Plan for issue of Petroleum Exploration and Production Authorisations in Irish Offshore Waters during the Period 2015 to 2020
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has announced the details of the 2015 Irish Atlantic Margin Licensing Round, which is due to close September 2015, and it is his intention to continue with a policy of open-door licensing in the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea from 2015 to 2020.
An Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (IOSEA 5) has been undertaken in respect of the Atlantic Margin basins offshore west of Ireland, which includes the entire Porcupine, Slyne, Erris, Donegal, and Goban Spur basins and a substantial part of the Irish Rockall Basin, including perched basins along its margin, together with the Fastnet, Celtic Sea and Kish Basins offshore south and east of Ireland. The areal extent of the IOSEA 5 study area is outlined in red in Figure 1. The study area lies within Ireland’s Designated Continental Shelf area and extends westwards and southwards out to the 200 nm (nautical mile) limit. Water depths within the Atlantic Margin basins offshore west of Ireland range from 50m to about 3,500m. This part of the study area lies outside of the 12 nm limit and is to include Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s).
The licensing terms are set out in the Department’s Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development & Production, which provide the operational framework for oil and gas exploration and production. In addition Rules and Procedures for Offshore Petroleum Exploration and Production Operations apply to all petroleum exploration and development/production operations in the territorial waters of the State and in the designated areas of the continental shelf under Irish jurisdiction.
The IOSEA 5 is being undertaken on the basis of certain assumptions regarding the maximum amount of seismic and drilling activity likely to occur as a result of activities conducted under petroleum exploration and production authorisations in the IOSEA 5 area, which includes any new authorisations awarded in the upcoming Atlantic Margin Licensing Round, due to conclude in September 2015, or via the open-door licensing in the Irish and Celtic Seas. Because there is inevitably significant uncertainty regarding the degree of future activity the numbers assumed are in some cases significantly higher than historic levels, i.e. up to 25,000 line km of 2D seismic and 20,000 sq km of 3D seismic per annum and up to 10 wells per annum. This is shown graphically in Figures 2 and 3.
A number of requirements related to the protection of the marine environment have been identified by IOSEA 5, which may be attached to the licensing provisions for some or all of the areas mentioned above. These requirements are set out in Appendix 1 to this Plan, which comprises the management and implementation framework for the Plan.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Scenarios and assumptions for The Plan The scenarios being considered for the activity levels following the award of petroleum exploration and production authorisations comprise 2D and 3D seismic surveying and drilling during the period 2015 to 2020. Recommendations regarding environmental protection are made based on an assessment of the potential impacts of activities conducted under petroleum exploration and production authorisations in the IOSEA 5 area. Estimates of maximum levels of each activity have been made by the DCENR on the basis of historical experience and are shown in Table 1. Table 1 Exploration and Production activities (i.e. seismic surveying, exploration, appraisal and development / production drilling) forecast in the IOSEA 5 area between 2015 and 2020 Type of 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 activity Max Max Max Max Max Max 2D seismic 25000 25000 25000 25000 25000 25000 survey (km) 3D seismic 20000 20000 20000 20000 20000 20000 survey (km2) Number of 10 10 10 10 10 10 wells
Seismic acquisition intensities could be up to 25,000 line km of 2D data, plus up to 20,000 km2 of 3D data per annum. Drilling intensity levels could be up to 10 wells per annum. Activities Proposed by The Plan Seismic Survey A 2D seismic survey is the simplest form of seismic survey and consists of a single acoustic source and a single towed streamer. These streamers are normally between 3 and 8 km long but can be up to 12 km long. The resulting image of the seabed represents a two-dimensional profile in time beneath the survey line. It is normally the first type of seismic survey undertaken during exploration, with the results analysed and used to inform where a follow- up 3D survey should take place or where a potential drilling target may exist.
