irish offshore strategic environmental assessment (iosea

Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (IOSEA) 5

Environmental Report

Prepared for: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Dublin, Ireland

Prepared by: ENVIRON

UK

Date: May 2015

Project or Issue Number:

UK18-20707

Contract No: UK18-20707

Issue: 2

Author Catherine MacKenzie

(signature):

Project Manager/Director J Hancox / J Curran

(signature):

Date: May 2015

This report has been prepared by ENVIRON with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, and taking account of the Services and the Terms agreed between ENVIRON and the Client. This report is confidential to the client, and ENVIRON accepts no responsibility whatsoever to third parties to whom this report, or any part thereof, is made known, unless formally agreed by ENVIRON beforehand. Any such party relies upon the report at their own risk.

ENVIRON disclaims any responsibility to the Client and others in respect of any matters outside the agreed scope of the Services.

Version Control Record

Issue Description of Status Date Reviewer Initials

Author Initials

1 First Issue to Client 10.04.15 JC CM

2 Second Issue to Client 01.05.15 JH/JC CM

DCENR IOSEA 5 Environmental Report Irish Offshore

UK18-20707 Issue: 2 ENVIRON

Contents Glossary i

1 Introduction 1

2 The Draft Plan 5

3 SEA Process and Methodology 15

4 IOSEA 5 Regulatory Context 21

5 Summary of Environmental Conditions 27

6 Consultation 39

7 Predicted Effects on the Environment from Seismic Activities 43

8 Predicted Effects on the Environment from Drilling Activities 87

9 Accidental Events 137

10 Proposed Mitigation and Draft Monitoring Plan 173

11 Next Steps 187

IOSEA 5 Environmental Report Irish Offshore

DCENR

ENVIRON UK18-20707 Issue: 2

DCENR IOSEA 5 Environmental Report

Irish Offshore


Glossary and Abbreviations Abyssal plain Flat or very gently sloping areas of the deep ocean basin floor

reaching depths between 2,200 and 5,500 m.

Ballast The weight used by ships and offshore drilling rigs near the bottom of their hulls to make them seaworthy and keep them upright. The ballast can be steel, but is often seawater on an offshore rig.

Bathymetry The measurement of depths of water in oceans, seas and lakes. Also the information derived from such measurements.

Benthic Of or relating to the seabed

Benthic community The assemblage of organisms living in or on the seafloor

Biogenic Reef A mass consisting of the hard parts of organisms, or of a biogenically constructed frame enclosing detrital particles, in a body of water; most biogenic reefs are made of corals or associated organisms.

Blowout A blowout occurs when gas, oil or saltwater escapes in an uncontrolled manner from a well.

BOP Blow Out Preventor

cSAC Candidate Special Area of Conservation (see SAC below). A site that has been proposed as an SAC, and which is awaiting approval from the EU Commission. cSACs retain the same legal protection afforded to fully approved SACs.

Casing Steel lining inserted into a well as drilling progresses to prevent the wall of the hole from caving in. It also prevents the inflow of unwanted fluids from surrounding formations and provides a means of extracting oil (and gas) if a well is productive.

Cephalopods Any member of the mollusc class Cephalopoda which includes the octopus, squid, and cuttlefish.

Cetacean A member of the order Cetacea, which are aquatic mammals comprising porpoises, dolphins, and whales.

Check-shot survey A type of borehole seismic survey designed to measure the seismic travel time from the surface to a known depth

CTS Cutting Transport Systems

DAHG Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltach

DCENR Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

DECLG Department of the Environment, Communities and Local Government

Demersal Living in the water column at or near seabed. Usually in relation to fish


DCENR


Drill cuttings Rock chips produced by chipping and crushing action of the drill bit.

Drilling mud Drilling muds are fluids circulated down a well during drilling. They are usually water or oil based and contain clay (bentonite or barium sulphate). The main functions of drilling mud/fluid are to lubricate the drill bit, remove cuttings, and to maintain down-hole pressure.

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

ER Environmental Report

Geophysical Relating to the application of physics and its methods to geological problems such as the search for petroleum

GHG Greenhouse Gas

HGDL Historic Garden and Designed Landscape

Hydrophone Microphones used at sea to detect sound energy

Infauna Animals that live within the seabed sediments (see macrofauna and meiofauna)

INFOMAR INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Development of Ireland's MArine Resource

Intertidal Area of the foreshore and seabed that is exposed to the air at low tide and submerged at high tide.

IOOA Irish Offshore Operators’ Association

IMO International Maritime Organisation

Jack-up rig Essentially a barge with legs that can be lowered to the sea bed

LCPA List of Chemicals for Priority Action

Macrofauna Defined as those animals retained on a 0.5 mm mesh during sample processing; usually benthic infaunal species.

Megafauna Larger seabed animals, normally defined as those which are large enough to be seen on seabed photographs and which can be collected in trawls and dredges.

Meiofauna Interstitial animals (ie living between sediment grains) that mostly pass through a 0.5 mm mesh.

MPA Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated under the Oslo Paris Convention to help protect endangered species and habitats.

Natura 2000 Natura 2000 is a European network of protected sites which represent areas of the highest value for natural habitats and rare species (see SAC and SPA).

NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service


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OBM Oil Based Mud

Ocean acidification The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by their uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

OSPAR Convention Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic

PAD Petroleum Affairs Division

Pinnipeds Of, relating to or belonging to the Pinnipedia, an order of aquatic mammals including seals, sea lions, and walrus.

PLONOR List OSPAR List of Substances/Preparations Used and Discharged Offshore which are considered to Pose Little or No Risk to the Environment

Pockmarks Pockmarks are small depressions in the sea bed associated with areas of soft mud; formed by fluid/gas escape at the sea bed.

POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants

Ramsar sites Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance particularly for bird species designated under the Ramsar Convention.

RMR Riserless Mud Recovery

RSL relative sea level

SAC Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are protected sites designated under the EC Habitats Directive in order to conserve important habitats and species (excluding birds). Part of Natura 2000 (see above).

SPA Special Protected Areas (SPAs) are sites designated by the UK Government to protect certain rare, vulnerable, and regularly occurring migratory species of birds. Part of Natura 2000 (see above).

Spawning The production and release of gametes (eggs or sperm) by animals.

Tophole The initial hole or well section drilled in the sea bed into which the conductor pipe is cemented

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Water column The open water of the ocean between the surface and the seafloor.

WBM Water Based Mud

WHS World Heritage Site


DCENR



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UK18-20707 Issue: 2 1 ENVIRON

1 Introduction 1.1 Background The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has announced the details of the 2015 Irish Atlantic Margin Licensing Round, which includes Ireland’s major Atlantic basins and is due to close in September 2015. In addition, the Irish and Celtic Seas acreage has been available for exploration licensing on an ‘open door’ basis 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.

The DCENR is preparing plans to issue exploration and production authorisations in 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.

1.2 Scope and Objectives of IOSEA 5 IOSEA 5 is the fifth offshore SEA of a series1 and the IOSEA 5 study area includes all of the study areas used for the previous IOSEAs, as well as an additional area further to the south (the entire Goban Spur basins). The areal extent of the IOSEA 5 study area is outlined in red in Figure 1.1.

The study area lies within Ireland’s Designated Continental Shelf area and extends westwards and southwards out to the 200 nautical mile (nm) limit. Water depths within the Atlantic Margin basins offshore west of Ireland range from 50 m to about 3,500 m.

The objectives of the SEA have been defined as follows:

to inform the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR)of specific environmental considerations in its future petroleum activities underlicensing rounds in the Atlantic Margin Basins, as well as the award of licences in theCeltic and Irish Seas; and

to provide exploration companies working offshore with an operational baseline againstwhich they can conduct their work and ensure the protection of the marineenvironment.

