average of ≤2 hours of AIS activity per square km per month. (fishing) 2017 Bird and wildlife watching Yes Low to moderate levels of activity over the cables. Visits to historic sites or to Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. attractions Power boating Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. Canoeing and kayaking Yes Low to moderate to high levels of activity over the cables. There is a small spot of high activity approximately 2.6km south of the cables. Long distance swimming Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. Motor cruising Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. Sailing and cruising Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. Chartered angling No Sea angling from shore Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Surfing and paddle boarding No No activity directly over the cables, though there is an area of low activity adjacent to the east of the cables. Yacht racing Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Coasteering Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Personal water craft (jet skis) No Wild fowling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Scuba Diving Yes Moderate-high levels of activity at both cable landfalls, with very low activity elsewhere along the route. Rowing and sculling No Marine archaeology Yes Possible interaction with wreck sites. Conservation designations Yes Sound of Barra SAC – covers entirety of the cables. Aquaculture sites Yes Two shellfish aquaculture sites lie adjacent to the Barra landfalls of each cable – Sounds of Barra (1), operated by Traigh Mhor Oysters and Ard Mhor (2), also operated by Traigh Mhor Oysters. There are a number of other shellfish aquaculture sites and one finfish site within 5km of the cables. Ferry routes Yes The Barra-Eriskay ferry route overlaps with the cables. Page 112 of 122
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Activity Interaction Notes Local ports Yes The harbours of Isleornsay and Ceann a’ Gharaidh lie adjacent to the cables. Isleornsay is used mainly by fishing boats and as a landing point for yachts moored in the harbour. Ceann a’ Gharaidh operates as a ferry terminal for the Barra services.
Table 35 Interactions for Cable Kismul Castle Activity Interaction Notes MMO Surveillance sightings, No 2014-2018 MMO landings value (£) 2014- Yes Average of £2,510,303 landings value per year, with the highest proportion of this from pots, followed by bottom 2018 by species, gear type and otter trawls. The largest proportion of vessels returning these landings are over 15m, followed by <10m vessels gear length and then 10m-15m vessels. The largest proportion of landings value comes from Nephrops, followed by edible crabs and then lobsters. MMO VMS effort (hours) 2014- No 2018 MMO VMS landings value (£) Yes Average landings value of <£1,000 per year for mobile gear. 2014-2018 EMODnet AIS vessel density Yes Average of 0.5 hours of AIS activity per square km per month. (fishing) 2017 Bird and wildlife watching Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Visits to historic sites or to Yes High levels of activity over the cable. attractions Power boating Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Canoeing and kayaking Yes High levels of activity over the cable. Long distance swimming Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Motor cruising Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cable. Sailing and cruising Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cable. Page 113 of 122
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Activity Interaction Notes Chartered angling No Sea angling from shore Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Surfing and paddle boarding No Yacht racing No Coasteering Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Personal water craft (jet skis) Possible There is an area of low activity adjacent to the south east of the cable. Wild fowling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Scuba Diving Yes High levels of activity over the cable. Rowing and sculling No Marine archaeology Yes Possible interaction with wreck sites. Conservation designations No Aquaculture sites Possible Nearest shellfish aquaculture site is Biadh na Gradh (operated by Biadh na Gradh), approximately 1.3km west of the cable. Ferry routes Yes The Barra-Kismul ferry service, operated by Historic Scotland, runs adjacent to the east of the cable. The Oban- Barra service (operated by CalMac Ferries) runs approximately 120m west of the cable. Local ports Yes Castlebay lies adjacent to the west of the Barra cable landfall, and is used as a ferry terminal for the Oban-Barra service.
Table 36 Interactions for Cable Laxay-Kershader 2 Activity Interaction Notes MMO Surveillance sightings, No 2014-2018
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Activity Interaction Notes MMO landings value (£) 2014- Yes Average of £4,562,060 landings value per year, with the highest proportion of this from bottom otter trawls, 2018 by species, gear type and followed by pots. The largest proportion of vessels returning these landings are over 15m, followed by <10m gear length vessels and then 10m-15m vessels. The largest proportion of landings value comes from Nephrops, followed by edible crabs. MMO VMS effort (hours) 2014- No 2018 MMO VMS landings value (£) No 2014-2018 EMODnet AIS vessel density No (fishing) 2017 Bird and wildlife watching Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cable. Visits to historic sites or to Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. attractions Power boating No Canoeing and kayaking Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Long distance swimming Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Motor cruising Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cable. Sailing and cruising Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Chartered angling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Sea angling from shore Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Surfing and paddle boarding Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Yacht racing No Coasteering Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Personal water craft (jet skis) No Wild fowling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Scuba Diving Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable.