A 3D seismic survey is a more complex survey method involving more sophisticated equipment. At a basic level, a 3D seismic survey is a dense grid of 2D seismic lines. These surveys typically use multiple towed streamers enabling the acquisition of many closely spaced 2D lines over a single sail line. The acquired data can then be used to create a 3D image or data volume of the subsurface rock. This provides a much more detailed view of the underlying geology and it is generally used to cover a specific geological target, as informed by the 2D survey.
Both 2D and 3D seismic surveys are typically conducted by a vessel towing acoustic sound sources (air guns) 5 to 10 m below the sea surface along pre-determined survey lines. The air guns emit high intensity and low frequency noise (under 200 Hz frequency band with a broad peak around 20-120 Hz and incidental sounds up to 22 kHz) into the surrounding water by the release of bubbles of compressed air, which produces a primary energy pulse and an oscillating bubble. The air guns contain different chamber volumes designed to generate an optimal tuned energy output of specific frequencies. Seismic surveys would also generate noise from the operations of the primary seismic vessel and guard vessel (e.g. machinery, propellers and hull flow noise) and by helicopters (e.g. for crew transport) during survey operations.
Routine vessel discharges are limited to galley waste, which comprises food waste which emanates from the vessel kitchen.
Sea node and sea bottom cable surveys are non-conventional seismic acquisition techniques with Ocean Bottom Cables or Ocean-Bottom Nodes – essentially a seismic source detached from the receivers. Nodes are attached to the seabed, to receive the seismic energy transmitted by vessels. Ocean-bottom cable (OBC) acquisition is deployed on the seafloor and connected by electrical wires. An assembly of geophones and hydrophones are connected by electrical wires deployed on the seafloor to record and relay data to a seismic recording vessel or recording buoy.
Ocean-bottom node (OBN) is also deployed on the seafloor; however, this comprises a set of autonomous seismic receivers/recorders deployed on the sea floor. These are self-contained with a rechargeable battery and generally not connected to other receivers by cable.
In addition, it is possible that electromagnetic (EM) survey may be undertaken – this can either be undertaken using a towed streamer, or can use an array of receivers deployed on the seafloor with a towed electric dipole source. The survey system measures subsurface resistivity to assist in identifying hydrocarbon accumulations.
Exploration/Production Drilling Typically the first step in the sequence of drilling activities is to drill an exploration well, to see if hydrocarbons are present. The location of exploration wells will be guided by the results of the analysis of the seismic surveys, and the design, depth and dimension of the exploration well will be determined by the environmental characteristics of the locations and the location of the target geological horizon(s). This will also determine the type of drilling rig used (e.g. jackup, semi-submersible, drillship).
The types of drilling rig that employed under licenses issued in accordance with the Plan would be Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) as follows: • Moored / anchored (e.g. semi-submersible rigs); • Dynamically Positioned (DP) rigs, including drillships; and • Jack-Up rigs (used in shallower waters).
The associated subsea equipment is likely to comprise the following: • anchors, chains and wire (for a moored drilling unit only); • wellhead and blowout preventer stack; • marine riser; • any Cuttings Transport System (CTS) or Riserless Mud Recovery (RMR) system, pumps, hoses, dispersion frames and hose skids; • Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).
As drill rigs are being brought on-line in preparation for drilling, some discharge of ballast water could occur.
Typically, the first step in the sequence of drilling activities is to drill a tophole section into the sea bed into which the conductor pipe is cemented, following which the well is drilled in successively smaller diameter sections until the hydrocarbon-bearing formation is reached. Once each well section is drilled, steel casing of appropriate diameter is inserted and cemented into place, to provide stability and a barrier between the wellbore and surrounding formations. In addition, the casing provides a firm anchorage for the blow out preventer (BOP) stack and structural integrity for subsequent drilling, testing and possible future production operations. Once the BOP is in place the marine riser, a large diameter pipe that connects the BOP stack to the drilling rig, is installed.