1.3 Strategic Environmental Assessment SEA is the formal, systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a national or regional plan before a decision is made to adopt the plan. SEA is defined under the Directive as “the preparation of an environmental report, the carrying out of consultations, the taking into account of the environmental report and the results of the consultations in decision-making together with the provision of information.”

This draft Environmental Report is the second output of IOSEA 5 and its purpose is to:

1 IOSEA 1 (June 2006) Offshore Exploration Licensing in the Slyne, Erris and Donegal Basins;

IOSEA 2 (August 2007) Offshore Exploration Licensing in the Porcupine Basin;

IOSEA 3 (October 2008) Offshore Exploration Licensing in the Rockall Basin; and

IOSEA 4 (May 2011) Offshore Exploration Licensing in the Irish and Celtic Seas

IOSEA 5 Environmental Report Irish Offshore DCENR

ENVIRON 2 UK18-20707 Issue: 2

describe the environmental characteristics of the IOSEA 5 study area likely to be significantly affected by exploration and production activities as proposed within the draft Plan;

identify any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the draft Plan, specifically those relating to any areas of particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to the Birds Directive 79/409/EEC and the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC;

consider the environmental protection objectives, established at International, Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the draft Plan and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation;

present an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information;

determine the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the draft Plan;

describe the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan; and

propose monitoring measures, as required.

1.4 Appropriate Assessment A separate Appropriate Assessment will be undertaken as a part of IOSEA 5, to assess potential impacts on areas designated pursuant to the Birds Directive 79/409/EEC and the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, which comprise Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) both located within the IOSEA 5 study area and within neighbouring transboundary states.

1.5 Structure of this Report The remaining sections of this are structured as follows:

Section 2 describes the draft Plan;

Section 3 describes the SEA methodology and the alternatives that have been assessed;

Section 4 describes the regulatory context of IOSEA 5, including energy, oil and gas licensing policy context and a review of relevant plans, policies and programmes;

Section 5 provides a summary of the baseline environment;

Section 6 describes the scoping and consultation process;

Section 7 describes the predicted effects on the environment from seismic activities;

Section 8 describes the predicted effects on the environment from drilling activities;

Section 9 describes the proposed mitigation and draft monitoring plan; and

Section 10 describes the next steps in the SEA process.

An updated review of relevant plans, policies and programmes is contained in Annex A, while Annex B contains copies of the scoping consultation responses. Annexes C, D and E


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contain the details assessments of impacts on Ecology, Physical and Chemical Aspects, and Social and Economic Aspects, respectively.

Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors, Sources: Esri, GEBCO, NOAA, National Geographic, DeLorme, HERE,Geonames.org, and other contributors

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Department forCommunications, Energyand Natural Resources

Irish Offshore

Figure 1.1: IOSEA 5 Study Area

UK18-20707

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2 The Draft Plan 2.1 Introduction The Draft Plan comprises the award of petroleum exploration and production authorisations for undertaking 2D and 3D geophysical seismic survey and drilling in Irish offshore waters during the period 2015 to 2020. There is inevitably significant uncertainty regarding the degree of future activity; therefore, maximum numbers are assumed for seismic and drilling activity. These comprise the following:

up to 25,000 line km of 2D geophysical seismic survey per annum;

up to 20,000 km2 of 3D geophysical seismic survey per annum; and

drilling of up to 10 wells per annum.

2.2 Licensing Frameworks Exploration and production authorisations will be awarded within the following types of licensing frameworks. For the purposes of IOSEA 5, it is also anticipated that some of the above activity would take place under existing authorisations.

2.2.1 Irish 2015 Atlantic Margin Offshore Licensing Round Ireland’s major Atlantic basins are included in this Round which is aimed at building on the success of the 2011 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round. The Round includes 995 full blocks and 93 part blocks, covering an area of approximately 256,700 square kilometres.

For the purposes of this Round, the Atlantic Margin is divided into three regions with differing application limits. For the smaller Donegal Basin, Erris Basin and Slyne Basin Region, a four block limit applies. Applications for up to six blocks can be made for the Porcupine Basin and the Goban Spur Basin Region. For the Rockall Basin Region, the maximum area that may be applied for in a single application is up to ten blocks.

Two year Licensing Options are available and the Round will close in September 2015. 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.

2.2.2 Open-Door Licensing in the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea The Irish and Celtic Seas, as well as the Fastnet Basin, have been available for exploration licensing on an ‘open door’ basis since the Irish licensing regime was first introduced in 1975, and it is planned that this open door policy will continue until 2020 for operators wishing to apply for Licensing Options and Standard Exploration Licenses to explore for oil and gas.

2.2.3 Existing Authorisations Existing authorisations within the study area are principally located in the Irish and Celtic Seas and the Fastnet Basin, as well as in the Porcupine Basin. Licences have also been awarded within the Slyne Basin and the eastern part of the Rockall Basin.



Existing authorisations are divided into the following categories:

Exploration licences, including:

- Standard Exploration Licences for water depths up to 200 m;

- Deepwater Exploration Licences for water depths exceeding 200 m; and

- Frontier Exploration Licences for areas so specified by the Minister.

For Standard and Deepwater Explorations Licences the holder is obliged to carry out a work programme which must include the drilling of a least one exploration well in the first phase. For a Frontier Exploration Licence the holder must commit to at least one exploration well in order to proceed to the second phase.

Licencing options: This is a non-exclusive licence giving the holder the first right, exercisable at any time during the period of the Option, to an Exploration Licence over all or part of the area covered by the Option.

Leases: When a commercial discovery has been established, the authorisation holder must notify the Minister and apply for a Petroleum Lease with a view to its development. An application is then made to the Minister for a Petroleum Lease pursuant to the Act. The Plan of Development submitted sets out the basis for the project, the reasons behind the selection of the appropriate development option and a comprehensive and technical outline of the project and how it would operate.

2.3 Assumptions for the Draft Plan The types of activity being considered, following the award of petroleum exploration and production authorisations, comprise 2D and 3D geophysical seismic surveying and exploration, appraisal and development / production drilling in the period 2015 to 2020. There is inevitably significant uncertainty regarding the degree of future activity; therefore, the maximum numbers assumed for seismic and drilling activities are higher than historic levels. These comprise the following:

up to 25,000 line km of 2D geophysical seismic survey per annum;

up to 20,000 km2 of 3D geophysical seismic survey per annum; and

drilling of up to 10 wells per annum.

The above estimates of maximum levels of each activity have been made by the DCENR on the basis of historical experience and are shown in further detail in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1: Exploration and Production activities (i.e. seismic surveying, exploration, appraisal and development / production drilling) forecast in the IOSEA5 area between 2015 and 2020

Type of activity 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Max Max Max Max Max Max

2D seismic survey (km)

25000 25000 25000 25000 25000 25000

3D seismic survey (km2)

20000 20000 20000 20000 20000 20000

Number of wells 10 10 10 10 10 10


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It is acknowledged that environmental risks may vary according to different geographical locations within the IOSEA 5 study area, and each individual technical assessment takes due account of geographical variants (e.g. water depth, prevailing currents, etc).

Assumptions were made within IOSEA 4 in relation to the time required to complete the maximum levels of seismic survey proposed. A similar assumption has been extrapolated for IOSEA 5 based on the maximum 2D and 3D survey distances identified in Table 2.1. The assumptions are:

A 2D survey vessel will complete 25 km of survey per day. To undertake a maximum of 25,000 km of 2D survey this amounts to 1,000 survey days each year.

A 3D survey vessel will complete 30 km2 of survey per day. To undertake a maximum of 20,000 km2 this amounts to 666.7 survey days per year.

