Environmental

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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

While wind power has significant benefits, it is essential that projects are designed to have minimum impacts on local communities and the environment.

One of the key drivers for developing offshore wind is the environmental benefit. It is vital therefore to identify any potential environmental impacts (positive and negative) that may arise from such an offshore development with regard to marine life. All potential impacts are therefore considered and studied regardless of how realistic they may initially appear to be. By taking this ‘worst case’ approach, evidence can be gathered by scientists and other marine experts to inform on actual risks and how these may be mitigated against.

The potential impacts listed in the bulleted area below are not all considered as significant but areas that have been identified for scientific study. For more information, please view Fish and Seabed Communities, and Birds and Marine Mammals.

  • Coastal processes
  • Geology
  • Birds and marine mammals
  • Shipping and navigation
  • Electromagnetic interference
  • Socio-economics
  • Visual seascape assessment
  • Hydrology and marine water quality
  • Fish and seabed communities
  • Underwater noise and vibration
  • Commercial fishing
  • Archaeology and cultural heritage
  • Safety

The results of these assessments are made available to all interested parties.

The gathering of this significant body of scientific data about the Greater Wash in particular, where Centrica has several offshore projects, is developing a greater understanding of the environment than has been possible before. This information will be made public for future use.

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