The use of drilling fluid, also known as drilling mud, is intrinsic to all drilling operations. Drilling mud assists in a number of functions such as lubrication and cooling of the drilling bit, suspension and transport of rock cuttings to the surface and, most importantly, the provision of hydrostatic pressure to counterbalance formation pressure. Drilling mud consists of a liquid mixture of clay, water or oil, and other chemical additives. The most commonly used drilling fluids contain water as the fluid continuous phase, and are known as water-base muds (WBMs). However, certain borehole conditions might require a mud formulation where the continuous phase is oil or a synthetic fluid and these are known as oil-base muds (OBMs) or synthetic base muds (SBMs).
The top hole section of the well has to be drilled without the conductor and BOP in place, and thus with no riser from the seabed to the drilling platform. This means that all drilling fluids, rock cuttings, and cement returns from the top section are discharged directly from the top of the well onto the sea bed. Once the marine riser is in place, the drill fluids and cuttings can be circulated from the well back up to the drilling rig where they will be treated so that the drilling mud can be re-used and the cuttings disposed of appropriately.
Although some of the WBM is discharged with cuttings it readily disperses and tends not to form cuttings piles. There is, however, the potential for these cuttings to contain oil from the reservoir section of an oil well If OBMs / SBMs are used it would be only when a marine riser is in place, with recovery to the drill rig through the marine riser for either skip-and-ship to shore, or part or full processing on the rig. The discharge of OBM / SBM cuttings in not permitted offshore of Ireland; instead the cuttings must be skipped and shipped for onshore treatment, re-use or disposal.
If hydrocarbons are found, well test flaring is typically required in order to test the productivity of a potential well and determine parameters such as pressure, flow rates and other reservoir rock and fluid characteristics.
Borehole seismic surveys, such as a checkshot survey or Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) may be undertaken, which measure the seismic traveltime (i.e. the elapsed time for a seismic wave to travel from its source to a given reflector and return to a receiver at the Earth’s surface) from the surface to a known depth in the borehole, thereby allowing the well data to be correlated with the seismic data.
Appendix 1: Management and Implementation Framework for the Plan
The IOSEA 5 has been undertaken in respect of the activities described above, and the output of IOSEA 5 is a management and implementation framework for the Plan as provided in Tables A1 and A2 below.
Table A1 sets out a schedule of mitigation measures and recommendations for their management and implementation, including the responsible lead organisation for each measure as either Government (G) or Industry (I), plus the timescales for their implementation. Table A1 will need to be implemented as set out in order to fully comply with IOSEA 5.
Table A2 provides a schedule of enhancement measures, which are proposed in order to minimise potential minor negative effects identified in the assessment of Option 1. It is set out in the same format as Table A1. Although it will not be essential to fully comply with Table A2, the measures described offer the opportunity to enhance the performance of the Plan.
In both tables, the measures listed are divided into those relevant to seismic survey activities and those relevant to drilling activities. The mitigation and enhancement measures are listed in the order in which they would be implemented, as defined within the column entitled ‘Timescale for Implementation’.
Further information on IOSEA 5 can be found at http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/Petroleum+Affairs+Division/
Table G1: Schedule of Mitigation Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Lead Timescale for Effect Organisation implementation
Seismic
Marine Archaeology - – identified The Application for Approval submitted to DCENR for any activity should I Consent potential significant negative effect to all be screened for EIA and AA and accompanied by a detailed application archaeological receptors from presence Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), assessing the potential of subsea equipment environmental effects of activities in a specific location, where EIA is screened in.