This results in a combined survey effort of 1,667 survey days per year. In IOSEA 4, it was assumed that 500 survey days could be performed using 2 vessels operating throughout the year or more vessels if the surveys are concentrated in the summer months. Similarly, it is assumed that 1,666.7 survey days could be met by 6 vessels operating throughout the year or 12 vessels if the surveys are concentrated in the summer months.

2.4 Description of Exploration and Production Activities This section provides a description of the specific activities that seismic and drilling operations give rise to; these activities comprise those which the draft Plan proposes and which consequently are assessed within IOSEA 5.

2.4.1 Seismic Survey Noise Generation from 2D/3D Seismic Operations (Airguns, Helicopter Transfer) Offshore 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.

In addition, noise will be generated by helicopters (e.g. for crew transport) during survey operations.

Noise Generation from Normal Vessel Operations 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).

Physical Presence of Survey Vessels and Towed Equipment (Including any Exclusion Zones and Lights) Seismic surveys are conducted by a vessel towing long, neutrally buoyant streamers, which contain numerous hydrophones or geophones. These streamers are normally between 3 and 8 km long but can be up to 12 km long.

A 2D seismic survey is the simplest form of seismic survey and consists of a single acoustic source and a single towed streamer. 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.

Figures 2.1 and 2.2 below show the typical set-up and activity for seismic survey.

Figure 2.1: Typical Seismic Survey Set-up (Source: Seismic Data Centre, http://blog.cloudera.com/blog/2012/01/seismic-data-science-hadoop-use-case/)


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Figure 2.2: Seismic Survey Activity (Source: PGS, 2013)

Atmospheric Emissions due to Energy Requirements (combustion) of Survey Vessels (Engines/Generators) Atmospheric emissions can be defined as the release of pollutants to the atmosphere from seismic vessel and support vessel engine exhaust gases (i.e. main and auxiliary engines, waste incinerator emissions).

Routine Vessel Discharges and Wastes (other than noise and air emissions) Routine vessel discharges are limited to galley waste, which comprises food waste which emanates from the vessel kitchen.

Regulations for the Prevention of pollution by garbage from ships are contained in Annex V of MARPOL. The most recent revisions to Annex V (2012) now generally prohibits the discharge of all garbage into the sea, exceptions are however defined related to food waste, cargo residues, cleaning agents and additives. Exceptions to this also exist with respect to ensuring the safety of a ship and those on board and as a result of accidental loss.

Sea Node / Sea Bottom Cable Surveys 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.

Airguns

Streamers

Door Door



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.

Accidental Events The risk of accidental events in relation to seismic survey activities is related to the following:

accidental loss of tow equipment; and

accidental spill of diesel fuel or other utility fluid during normal operations or through accidental damage to vessel or equipment as a result of collision with external factor (buoy, fishing equipment, other vessel).

2.4.2 Drilling Physical Presence of the Rig and Vessels at Surface 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 draft 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).

Figures 2.3 – 2.5 illustrate the types of drilling units that are proposed within the IOSEA 5 study area.


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Figure 2.3: Semi-Submersible Drilling Rig (Source: DCENR, 2015)

Figure 2.4: Drilling Ship (Source: IOOA, 2015)



Figure 2.5: Jack-up Rig (Source: Woodside, 2008)

Physical Presence of Subsea Equipment 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).

Atmospheric Emissions due to Energy Requirements of Rigs and Associated Vessels and Helicopters As for seismic activity, atmospheric emissions are defined as the release of pollutants to the atmosphere from drill rigs, vessel engine exhaust gases (i.e. main and auxiliary engines, waste incinerator emissions) and helicopters.

Potential Discharges from Normal Vessel Operations As for seismic activity, this is limited to waste from normal survey vessel operations (galley waste, i.e. food waste which emanates from the kitchen).

Potential Discharges from Commissioning of Drill Rigs As drill rigs are being brought on-line in preparation for drilling, limited discharge of ballast water may be generated.

Drilling Activity One of the activities being assessed as part of IOSEA 5 is the physical act of drilling itself, i.e. penetration of the seabed geology to a certain depth, either to prove that hydrocarbons are present, appraise the volume of known hydrocarbons, or to produce a known hydrocarbon reserve.


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Appraisal wells are drilled into a discovered hydrocarbon accumulation to further understand the extent and size of the accumulation. Thereafter, development/production wells are planned to exploit an accumulation of known hydrocarbons.

Mud, Cement and Cuttings Release from Tophole Sections 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.

Water Based Mud (WBM) Cuttings Discharged from Surface, including Payzone Cuttings, and Oil-Based Mid (OBM) Although some of the water based mud (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. Payzone cuttings refer to those cuttings which may be contaminated with reservoir hydrocarbons as a result of drilling through the pay-zone. The ‘Pay-zone’ refers to the rock in which oil and gas are found in exploitable quantities.

One of the most effective drilling fluids is oil-based mud (OBM). The discharge of OBM cuttings in not permitted offshore of Ireland; instead the cuttings must be skipped and shipped for onshore treatment, re-use or disposal. OBMs are still routinely used for offshore drilling operations for a variety of reasons (i.e. rig setup or likelihood of encountering shales in the well). If OBMs 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.

Well Testing (flaring and burner spraying for cooling) 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.

The assumption that has used within IOSEA 5 is that 50% of all wells drilled would require testing.

Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) / Checkshot Surveys, including Underwater Noise Generation Seismic data used to image subsurface geology are measured as a function of 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. Borehole seismic surveys such as a checkshot survey or Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) measure the seismic traveltime from the surface to a known depth in the borehole, thereby allowing the well data to be correlated with the seismic data.



Accidental Events Given their unpredictable nature, it is difficult to define potential accidental events that may occur as a result of the draft Plan activities; however the following scenarios are considered:

Low probability but large scale events such as a well blowout, (a catastrophic loss of control of well pressure resulting in uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons from a well such as was the case with the Deepwater Horizon incident in Gulf of Mexico, 2010); through to

Smaller scale events such as minor spills or collisions (diesel, hydraulic fluid, OBM).


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3 SEA Process and Methodology 3.1 Introduction SEA in Ireland is mandated by the SEA Directive and is regulated by the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004, Statutory Instrument No. 435/2004 (‘the Irish SEA Regulations’). In addition, good practice in SEA is defined in a number of sources1,2,3,4,5.

SEA is a staged process, as described below.

3.2 Scoping and Consultation Scoping is the initial stage of the SEA process, where the environmental authorities are given the opportunity to provide input in relation to the content, scope and level of detail of the Environmental Report. The purpose of the scoping process is to focus the SEA on the potential likely significant environmental effects, identify those which are unlikely to need detailed study, and provide a means to reach agreement on the most appropriate methods of impact assessment.

The proposed scope of the SEA was described within a Scoping Report6. To prepare the Scoping Report, environmental baseline data was collated for the IOSEA 5 study area in order to identify the key environmental issues and the potential impacts of the draft Plan. Scoping also included a review of relevant other policies, plans and programmes (PPP) to identify the objectives and policies which could have an effect or a relationship with the draft Plan.

During the scoping process, consultation was undertaken with the IOSEA 5 Steering Group regarding the potential impacts of the draft Plan. The Steering Group is a voluntary committee of technical experts, from a diverse variety of agencies, and stakeholders, who bring particular skills and expertise and under whose guidance the IOSEA process is being carried out.

The Scoping Report was also made available for stakeholder and public consultation, during January-February 2015.

Further detail of consultation undertaken with the Steering Group, stakeholders and the public is contained in Chapter 6.