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Activity Interaction Notes Rowing and sculling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Marine archaeology No Conservation designations No Aquaculture sites Yes There are four shellfish aquaculture sites in the vicinity of the cable; Gob Glass (700m east), Keose (2.5km east), Sgeir nan Each (32.km east) and Rubh a Chleirich (2.4km west). These are operated by Western Isles Mussels, Raven Rock Sea Products Ltd., Lewis Mussels and Western Isles Mussels respectively. Ferry routes No Local ports No Keose is located approximately 3km east of the cable.
Table 37 Interactions for Cable North Uist-Berneray Activity Interaction Notes MMO Surveillance sightings, No Within 10km radius there are low levels of potter/whelker activity. 2014-2018 MMO landings value (£) 2014- Yes Average of £1,288,486 landings value per year, with pots making up over three quarters of these landings, 2018 by species, gear type and followed by boat dredges. The largest proportion of vessels returning these landings are under 10m, with a gear length roughly even split between 10m-15m and >15m vessels. The largest proportion of landings value comes from lobsters, followed by Nephrops and scallops. MMO VMS effort (hours) 2014- No 2018 MMO VMS landings value (£) No 2014-2018 EMODnet AIS vessel density No (fishing) 2017 Bird and wildlife watching Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cable. Visits to historic sites or to Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. attractions
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Activity Interaction Notes Power boating Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Canoeing and kayaking Yes Low to moderate levels of activity over the cable. Long distance swimming Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Motor cruising Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cable. Sailing and cruising Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Chartered angling No Sea angling from shore Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Surfing and paddle boarding Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Yacht racing No Coasteering Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Personal water craft (jet skis) No Wild fowling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Scuba Diving Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Rowing and sculling No Marine archaeology No Conservation designations Yes North Uist Machair and Islands SPA – does not intersect the cable, but lies adjacent to the west of the Berneray landfall. South Lewis, Harris and North Uist NSA – Covers the entirety of the cable. Aquaculture sites No Ferry routes Possible The North Uist-Harris ferry service, operated by CalMac Ferries, departs from Berneray approximately 580m east of the cable. Local ports Yes Orasaigh lies approximately 210m east of the North Uist cable landfall. Eoligarry lies approximately 1.1km east of the Berneray landfall, and is used primarily by fishing vessels.
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Table 38 Interactions for Cable Barra-Vatersay Activity Interaction Notes MMO Surveillance sightings, No Within 10km radius there is a single potter/whelker sighting. 2014-2018 MMO landings value (£) 2014- Yes Average of £2,510,303 landings value per year, with the highest proportion of this from pots, followed by bottom 2018 by species, gear type and otter trawls. The largest proportion of vessels returning these landings are over 15m, followed by <10m vessels gear length and then 10m-15m vessels. The largest proportion of landings value comes from Nephrops, followed by edible crabs and then lobsters. MMO VMS effort (hours) 2014- No 2018 MMO VMS landings value (£) No 2014-2018 EMODnet AIS vessel density Yes Average of 10 hours of AIS activity per square km per month. (fishing) 2017 Bird and wildlife watching Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. Visits to historic sites or to Yes Low to moderate levels of activity over the cable. There is a hotspot of high activity adjacent to the east of the attractions cable. Power boating Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Canoeing and kayaking Yes Low levels of activity directly over the cable, though there is an area of high activity approximately 850m east of the cable. Long distance swimming Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Motor cruising Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cable. Sailing and cruising Yes Low levels of activity directly over the cable, though there is an area of moderate activity adjacent to the east of the cable. Chartered angling No Sea angling from shore Yes Very low levels of activity over the cable. Surfing and paddle boarding No Yacht racing No Page 118 of 122
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Activity Interaction Notes Coasteering Yes Moderate to high levels of activity over the cable. Personal water craft (jet skis) Possible There is an area of low activity adjacent to the south east of the cable. Wild fowling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Scuba Diving Yes High levels of activity over the cable. Rowing and sculling No Marine archaeology No No wreck sites in the immediate vicinity, but the nearest is 1.7km away. Conservation designations No Aquaculture sites Possible Nearest shellfish aquaculture site is Biadh na Gradh (operated by Biadh na Gradh), approximately 2.6km north east of the cable. Ferry routes No No ferry routes directly over the cable, but the ferry route from Barra to Kismul runs approximately 1.9km east of the cable. Local ports Yes Vatersay lies approximately 760m east of the Barra cable landfall, and is used by a small number of fishermen.