Climate – identified potential significant G Consent Cumulative effects must be considered within the EIS and permitting negative cumulative effect on application process and in line with requirements of the EIA Directive (2011/92/EU) atmospheric emissions from seismic and implementing regulations. survey activity
Benthos – identified potential significant Seabed habitat information should be obtained, using surveys if I Prior to negative effect on benthic habitats from necessary, prior to any deployment in order to assess the potential for commencement sea node/sea bottom cable surveys damage, and deployment on the most sensitive habitats should be of proposed avoided. works
Marine archaeology – identified I Prior to potential significant negative effect to all Site specific archaeological assessment should be conducted on any commencement archaeological receptors from sea site survey geophysical and geotechnical survey data acquired. of proposed node/sea bottom cable surveys works
Economy and Material Assets / A fisheries liaison officer, with knowledge of fisheries local to the survey I Prior to Human Health - identified potential area, must consult with local fisheries interests in advance of seismic commencement significant negative effect as a result of survey activities and must be onboard seismic vessels during survey of proposed collision between survey vessels and work. works other vessels
Fish and Shellfish / Marine Mammals A risk assessment of the impact of the proposed seismic survey on I Prior to – identified potential significant negative Annex IV species must be submitted to DCENR at least 8 weeks before commencement effect of noise from seismic survey on commencement of the survey. of proposed migratory fish species and on marine works mammals Table G1: Schedule of Mitigation Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Lead Timescale for Effect Organisation implementation
Fish and shellfish / Marine Mammals G & I During proposed – identified potential significant negative All seismic operations should use the lowest necessary source levels to works effect of noise from seismic survey on achieve the survey objective throughout the survey and only discharge migratory fish species and on marine pressure waves into the marine environment when strictly necessary. mammals
Fish and shellfish / Marine Mammals I During proposed During all seismic, site and route surveys, the Operators must ensure – identified potential significant negative works that practices are applied based on a risk assessment and current effect of noise from seismic survey on guidance provided by NPWS and DECNR, as updated from time to time migratory fish species and on marine with regard to impact mitigation and monitoring measures. mammals
Fish and shellfish / Marine Mammals G During proposed – identified potential significant negative Multiple surveys in the same area and at the same time, where possible, works effect of noise from seismic survey on should employ a minimum separation distance between surveys running migratory fish species and on marine concurrently to avoid potential cumulative effects. mammals
Water Quality – identified potential I Prior to significant negative effect from commencement discharges to water from vessel A survey contractor with demonstrable planned preventative of proposed collisions/failures maintenance procedures should be selected in order to reduce works Human Health – identified potential emissions and equipment failures. significant negative effect on human health from vessel collision
Water Quality – identified potential Notification to the Irish Coast Guard if the activity occurs within or near I During proposed significant negative effect on water an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) designated Traffic works quality from discharges to water from Separation Scheme. Employ the safety measures detailed in 'traffic vessel collisions/failures routing systems' (IMO) wherever possible to reduce the probability for collisions.
Table G1: Schedule of Mitigation Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Lead Timescale for Effect Organisation implementation
Drilling
Seascape, Landscape and Visual – The Application for Approval should be screened for EIA and AA and I Consent identified potential significant negative accompanied by a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), application effects on sensitive landscape/seascape assessing the potential environmental effects of activities in a specific and visual receptors from proposed location, where EIA is screened in. drilling activities
Bathymetry and seabed features – Site-specific seabed characterisation should be undertaken using I Consent identified potential significant negative appropriate resolution seabed data with coverage over a footprint application effect on sea-bed features from damage encompassing all potential areas where seabed interaction may occur or destruction (e.g. to include anchor spread etc.).
Seascape, Landscape and Visual – I Consent A site-specific Seascape, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment identified potential significant negative application (SLVIA) should be carried out for each consent application located within effect on sensitive landscape/seascape 25 km of an identified seascape / landscape or visual receptor, as and visual receptors from proposed identified within IOSEA 5. drilling activities
Seascape, Landscape and Visual – A detailed regional or local Seascape Character Assessment should be I Consent potential impacts on sensitive referenced within the environmental appraisal for any future proposals application landscape/seascape and visual within 25km of the Irish coast. If this does not exist for the relevant area, receptors from proposed drilling then a site-specific Seascape Character Assessment should also be activities carried out to provide a more detailed assessment of the seascape than has been possible within IOSEA 5.