1 Environmental Protection Agency (Updated 18th April 2013) SEA Pack 2 Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (undated) IEMA Strategic Environmental Assessment

(SEA) Environmental Report (ER) Review Criteria 3 International Association for Impact Assessment (January 2002) Strategic Environmental Assessment

Performance Criteria, Special Publication Series No.1 4 Irish Government Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Nov 2010), Strategic

Environmental Assessment: Base Practice Guidance Note on Transboundary Consultation and Land Use Plans 5 Levett-Therivel (Dec 2005) Good practice strategic environmental assessment / sustainability appraisal 6 ENVIRON UK Ltd (December 2014) Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (IOSEA) 5: Scoping

Report



3.3 SEA Methodology The IOSEA 5 has been undertaken as a baseline-led assessment which considers how the draft Plan could impact on the current baseline environment or the future baseline environment which would be present in the absence of any activity relating to the draft Plan. This relates both to seismic survey and drilling activities.

A qualitative approach to the assessment and description of effects has been adopted, rather than a quantitative approach which was not considered appropriate or feasible at this strategic level.

For each of the SEA topics, an assessment has been undertaken, which confirms whether predicted effects are positive, negative or neutral, whether they are permanent or temporary and, where relevant, the likely geographical and temporal scale of the effect.

The details of the draft Plan that were used as a basis for technical assessment are given in Chapter 2.

3.3.1 Alternative Options The SEA Directive requires that the assessment identifies and evaluates reasonable ‘alternatives’ to what is proposed within the draft Plan. Whilst renewable energy is currently not a viable alternative to ‘the Plan’, it is recognised that it is of growing importance and that Ireland will continue to work towards EU targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The available alternative options have been considered in the context of Irish energy policy as described in Chapter 4.

As a means of testing or assessing Ireland’s offshore hydrocarbon resources in order to meet current and predicted energy requirements, few realistic alternatives to the exploration and production activities proposed within the draft Plan can be identified. DCENR has considered the inclusion of alternative options relating to the differences in the level of activity during the earlier years of the Plan period; however, this is not consistent with DCENR’s policy approach and therefore is not a realistic alternative. Therefore, the following alternative options for assessment have been identified:

To proceed with licensing and permitting of petroleum activities according to the existing regulatory regime, up to the maximum levels specified by continuing with existing restrictions; or

To proceed with licensing and permitting of petroleum activities up to the maximum levels specified, subject to modifications to the regulatory regime which may derive from the SEA process, e.g. restrictions in area licensed or restriction of timing of activities.

3.3.2 Notation A summary of the predicted impacts for each assessment is presented in table format. The notation used within the summary tables is presented in Table 3.3.


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Table 3.3 Notation Used for the Assessment

Notation Description

Degree to which baseline conditions may change (significance of change) compared with the situation where no petroleum exploration and production activities are undertaken

++ Major Positive Effect The draft Plan is likely to lead to significant improvements in baseline conditions.

+ Minor Positive Effect The draft Plan is likely to lead to some improvements in baseline conditions.

0 Neutral Effect The draft Plan is unlikely to alter baseline conditions significantly.

- Minor Negative Effect The draft Plan is likely to lead to a deterioration in baseline conditions.

-- Major Negative Effect The draft Plan is likely to lead to a significant deterioration in baseline conditions.

+/- Positive and Negative Effect The draft Plan is likely to lead to both a deterioration and an improvement in baseline conditions, perhaps in different areas or ways.

? Uncertain Effect It is not known whether the draft Plan would lead to an improvement or deterioration in the baseline conditions.

Reversibility of effects

R It is considered that the effects upon the receptor group could be reversed if activities were to change in the future. The receptor may hence be able to recover or indeed improvements could be diminished.

IR It is considered that the effects upon the receptor group could not be reversed and would be permanent. This may apply to situations where, for example, features are destroyed for ever or systems/trends are irrevocably changed.

Certainty of prediction / Likelihood

H There is a high level of confidence in the assessment prediction. No identified data gaps.

M There is a medium level of confidence in the assessment prediction. This means that the appraiser is largely certain of the direction of impact and some of the elements of prediction but there remains some doubt or certainty about some other elements.

L There is low level of confidence in the assessment prediction. This may be as a result of significant baseline data gaps, there being very little control over how an activity may come forward or there is limited evidence to support the prediction.

Note that, in addition to the notation described in Table 3.3, the potential sensitivity of receptors, and relevant significance criteria, has been specified for each technical assessment, with reference to relevant recognised standards and best practice guidance. Details are provide separately within each technical assessment (Annexes C-E).



3.3.3 Likelihood For many of the activities and environmental topics assessed, the likelihood of an impact occurring is considered to be low. However, the impact itself has the potential to result in a significant effect if it did occur. This is particularly the case for major accidental events, which are by nature unlikely and unplanned.

For the purposes of identifying all required mitigation and monitoring measures, the approach taken within this ER is that likelihood is not considered to be mitigation in itself and that if an assessment has identified the potential for major effects then these effects should be mitigated irrespective of their likelihood. This represents a precautionary approach and provides an assessment of the worst case scenario.

3.4 Regulatory Compliance The required content of the ER is set out in Schedule 2 of the Irish SEA Regulations. In addition, ENVIRON has developed a checklist and best practice system, based on the above-reference guidance on good practice in SEA.

Table 3.4 presents this checklist and ER requirements, and sets out where in this ER each requirement has been met.

Table 3.4: Best Practice Checklist and Information Required in an ER

Principle Signpost Questions Addressed

SEA Requirement / ER Content (quoted from Schedule 2 of Irish SEA Regulations)

Section of ER

What is SEA? - Chapter 1: Introduction;

Chapter 3: SEA Process and Methodology

What does the plan seek to achieve?

What is the policy context?

(a) An outline of the contents and main objectives of the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme, and relationship with other relevant plans or programmes

(e) The environmental protection objectives, established at international, European Union or national level, which are relevant to the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme, and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation

Chapter 2: The Draft Plan;

Chapter 4: IOSEA 5 Regulatory Context

Annex A: Review of Relevant Plans, Policies and Programmes

What are the most likely significant issues?

- Chapter 6: Scoping and Consultation

Annex B Scoping Consultation Responses

What is the situation now?

What are the existing environmental problems?

(b) The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme;

(c) The environmental characteristics of

Chapter 5: Summary of Environmental Conditions


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Table 3.4: Best Practice Checklist and Information Required in an ER

Principle Signpost Questions Addressed

SEA Requirement / ER Content (quoted from Schedule 2 of Irish SEA Regulations)

Section of ER

What will be the situation without the plan?

What are the data gaps?

areas likely to be significantly affected;

(d) Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme, including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to the Birds Directive or the Habitats Directive

What are the reasonable alternatives under consideration?

(h) An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information;

Chapter 3: SEA Process and Methodology

What will be the situation with the draft Plan?

What would be the situation with each of the reasonable alternatives?

(f) The likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors

Chapter 7: Predicted Effects on the Environment from Seismic Activities;

Chapter 8: Predicted Effects on the Environment from Drilling Activities;

Annexes C-E.

How can we mitigate/enhance effects?

(g) The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme

Chapter 9: Proposed Mitigation and Draft Monitoring Plan;

Annexes C-E

How can we monitor effects?

(i) A description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring of the significant environmental effects of implementation of the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme

Chapter 9: Proposed Mitigation and Draft Monitoring Plan;

Annexes C-E

Does the SEA process include communication of results, presenting the results in a clear manner, including an NTS?

Have the draft Plan and IOSEA report been made available for consultation?

(j) A non-technical summary of the information provided under the above headings

Chapter 7: Predicted Effects on the Environment from Seismic Activities;

Chapter 8: Predicted Effects on the Environment from Drilling Activities;

Annexes C-E.