Table 39 Interactions for Cables Harris-Scalpay East and West Activity Interaction Notes MMO Surveillance sightings, No Within 10km radius there are moderate levels of scallop dredging (French/Newhaven type) and single sightings 2014-2018 of a demersal trawler and a pair trawler. MMO landings value (£) 2014- Yes Average of £4,560,828 landings value per year, with the highest proportion of this from pots, followed by bottom 2018 by species, gear type and otter trawls and then boat dredges. The largest proportion of vessels returning these landings are over 15m, with gear length a roughly even split between <10m vessels and 10m-15m vessels. The largest proportion of landings value comes from Nephrops, followed by scallops. MMO VMS effort (hours) 2014- Yes Average fishing effort of 50-100 hours for dredging and mobile gear over the west cable, and 1-5 hours over the 2018 east cable. MMO VMS landings value (£) Yes Average landings value of up to £6,000 per year for dredging and mobile gear. 2014-2018
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Activity Interaction Notes EMODnet AIS vessel density Yes Average of 20+ hours of AIS activity per square km per month over the west cable, and 5-10 hours over the east (fishing) 2017 cable. Bird and wildlife watching Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cables. Visits to historic sites or to Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. attractions Power boating Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Canoeing and kayaking Yes Low levels of activity over the cables, though there is an area of moderate activity adjacent to the west of the cables. Long distance swimming Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Motor cruising Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. Sailing and cruising Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. Chartered angling No Sea angling from shore Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. Surfing and paddle boarding Yes Low levels of activity over the cable. Yacht racing Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Coasteering Yes Very low levels of activity directly over the cables, though there is a hotspot of activity adjacent to the west of the cables. Personal water craft (jet skis) No Wild fowling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Scuba Diving Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Rowing and sculling No Marine archaeology Possible Possible interaction with wreck sites in close proximity to the cables. Conservation designations No Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC – does not intersect the cables, but lies adjacent to the east. South Lewis, Harris and North Uist NSA – Covers the entirety of the cables.
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Activity Interaction Notes Aquaculture sites Yes The shellfish aquaculture site Sound of Scalpay operated by Alisdair Cunningham lies directly over the eastern cable. Two finfish sites, Raineach and Scotasay (both operated by Mowi Scotland Ltd.) are approximately 1.7km and 2.4km west of the western cable respectively. Ferry routes No No ferry routes directly over the cables, but the ferry route from Skye to Harris (operated by CalMac Ferries) runs approximately 3.2km west of the western cable. Local ports Possible Kyles Scalpay lies approximately 410m west of the eastern cable, though it is no longer in use. Scalpay is located approximately 1.6km south of the western cable, and is used mainly by local fishing boats.
Table 40 Interactions for Cables Benbecula-South Uist East and West Activity Interaction Notes MMO Surveillance sightings, No Within 10km radius there are single sightings of a potter/whelker and a scallop dredger (French/Newhaven 2014-2018 type). MMO landings value (£) 2014- Yes Average of £2,900,223 landings value per year, with almost three quarters of this from pots, followed by boat 2018 by species, gear type and dredges. The largest proportion of vessels returning these landings are <10m, with a roughly even split between gear length 10m-15m and >15m vessels. The largest proportion of landings value comes from Nephrops, followed by lobsters. MMO VMS effort (hours) 2014- No 2018 MMO VMS landings value (£) No 2014-2018 EMODnet AIS vessel density No (fishing) 2017 Bird and wildlife watching Yes Moderate levels of activity over the cables. Visits to historic sites or to Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. attractions Power boating Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Canoeing and kayaking Yes Very low to low levels of activity over the cables. Page 121 of 122
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Activity Interaction Notes Long distance swimming Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Motor cruising Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Sailing and cruising Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Chartered angling No Sea angling from shore Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Surfing and paddle boarding Yes Low levels of activity over the cables. Yacht racing Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Coasteering Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Personal water craft (jet skis) No Wild fowling Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Scuba Diving Yes Very low levels of activity over the cables. Rowing and sculling No Marine archaeology No Conservation designations No Aquaculture sites No Ferry routes No Local ports No Nearest harbour is Petersport, approximately 9km south west of the cables. It is used by a small number of fishing boats.
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