Seascape, Landscape and Visual – I Consent identified potential significant negative application The inventory of the Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes should effects on sensitive coastal Historic also be considered within any future site-specific seascape assessment. Gardens and Designed Landscapes from proposed drilling activities
Water Quality – identified potential Oil and gas drilling in areas considered as Vulnerable Areas for water G Award of Table G1: Schedule of Mitigation Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Lead Timescale for Effect Organisation implementation significant negative effect on water pollution should be avoided wherever possible. This should include consent quality from a well blow-out with areas where mariculture and shellfish harvesting occurs. associated accidental release of oil to the marine environment
Water Quality - identified potential Implementation of an Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (OPEP) / Oil Spill I Prior to significant negative effect on water Contingency Plan (OSCP). These are designed to assist the decision- commencement quality from spillages from vessels into making process during an oil spill, indicate what resources are required of proposed Vulnerable Areas to combat the spill, minimise any further discharges and mitigate its works effects.
Benthos – identified potential significant Seabed habitat information should be obtained, using surveys if I Prior to negative effect via potential physical necessary, prior to any deployment in order to assess the potential for commencement damage to a variety of epifauna damage, and deployment on the most sensitive habitats should be of proposed avoided. works
Benthos – identified potential significant Appropriate site assessment and planning, to include determination of I Prior to negative effect on benthic habitats from the location of any potentially sensitive benthic habitats, along with commencement mud, cement and cuttings release from modelling and assessment of the potential for accumulation and of proposed tophole sections and WBM cuttings dispersal of cuttings, should be carried out prior to selection of final works discharged from surface drilling locations in order to reduce the potential for significant impacts.
Marine archaeology - identified I Prior to potential significant negative effect to all Site specific archaeological assessment should be conducted on any commencement archaeological receptors from presence site survey geophysical and geotechnical survey data acquired. of proposed of subsea equipment works
Seascape, Landscape and Visual – I Prior to identified potential significant negative commencement Rigs should not be located where they obstruct the entrance to bays / effect on sensitive landscape/seascape of proposed loughs / narrows / sounds or where they split a bay from the open sea. and visual receptors from proposed works drilling activities
Seascape, Landscape and Visual – Where possible rigs should be located as far from the shore / coast as I Prior to Table G1: Schedule of Mitigation Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Lead Timescale for Effect Organisation implementation identified potential significant negative possible. commencement effect on sensitive landscape/seascape of proposed and visual receptors from proposed works drilling activities
Seascape, Landscape and Visual – I Prior to identified potential significant negative Where rigs are located within 25 km of the coastline, these should be commencement effect on sensitive landscape/seascape sensitively sited, with consideration made of the scale and components of proposed and visual receptors from proposed of the seascape. works drilling activities
Marine Archaeology - identified An Archaeological Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) may be I Prior to potential significant negative effect to all required, in order to establish scope of works and methodologies to be commencement archaeological receptors from presence employed to assess marine archaeological and heritage resources prior of proposed of subsea equipment to construction. The WSI should set out options for micrositing of works infrastructure to avoid significant impacts during drilling works. It should also include procedures to be adopted in the event of unexpected discoveries during all stages of works, including in the events of 'strikes' or through a protocol for reporting of unexpected archaeological objects.
Marine Archaeology - identified I Prior to potential significant negative effect to all Micrositing of drilling infrastructure should be undertaken in order to commencement archaeological receptors from presence avoid adverse effects on known archaeological features. of proposed of subsea equipment works
Human Health – identified potential The crew of the drilling installation/ship should undergo environmental I During proposed significant negative effects on human awareness and safety training. All equipment used on the rig/ship works health due to potential vessel collision should have safety measures built in to minimise the risks of any oil spillage.
Marine archaeology - identified Any shipwrecks or objects of potential archaeological interest discovered I During proposed potential significant negative effect to all during works should be reported to the director of the National Museum works archaeological receptors from presence of Ireland within 4 days. If wreckage found is suspected to be more than of subsea equipment 100 years old, the Underwater Archaeology Unit and An Garda Table G1: Schedule of Mitigation Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Lead Timescale for Effect Organisation implementation Síochána must also be notified within 4 days.