Non-technical Summary


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4 IOSEA 5 Regulatory Context 4.1 Introduction The legislative context in which the IOSEA 5 is being prepared can best be understood through a review of related policies, plans, and programmes. The SEA Directive requires information on:

“an outline of the plan or programme’s relationship with other relevant plans and programmes”; Annex 1(a) and

“the environmental protection objectives, established at international, Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation.” Annex 1(e)

The review process ensures that future exploration and production activities will comply with existing policies, plans and programmes at international, national and regional levels of governance and also reinforces and supports local plans and strategies. The process entails identifying and reviewing those policies, plans and programmes and environmental protection objectives that are directly relevant to the issues covered by IOSEA 5. Carrying out this review at an early stage allows for any inconsistencies or constraints with relation to the draft plan to be addressed and also contributes to the development of the assessment framework.

For practical reasons, the scoping task of identifying related plans and programmes cannot yield an exhaustive or definitive list of legislative/non-legislative documents. The review has been focussed to ensure that only policies that are current and of direct relevance to the issues covered by IOSEA 5 are reviewed. A detailed outline of the policy documents, the objectives and the targets reviewed is set out in Annex A.

4.2 SEA Policy Context

4.2.1 SEA Directive 2001/42/EC The SEA Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment came into force in 2001. The Directive’s objective is to:

“provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development, by ensuring that, in accordance with this Directive, an environmental assessment is carried out of certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment.”

Member States were required to transpose the Directive into laws, regulations and administrative provisions to apply to all plans and programmes on or after 21 July 2004. The following Regulations have been established under Irish Law:

European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (Statutory Instrument (SI) 435 of 2004); and

Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (SI 436 of 2004).



SI 436 covers SEA for planning and development purposes, whilst SI 435 covers SEA for other specified plans and programmes.

SI 435 includes the requirement to carry out SEA for all plans and programmes prepared for (amongst others) the energy and industry sectors, and which sets the framework for future development consent of projects relevant to the extraction, storage and pipeline transfer of hydrocarbon resources.

SI 435 also states that a plan or programme will only require SEA when it is likely to have significant effects on the environment. In determining whether a particular plan or programme may have significant effects on the environment, the Competent Authority, in this case the DCENR, will take account of:

the characteristics of the plan or programme, or the degree to which it:

- sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to the location, nature, size and operating conditions or by allocating resources;

- influences other plans including those in a hierarchy;

- integrates environmental considerations in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development;

- incorporates environmental problems; and

- is relevant to the implementation of EU legislation on the environment (e.g. plans and programmes linked to waste-management or water protection);

the nature of the effects and of the area likely to be affected by the plan or programme, with regard to:

- the probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects;

- the cumulative nature of the effects;

- the transboundary nature of the effects;

- the risks to human health or the environment; and

- the magnitude and spatial extent of the effects;

the value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to:

- special natural characteristics or cultural heritage,

- exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values,

- intensive land-use; and

- the effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, EU or international protection status.

The DCENR has recognised that the draft plan may have significant effects on the environment and has embarked on an SEA process to inform the Irish government, offshore oil and gas operators and the general public of specific environmental considerations in its licensing process.


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4.3 Energy Policy Context

4.3.1 DCENR Statement of Strategy 2011-2014 In the most recent DCENR Statement of Strategy for the period 2011-20142, high level objectives were set to promote the sustainable development, management and regulation of the communications, energy, marine and natural resources sector in support of national economic and policy objectives. Two of the six high level objectives are relevant to IOSEA 5 as follows:

High level objective 4: Energy - To ensure security, continuity and competitiveness of energy supply for the economy and for consumers, and to promote the sustainability of energy supply and demand; and

High level objective 5: Natural Resources - To manage our inland fisheries, mineral, hydrocarbon and other geological resources in a sustainable and productive manner.

4.3.2 DCENR Green Paper: Energy Policy (May 2014) The DCENR Green Paper on Energy Policy3 serves as an update to the 2007 Energy Policy Paper (section 4.3.3 below), and it elicits opinions on how to meet the varied challenges facing the Irish energy sector. It contains six key priorities for discussion, to help formulate the next Irish Energy White Paper, as follows:

Priority 1: Empowering Energy Citizens

Priority 2: Markets and Regulation

Priority 3: Planning and Implementing Essential Energy Infrastructure

Priority 4: Ensuring a Balanced and Secure Energy Mix

Priority 5: Putting the Energy System on a Sustainable Pathway

Priority 6: Driving Economic Opportunity

In terms of Priority 4, the Green Paper states that “the Government’s strategy for the exploitation of the State’s natural hydrocarbon resources aims to maximise the level of exploration activity and increase the level of production activity, while ensuring a fair return to the State from these activities.”

It further qualifies this statement by stating that “the number of exploration authorisations in place is currently the highest ever, and 2013 witnessed both new company entrants and a marked increase in the level of acquisition of new seismic data. The level of exploration drilling, however, remained low. Without a significant increase in drilling levels, the potential of the Irish offshore will not be realized.”

Currently Ireland is committed to produce at least 16% of all energy consumed by 2020 from renewable sources. This will be met by 40% from renewable electricity, 12% from renewable heat, and 10% from the renewable transport sector. At the end of 2012, 7.1% of gross final energy use came from renewable sources. With respect to the individual sectors this represented 19.6% in renewable electricity, 5.2% in renewable heat, and 3.8% in renewable transport. The National Renewable Energy Action Plan to 2020 is the framework within

2 Available at: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/NR/rdonlyres/716F9A6E-BD77-4A3E-8EB2-

BE6E26DD0BAE/0/DCENRStatementofStrategy20112014.pdf, accessed 28.10.2014 3 DCENR (2014) Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland



which Ireland has set out the detailed policies, schemes and measures to deliver the required trajectory of growth from renewable sources. Ireland has also recently launched the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan to progress the strategic development of offshore renewables.

4.3.3 Irish Government White Paper: Energy Policy The Government published an Energy Policy White Paper4 setting out an energy policy framework for 2007 – 2020, which spelt out three main strands of Irish energy policy: competitiveness, energy security, and sustainability. The White Paper states that, in 2007, over 90% of Irish energy requirements were imported; therefore, combined with Ireland’s peripheral location and small market scale, this leaves Ireland vulnerable to supply disruption and imported price volatility.

A strategic goal (at section 3.6) is described as the creation of a ‘stable attractive environment for hydrocarbon exploration and production’, and nine actions are identified in support of that objective. These include the amendment of the regulatory framework to give effect to the proposed new licensing terms for exploration and production, the holding of annual licensing rounds in the Atlantic basins, the publication of updated rules and procedures manuals for both exploration and production, and the management of exploration licences to encourage timely exploration.

4.3.4 EU Green Paper: Security of Energy Supply In the EU context, the EU Green Paper ‘Towards a European strategy for the security of energy supply’ discusses the risk of low levels of indigenous fuel supplies and increased reliance on imports. It states “If no measures are taken, in the next 20-30 years 70% of the Union’s energy requirements, as opposed to the current 50%, will be covered by imported products”. It further states that “The European Union’s long-term strategy for energy supply security must be geared to ensuring, for the well-being of its citizens and the proper functioning of the economy, the uninterrupted physical availability of energy products on the market, at a price which is affordable for all consumers (private and industrial), while respecting environmental concerns and looking towards sustainable development, as enshrined in Articles 2 and 6 of the Treaty on European Union.”

4.3.5 ESRI Research Series: Irish Energy Policy (2014) The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has recently published an analysis of current issues in Irish energy policy5, which explores the requirements for future energy policy to both ensure maintenance of a secure energy supply and to deliver the required energy at a minimum cost to consumers, as well as to address climate change and to address the distributional impact of policy.

A crucial factor in the outlook for Irish energy policy is the fact that the UK, which has to date been Ireland’s source of imported gas requirements, has become a net importer of gas. In addition, the research considers the implications of a UK exit from the EU and identifies that future reliance on EU law may not provide adequate protection for Irish interests. In the medium to long term Ireland will either have to develop its own sources or access new

4 DCENR (2007) Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland 5 J. FitzGerald & L Malaguzzi Valeri (eds) (October 2014) Irish Energy Policy: An Analysis of Current Issues,

ESRI Research Series, Number 37.


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sources, probably in Eastern Europe. This brings issues of security of supply and price stability or volatility.

4.4 Oil and Gas Licensing Context The DCENR administers Ireland’s regime of licensing for oil and gas exploration and production. The principal relevant statute is the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 applied to the Irish offshore, comprising the territorial waters of the State and offshore areas designated by Order from time to time under the Continental Shelf Act 1968.

4.5 Environmental Regulation The Petroleum Affairs Division (PAD) of the DCENR is the body whose role is to maximise the benefits to the State from exploration for and production of indigenous oil and gas resources, while ensuring that activities are conducted with due regard to their impact on the environment and other land/sea users.

Exploration and production activities include any or all of seismic surveys (2D and/or 3D), other surveys (aero-magnetic, EM, site, route) and drilling. All of the operations are subject to approval by the DCENR, and approval requires compliance with standards set out in Rules & Procedures Manual for Offshore Petroleum Exploration and Appraisal Operations (RPM). The RPM is currently under review, and the revised environmental section will be available shortly. In the interim the following guidance is provided by DCENR for reference in compiling environmental assessment/appropriate assessment reports in support of applications to conduct activities under licences issued pursuant to the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 19606:

European Union Environmental Impact Assessment Gas Regulations 2012 SI No 403;

European Union Environmental Impact Assessment Petroleum Regulations 2012 SI No 404;

European Union Environmental Impact Assessment Petroleum Exploration Regulations 2013 SI 134;

Marine Nature Impact Statements in Irish Special Areas of Conservation (Working Document);

Assessments of Plans and Projects significantly affecting Natura 2000 sites;

Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland. Guidance for Planning Authorities;

EIA Screening Table (Seismic); and

Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-Made sound sources in Irish Waters.

Approval also includes compliance with standard operating procedures as listed in Chapter 10 of this report. All operations must be carried out in compliance with the relevant OSPAR Decisions, Recommendations and Agreements. This is particularly the case for drilling operations.

6 All guidance available at:

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/Petroleum+Affairs+Division/Statutory+Assessments+of+Environmental+Stateme

nts/, accessed 27.04.2015



Under the Department's Licensing Terms, the holder of a petroleum lease is required to submit a detailed plan of development to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for approval for a commercial discovery of petroleum before development can begin. The plan of development must be accompanied by a statement on the likely effects on the environment known as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The information to be contained in an EIS is outlined in Article 25 Second Schedule of SI no 93 of 1999.

4.6 Relationship to other plans and programmes The relationship of the draft plan to other plans, programmes and policies is detailed in Annex A of this report.

The relevant plans, programmes and policies identified for IOSEA 5 have been divided the following categories:

International plans, programmes and policy;

National plans, programmes and policy;

EU Directives and Programmes; and

Plans and programmes in adjacent States with potential trans-boundary implications.


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5 Summary of Environmental Conditions 5.1 Introduction This section of the report provides a summary of the current and future environmental conditions within the IOSEA 5 study area, in order to set out the basis for the assessment of potential impacts.

Information about the current environmental conditions has been collated in relation to each environmental topic assessed. In addition, information about the likely future environmental conditions (within the timescale of the draft Plan and assuming no change through implementation of the draft Plan), is also provided in order to provide a realistic baseline for assessing potential impacts.

Detailed descriptions of the current and future environmental conditions are contained in full within Annexes C-E of this report.

Tables 5.1-5.3 below list the environmental topics in the first column and provide a summary of current environmental conditions in the second column. The third column provides an estimate of how these environmental conditions may change in the absence of the draft Plan, within the 5-year period which would be covered by the draft Plan.

5.2 Ecology Table 5.1 presents a summary of the baseline ecological environment. This covers the following topics:

Plankton;

Benthos;

Fish and shellfish;

Marine reptiles;

Seabirds;

Marine mammals; and

Habitats and species designated for nature conservation.

A detailed description of the environmental characteristics of each of these topics is included in Annex C.



Table 5.1: Summary of Baseline Data: Ecology

SEA Topic Summary of Current Baseline Summary of Future Baseline

Plankton Plankton comprises phytoplankton which contribute to primary production and zooplankton which graze or predate within the plankton. Eggs and larvae of groups such as fish and invertebrates are temporary members of the plankton. As in all the world’s oceans, planktonic production and processes are key ecosystem drivers.

A number of planktonic studies have been carried out in the IOSEA 5 study area within the last few decades. These have focused on trends associated with the composition of the planktonic community, for example general description of plankton present and monitoring of associated parameters, e.g. water temperature, harmful algal blooms, effects of hydrodynamic regime on plankton in an area and shifts in trends which have been correlated to climate change. Plankton is important for the wider food web as it forms the basis of marine life; therefore, monitoring studies are an important source of information as they could indicate why changes are occurring to marine species at a higher trophic level.

Plankton will be influenced by both natural and anthropogenic influences including climate change impacts, ocean acidification, shifts in marine biodiversity or presence of invasive species and wider changes in the marine ecosystem.

Benthos The IOSEA 5 study area supports benthic communities associated with coastal, shelf, slope and abyssal habitats. Certain features, notably coldwater corals and associated carbonate mounds, are of high conservation importance and underpin diverse ecosystems. Sedimentary habitats dominate, especially in deeper areas where such material is relatively fine, with extensive tracts of coarse and sandy sediments present notably in the Irish and Celtic seas. Characteristic benthic communities are associated with these habitats. Exposed areas of rock, boulders and biogenic reefs are also present.

Benthic habitats and communities will be subject to natural influences and anthropogenic pressures. Whilst certain responses may be predicted, such as northerly distribution shifts for species currently at the southern limit of their range under the influence of climate change for example, many will be subject to complex interactions of factors.

Fish & Shellfish

The IOSEA5 study area support a wide variety of fish and shellfish species, including many commercially important ones and others of strong conservation interest. This diversity reflects the scale of the area and range of habitats present. Knowledge of existing conditions is patchy, being best in Irish and Celtic Sea areas and poorest in continental slope and deep waters where limited data points must be extrapolated to infer likely fish assemblages.

Fish and shellfish will be subject to natural influences and anthropogenic pressures. Whilst certain responses may be predicted, such as northerly distribution shifts for species currently at the southern limit of their range under the influence of climate change for example, many will be subject to complex interactions of factors.

Marine Marine turtles are regularly observed in Irish waters including the IOSEA 5 study area; however, abundance and occurrence rates are low. The region is

Marine turtles that occur within the IOSEA 5 study area will be subject to global and regional natural influences and


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SEA Topic Summary of Current Baseline Summary of Future Baseline Reptiles believed to represent the northerly limits of the foraging range of the most

commonly sighted species, the leatherback turtle, with other occurring species considered rare vagrants.

anthropogenic pressures, including:

Direct and indirect impacts of climate change.

Anthropogenic underwater noise

By-catch

Marine pollution

Seabirds Large numbers of seabirds occur in Irish waters year round, with some species only present during the breeding season, over winter or during migration. The often exposed and inaccessible coast of Ireland provides a perfect breeding habitat for many seabird species. In addition to this, the productive coastal and offshore Irish waters provide rich feeding grounds for local breeding and non-breeding seabirds, along with pelagic and passage migrants.

Seabirds that occur within the IOSEA 5 study area will be subject to global and regional natural influences and anthropogenic pressures, including:

Direct and indirect impacts of climate change

Coastal squeeze

Offshore developments

Fishing activities

Marine pollution

Predator pressure

Competition pressure with expanding populations of non-native species

Marine Mammals

The highly productive coastal, continental shelf, continental slope and deep oceanic waters of IOSEA 5 support a number of marine mammals including protected and endangered species. The varied habitats present with in this region provide important breeding and feeding grounds for resident and migratory marine mammals.