Water Quality – identified potential Installation of Automatic Identification System (AIS) or radar systems on I During proposed significant negative effect on water drilling installations to enable early detection of potential collisions. This works quality from discharges to water from is recommended by the International Association of Oil and Gas vessel collisions/failures Producers (OGP, 2010).
Water Quality - identified potential Any oil spill, however small, must be reported immediately to the Irish G During proposed significant negative effect on water Coast Guard. The level and manner of the required oil spill response works quality from a well blow with associated will be overseen by the Irish Coast Guard, and determined by the accidental release of oil to the marine volume and type of oil spilled, and the weather and sea conditions at the environment. time.
Water Quality - identified potential Any oil spill likely to have impacts in UK waters must be reported by the I During proposed significant negative effect on water Irish Coast Guard to the relevant UK authorities. The Irish Coast Guard works quality from a well blow with associated has a close working relationship with the UK Maritime and Coast Guard accidental release of oil to the marine Agency (MCA) and the two have a draft Service Level Agreement for co- environment. operation on search and rescue and oil spill response in place. The Irish Coast Guard and the UK MCA also regularly conduct joint search and rescue and oil spill response exercises.
Water Quality – identified potential I During proposed significant negative effect on water Potentially hazardous operations should be carried out under works quality from discharges to water from appropriate weather/tide conditions vessel collisions/failures
Mariculture / Water Quality - identified A two-barrier well control policy should be implemented. Primary well I During proposed potential significant negative effects control (i.e. mud hydrostatic) and secondary well control (blow-out works from accidental well blow and fuel preventers or BOPs) should be maintained throughout the drilling of a spillage well. A full risk assessment should be performed as part of the planning phase of the well.
Mariculture / Water Quality – identified All bunkering should take place during suitable weather conditions, I During proposed potential significant negative effects preferably in daylight hours, and a continuous watch should be posted works Table G1: Schedule of Mitigation Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Lead Timescale for Effect Organisation implementation from accidental well blow and fuel during the operations in accordance with IRCG Ship to Ship (STS) spillage transfer procedures. The bunkering hoses should be segmented and have pressure valves that, in the event of a drop in pressure within the line as a result of loss of diesel, will close preventing any further release of diesel.
Table G2: Schedule of Enhancement Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Timescale for Effect Lead implementation Organisation
Seismic
Marine Archaeology – identified potential I Consent application minor negative effect to submerged The Application for Approval submitted to DCENR for any activity prehistoric archaeology, landscapes and should be screened for EIA and AA and accompanied by a detailed deposits from drilling activity. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), assessing the potential Plankton – identified potential minor environmental effects of activities in a specific location, where EIA is negative effect on spatially concentrated screened in. seasonal aggregations of fish eggs/larvae
Water Quality - identified potential minor G Consent application negative cumulative effect on water Cumulative effects must be considered within the EIS and permitting quality from discharge of chemicals to process and in line with requirements of the EIA Directive water during drilling, as a result of both (2011/92/EU) and implementing regulations. permitted discharges and accidental releases.
Water Quality - identified potential minor G Consent application negative cumulative effect on water Cumulative assessment will require knowledge of other similar quality from discharge of chemicals to activities and DCENR- should consider any information available on water during drilling, as a result of both other basin wide projects/proposals to each project proponent in order permitted discharges and accidental for such an assessment to take place. releases.
Human Health - identified potential minor Compliance with all relevant1 national (Irish) and relevant international G Consent application negative effect on human health from conventions, directives and legislation will be required. Appropriate collision between survey vessels and auditing of vessels, any relevant Environmental Management Plans, other vessels within the IOSEA 5 study equipment and records should be undertaken as appropriate.
1 ‘relevant’ is defined as’ those conventions to which Ireland is a signatory’ Table G2: Schedule of Enhancement Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Timescale for Effect Lead implementation Organisation area.