Marine mammals that occur within the IOSEA 5 study area will be subject to global and regional natural influences and anthropogenic pressures, including:

Direct and indirect impacts of climate change.

Anthropogenic underwater noise

By-catch

Marine pollution

Designated Habitats and

A very wide range of species and habitats are afforded legal protection within the IOSEA5 area, adjacent waters and coastal regions through national and European legislation. Under the Habitats Directive a number of sites have

A combination of natural factors and anthropogenic pressures will influence the distribution of protected species and condition of designated habitats in future. It is probable that as




SEA Topic Summary of Current Baseline Summary of Future Baseline Species been designated for the presence of coldwater coral (reef) carbonate mound

habitat while protected species include all cetaceans with a range of other taxa potentially occurring. Under the Birds and Habitats Directives there are a large number of coastal Natura 2000 sites in Irish and adjacent UK areas. Further species and habitats are listed under the OSPAR convention while Ireland also declared its waters, including the entire IOSEA5 area, a whale and dolphin sanctuary in 1991. The second National Biodiversity Plan, launched in 2001, provides policy objectives to relative to management of the marine and coastal environment.

knowledge of the marine environment, especially offshore areas, grows further sites within the IOSEA5 study area will be designated as SACs and/or MPAs.

5.3 Physical and Chemical Aspects Table 5.2 presents a summary of the baseline environment relating to physical and chemical aspects, which includes the following topics:

Landscape, seascape and visual amenity

Marine archaeology and cultural heritage

Geology;

Bathymetry and seabed features;

Sediments and ocean circulation;

Air quality;

Climate; and

Water quality.

A detailed description of the environmental characteristics of each of these topics is included in Annex D.


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Table 5.2: Summary of Baseline Data: Physical and Chemical Aspects


Landscape and Seascape

The key features of the existing seascape / landscape context of the coast include the following:

The 9 Seascape Character Types that cover the coast of the Republic of Ireland;

Transboundary Seascape Types covering the adjacent Northern Irish coastline

The 6 National Parks due to their relative proximity to the coast;

Designed Landscapes and Gardens in proximity to the coast that are assessed as being a significant site or of historical importance; and

County Landscape Designations and Classifications as identified within the County Development Plans of the coastal counties.

There are two foreshore leases for offshore wind farms which have been granted and three further foreshore leases which are currently being processed by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. The granted leases are Arklow Bank (520 MW) and Codling Bank (1,100 MW), whilst the proposed projects are the Dublin Array, Oriel and Doolick. These have the potential to be built out in the future and as such would make up the future baseline.

Visual Amenity

The key features of the existing visual receptors context of the coast include the following receptors:

Ferry Routes;

National Waymarked Trails that follow or relate to the coastline;

EuroVelo and National Cycle Routes, such as EuroVelo1 and the Great Western Greenway

Ports and Marinas, including coastal watersports centres;

Coastal Roads such as the Wild Atlantic Way and Rail Routes with coastal views;

Coastal settlements; and

Key Tourist Facilities/Locations and Vantage Points.

There are two foreshore leases for offshore wind farms which have been granted and three further foreshore leases which are currently being processed by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The granted leases are Arklow Bank (520 MW) and Codling Bank (1,100 MW), whilst the proposed projects are the Dublin Array, Oriel and Doolick. These have the potential to be built out in the future and as such would make up the future baseline. It is also anticipated that there would be a gradual increase overall shipping / boating activities.

Marine Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

There is potential for a wide variety of underwater cultural heritage sites, features and objects in the IOSEA 5 study area.

Much of the marine archaeological resource is likely to be currently unrecorded, although it is understood that the Underwater Archaeological Unit of DAHG is engaged in the compilation of an inventory of shipwrecks recorded in Irish waters.

Marine archaeology and the underwater cultural heritage is a finite resource.

Physical impacts to this resource are usually permanent.

General information on impacts to cultural heritage in the marine environment suggests that the resource is




SEA Topic Summary of Current Baseline Summary of Future Baseline The Shipwreck Inventory of Ireland includes all known wrecks for the years up to and including 1945 and approximately 12,000 records have been compiled and integrated into the shipwreck database thus far7.

Shallower parts of the study area (i.e. shallower than c.120 m depth) have potential for surviving prehistoric archaeological sites, features and deposits associated with periods of lower sea level.

Those areas of the study area where bathymetries are between 30 m and c.120 m may have lower potential as pre-Devensian palaeolandscapes than areas shallower than 30 m.

Palaeogeographic reconstructions indicate the presence of extensive ice sheets in the Irish Sea during the Devensian and Anglian/Wolstonian glaciations; this limits both the potential occupation surface area available for utilisation by hominins, and the potential for survival of any pre-Devensian sites and artefacts in the study area from these periods.

The sheltered areas closest to the coast, and in particular the shallower and sheltered parts of the study area in the Irish and Celtic Seas to the south of the study area, particularly those areas that may have remained ice free during the LGM, have the greatest potential for surviving prehistoric archaeological materials.

Known prehistoric settlements on land are particularly prevalent along the south coast of Ireland.

The areas of the IOSEA 5 study area not covered by IOSEAs 1-4 are located in the deeper waters to the south and west. Due to the water depths, wave climate and limited human use, the submerged prehistoric archaeology and palaeolandscape potential of these deep water areas is likely to be low.

The study area also has significant potential for surviving maritime wrecks and associated archaeological material, dating from the settlement of the Island in the Mesolithic period around 10,000 BP, up to the present day.

The majority of the known wrecks within the study area date from the late 19th or

gradually diminishing.

Without appropriate protection the underwater cultural heritage resources in the Study Area will diminish.

Factors likely to impact on the future archaeological baseline are not restricted to impacts from marine developments, but also include environmental factors e.g. climate change.

Future research will increase knowledge and understanding of the existence and significance of the archaeological resources in the Study Area.

Much offshore data collection is developer led, and archaeological analysis of geophysical and geotechnical data for pre-impact assessments will make an important contribution to enhancing knowledge and protection.

Assuming protection of marine archaeological sites and the cultural heritage resource from oil and gas activity impacts, and from impacts resulting from other marine developments in the Study Area, the future baseline archaeological environment is likely to remain relatively static.

7 http://www.archaeology.ie/underwater-archaeology, accessed 29.04.2015


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SEA Topic Summary of Current Baseline Summary of Future Baseline 20th century, with the greatest proportion relating to losses from the First and Second World Wars. These include a large number of submarines, U-Boats and military vessels, as well as vernacular fishing vessels, steam trawlers, merchant vessels and several passenger liners.

The greatest proportion of wrecks around the Irish coast lie in inshore areas in depths of less than 50 m based on the greater number of navigational hazards and risks to ships in close proximity to the coast. As such the Irish and Celtic Sea region will have the greatest potential for surviving wrecks and shipping losses.

Similarly there have been a significant number of losses and wreck recorded in the north and west regions of the study area.

Losses associated with trade routes, the western approaches, fishing and wartime activity have also occurred, in the deeper waters to the south and west of Ireland and as such remains may also be anticipated here.

Due to the introduction of powered flight in the early 20th century and significant aerial activity within the study area during the first and second world wars, there is potential for recovery of aviation archaeological sites and objects in the IOSEA 5 study area.

The survival of the physical remains of shipwrecks and crashed aircraft on the seabed correlates strongly with sedimentary burial within finer grained sediments.

Geology The IOSEA5 area contains a number of sedimentary basins with potential for hydrocarbon exploration. The largest of these is the Rockall Basin, lying in deep water below the continental shelf. The Porcupine Basin is another significant feature of the IOSEA5 area, lying offshore of the south west tip of Ireland. Other smaller basins exist landward of the Rockall Basin (the Slyne, Erris, Donegal and Malin Basins) with six notable basins located in the Celtic and Irish Seas (the Kish Bank, Central Irish Sea, North Celtic Sea, South Celtic Sea, Fastnet and Cockburn Basins).