Plankton – identified potential minor The impact assessment to accompany any licence application for I Consent application negative effect on spatially concentrated seismic survey works, should consider the potential for effects in or seasonal aggregations of fish eggs/larvae around herring spawning areas following the spawning period, or from seismic survey works around ocean fronts where similar concentrations could occur. Spatial or temporal offsets may be appropriate mitigation should sensitivities overlap with planned survey periods.
Marine Archaeology – identified potential All seismic survey plans and specifications should seek early I Consent application minor negative effect on archaeological archaeological input to ensure that archaeological considerations can receptors from sea node/sea bottom cable be incorporated into the survey design and the potential for any surveys impacts to archaeological receptors during surveys can be minimised.
Marine Reptiles / Marine Mammals – Effective visual monitoring for marine reptiles and marine mammals I During proposed identified potential minor negative effect should be undertaken in the vicinity of proposed seismic activity, e.g. works on marine mammals/reptiles from vessel by having a marine mammal observer on board operating in collision compliance with the National Parks and Wildlife Services (DAHG), 2014, Guidance to manage the risk to marine mammals from man- made sound sources in Irish waters.
Marine Reptiles / Marine Mammals - I During proposed identified potential minor negative effect Seismic survey vessels should be operated with caution, in order to works on marine mammals/reptiles from vessel reduce risk of ship strikes with marine reptiles or marine mammals. collision
Economy and Material Assets – In the case of a survey planned in an area of intensive fishing, I During proposed identified potential minor negative effect discussions with Sea Fisheries Control of the DCENR shall be initiated works on fisheries from physical presence of as early as possible, and, in any case, at least 45 days before the survey vessels. planned date in order that the implications can be fully considered.
Table G2: Schedule of Enhancement Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Timescale for Effect Lead implementation Organisation
Drilling
Water Quality - identified potential minor I Consent application negative effect on water quality from discharge of chemicals during drilling, as a result of both permitted discharges and The Application for Approval submitted to DCENR for any activity accidental releases should be screened for EIA and AA and accompanied by a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), assessing the potential Sediments and Ocean Circulation - environmental effects of activities in a specific location, where EIA is identified potential minor negative effect screened in. on sediment from contamination by releases of drilling muds (surface or bottom)
Geology – identified potential minor G Consent application negative cumulative effects on geological features through cumulative effects of Cumulative effects must be considered within the EIS and permitting multiple drilling in close proximity within process and in line with requirements of the EIA Directive one basin. (2011/92/EU) and implementing regulations. Such assessment will Bathymetry and seabed features - require knowledge of other similar activities and DCENR should identified potential minor negative provide any information available on other basin wide cumulative effects on seabed features projects/proposals to each project proponent in order for such an (and large scale sediment transport assessment to take place. processes) from any operation or activity that physically disturbs the sea bed
Sediments and Ocean Circulation - Compliance with all relevant2 national (Irish) and international G Consent application identified potential minor negative effect conventions, directives and legislation will be required. Appropriate on caused by routine discharges of auditing of vessels, any relevant Environmental Management Plans, effluents and wastes to marine waters equipment and records should be undertaken as appropriate.
2 ‘relevant’ is defined as’ those conventions to which Ireland is a signatory’ Table G2: Schedule of Enhancement Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Timescale for Effect Lead implementation Organisation
Bathymetry and Seabed Features – Site-specific seabed characterisation must be undertaken using I Consent application identified potential minor negative effect appropriate bathymetric data, with coverage over a footprint on sea-bed features from damage or encompassing all potential areas where seabed interaction may occur destruction (e.g. to include anchor spread etc.). Information on bed conditions and the characteristics of the sea bed should be provided to DCENR (within an EIS) and an assessment made in relation to any bed features present. This information should be used in order to characterise any effects and, if necessary, avoid any such features.
Sediments and Ocean Circulation – Where sensitive features exist, a range of potential design I Consent application identified potential minor negative effect considerations should be considered in the assessment of alternatives on sediments from releases of drilling part of any EIS. Such considerations should include, but not muds (surface or bottom) necessarily be limited to: deviated wells, slim-hole wells, the use of Riserless Mud Recovery (RMR) systems or Cuttings Transport Systems (CTS) for the containment, recovery and transport of cuttings and drill muds from the top-hole sections.
Sediments and Ocean Circulation – I During proposed All operations shall apply best available technologies, best identified potential minor negative effect works environmental practice and clean technology. This should include on sediments from releases of drilling best practice mud usage, management and recovery. muds (surface or bottom)
Marine Archaeology – identified potential I Prior to minor negative effect on archaeological The OSCP should take the location of National Monuments and commencement of receptors from accidental events or minor heritage sites into account when deciding upon response strategies. proposed works spillages.
Sediments and Ocean Circulation – I During proposed The Permit to Use and Discharge Added Chemicals (PUDAC) identified potential minor negative effect works approval requirements must be adhered to, in order to control on sediment from releases of drilling muds sediment contamination and protect marine life. (surface or bottom) Table G2: Schedule of Enhancement Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Timescale for Effect Lead implementation Organisation
Sediments and Ocean Circulation – The PUDAC approval process includes the requirement for monitoring G During proposed identified potential minor negative effect of discharges, record keeping and audits. Processes need to works on sediment from releases of drilling muds consider, using a risk based approach, OSPAR directions and (surface or bottom) recommendations.
Water Quality – identified potential minor I During proposed negative effect on water quality from Use of OSPAR approved chemical list in all drilling practices wherever works discharge of chemicals to water during possible. drilling.
Water Quality – identified potential minor I During proposed negative effect on water quality from All drilling operations to ensure zero discharge of chemicals on the works discharge of chemicals to water during OSPAR List of Chemicals for Priority Action (LCPA). drilling.
Water Quality – identified potential minor I During proposed All drilling operations should seek to reduce usage by the best means negative effect on water quality from works practicable of chemicals on the OSPAR List of Substances of Possible discharge of chemicals to water during Concern. drilling.
Water Quality – identified potential minor I During proposed negative effect on water quality from All drilling operations to ensure compliance with Registration, works discharge of chemicals to water during Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). drilling.
Water Quality – identified potential minor Ensure minimal use of chemicals where biodegradation is less than I During proposed negative effect on water quality from 20% during 28 days, and specify use of substances that meet the works discharge of chemicals to water during Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) criteria. Both of these drilling. measures are used by OSPAR as criteria to assess improvement in the industry over time. Table G2: Schedule of Enhancement Measures identified in IOSEA 5
Environmental Topic and Potential Recommendation Responsible Timescale for Effect Lead implementation Organisation
Water Quality – identified potential minor I During proposed Utilisation of OBM to be kept to a minimum and all OBM to be negative effect on water quality from works collected through closed system and treated for re-use, recycling or discharge of chemicals to water during disposal. drilling.
Seabirds – identified potential minor Standard lighting on drilling units and support vessels should be I During proposed negative effect on seabirds from physical reduced to as low as reasonably practicable in order to reduce the works presence of rig impact of artificial lighting on seabirds, without compromising marine navigation requirements and health and safety of offshore workers.
Seabirds – identified potential minor Flaring should be minimised as much as is practically possible in order I During proposed negative effect on seabirds from flaring to reduce the potential for adverse impacts on seabird populations works
Marine mammals – identified potential I During proposed minor negative effect on marine mammals Work programmes should be limited to as short a period as possible, works from underwater noise from drilling through e.g. well design and engineering. operations
Economy and Material Assets – In the event of a well being suspended, the need for over-trawlable I During proposed identified potential minor negative effect protection should be considered for areas heavily used for demersal works on fisheries from physical presence of fishing activities. Such protection should be informed by guidelines drilling installations used by the Norwegian and UK petrochemical industries. Consultation with the UK Fisheries and Offshore Oil Consultative Group is encouraged to take account of new recommendations that are forthcoming.