No changes anticipated within IOSEA 5 timeframe.

Bathymetry and Seabed Features

The IOSEA 5 study area can be split in to the following three regions:

The Irish and Celtic Seas – relatively shallow seas with a maximum depth of 360 m and bed features including a number of sandbanks.

No changes anticipated within the draft Plan timeframe.




SEA Topic Summary of Current Baseline Summary of Future Baseline Mainland Shelf – Comprising of a number of troughs with water depths

ranging from approximately 50 m in the eastern part of the Donegal Basin to over 2,000 m in the area of the continental slope.

Deeper Atlantic Waters – includes the Rockall Trough, the southern part of the Porcupine Seabight and the eastern margins of the Porcupine Abyssal Plain. Water depths in the deeper areas beyond the continental slope are generally over 2,500m.

Sediments and Ocean Circulation

There is some evidence of synthetic contamination of sediments within the Irish Sea and localised contamination will be associated with various activities in the near-shore area. Sediments in the wider offshore areas will be relatively uncontaminated whilst hot-spots of contamination will be associated with human activity (e.g. waste water treatment and industrial discharges) nearshore.

Circulation in the Irish Sea is has a seasonal component with relatively high tidal velocities. A number of large current systems affect the further off-shore areas including the Shelf Edge Current and North Atlantic Current. Deep water currents bring polar water southwards beyond the continental slope. Large eddies form around seamounts with wind induced shelf waves add additional variability.

Minor, site-specific changes only due to anthropogenic changes.

Air quality The extraction, stabilisation and export of hydrocarbons involve several processes that give rise to atmospheric emissions.

OSPAR monitoring has found low concentrations of most pollutants in precipitation.

The temporal trends in the OSPAR (The North-East Atlantic marine area) CAMP (Comprehensive Atmospheric Monitoring Programme) data from 1990 to 2012 have been evaluated. These showed decreases in nitrogen and heavy metals in line with the general emission reductions achieved in Europe over recent decades.

It is likely that atmospheric emissions from oil and gas activities will decrease in line with a general improvement in air quality across Europe.


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Climate The climate of the northeast Atlantic region is strongly influenced by a large scale westerly air circulation which frequently contains low pressure systems. The windiest areas are the sites open to the open ocean, namely Malin Head and Belmullet.

The climate is highly variable due mainly to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The North Atlantic Drift Current (NADC) is another influencing factor in the region.

The predominant winds over the open waters west of Ireland are from the west and southwest. Over the open ocean winds of greater than 8 m/s (Beaufort Force 5) are experienced for 70 to 75% of the winter and 30 to 35% of the summer.

Offshore precipitation occurs with a frequency of 25% in winter and 20% in summer. There is significant seasonal variation in the amount and duration of precipitation.

Rainfall recorded at the coastal monitoring stations averages between around 750 and 1500mm a year with the wettest season generally being between October and January and the driest between April and June. There seems to be a geographical variation with sites to the west generally being wetter.

In terms of trends (comparing to the previous 30 year period), on an annual basis, averaged over the country, there has been an increase of approximately 5% in rainfall totals between the two periods (1961-1990 and 1981-2010), with the higher increases in the Western half of the country.

The offshore oil and gas industry requires substantial power in order to extract, process and export hydrocarbons. Consequently the main source of emissions are from power generation. Flaring of hydrocarbons is also required during well testing and well clean-up operations and to ensure safety at the platform. These are the main sources of the majority of the carbon emissions during oil and gas industry activities (Oil and Gas UK).

Ireland has become measurably warmer in the past two decades with most of this increase being attributed to emissions of anthropogenic related greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

There is likely to be an increased intensity of storms in the future. These are caused by changing seasonal atmospheric pressure patterns that form over the north-eastern Atlantic.

Data has shown an increase in annual rainfall in northern and western areas with decreases or small increases in the south and east. This trend is likely to continue into the future.

It can be assumed that emissions will decrease in the future as the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme and the IPPC Directive become more established. Taking into account the above it is likely that carbon emissions from oil and gas activities will decrease in line with a general improvement in air quality across Europe.

Future effects of climate change are more difficult to predict but are likely to include increased storm intensity, increased rainfall, increase in seawater temperature and increased acidity leading to ecological impacts.





Water Quality The main water contaminants associated with Oil and Gas exploration and drilling are oil, chemicals, metals and naturally occurring radioactive materials, via permitted discharges and accidental spills.

Significant data on water quality is available for the inshore areas (coastal and transitional), generally corresponding to greater levels of activity and a greater complexity of regulatory drivers in place.

Inshore and transitional water quality summary:

The majority of Bathing Waters were classified as Good;

Nearly 200 (potentially substantially greater) licenced aquaculture sites are located in the waters of Ireland. These are indicative of current high water quality standards in these areas.

An overall decreasing concentration of heavy metal sediment contamination; however still unacceptably high in many coastal industrialised areas. Concentrations of metals in seafood rarely exceed the Seafood Maximum Limit.

Decreasing levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) contamination in shellfish. Some tissue samples (shellfish and dolphins) contain high PCB levels.

Concentrations of PAHs were found to be above acceptable levels at more sites tested in OSPAR Region III (includes all the waters around Ireland) than any other OSPAR Region, particularly in coastal areas of the Irish Sea (OSPAR, 2009a).

Acceptable and low concentrations of radionuclides

Far less data is available for water quality in offshore areas of the study area, which limits any detailed assessment of baseline water quality. The small amount of available information suggests concentrations of metals, hydrocarbons, radionuclides, persistent organic pollutants are likely low and often comparable to background levels.

The potential wastes and discharges produced by the oil and gas industry offshore are regulated by a suite of regulations and plans, seeking to limit the impact the effects of those activities and operations. Reductions in emissions from these industries elsewhere have been seen in recent years and may continue in the future, however this will need to validated through assessment and monitoring for any permitted oil and gas exploration activities in the IOSEA 5 study area.

Cumulative impacts from other industries in the area will in the future affect the water quality of the area, particularly where expansion of these industries occurs. These impacts on water quality must be incorporated when assessing the future baseline and putting in place mitigation to reduce impacts from oil and gas activities.

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive seeks to implement a programme of measures to achieve or maintain Good Environmental Standards by 2015, with these standards to be reached by 2020. Specific measures may apply to the oil and gas industry where potential activities have the potential to influence water quality.

Overall regulatory drivers are increasing focused on improving the water quality of the marine environment in the future.


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5.4 Social and Economic Aspects Table 5.3 presents a summary of the baseline environment relating to social and economic aspects, which includes the following topics:

Mariculture;

Economy and material assets;

Recreation and tourism; and

Human health.

A detailed description of the environmental characteristics of each of these topics is included in Annex E.

Table 5.3: Summary of Baseline Data: Social and Economic Aspects


Mariculture Mariculture operations include fin and shellfish cultivation together with seaweed cultivation and harvesting. These industries are concentrated on the west coast of Ireland where they may contribute significantly to local economies.

Future development will depend upon economic conditions and the balance between production costs and market prices.

Offshore finfish farming is possible in future

Economy and Material Assets

The waters around Ireland are critical to Ireland’s economy for commerce and industry. They comprise some of the most productive fishing grounds in the world and primary activities of relevance include commercial fisheries, commercial shipping and off-shore energy.

Fisheries within the IOSEA5 area are important both nationally and internationally, with a wide range of fish and shellfish species targeted by demersal and pelagic fishing fleets.

The waters around Ireland also include some of the densest shipping channels.

Other activities interest include sand and gravel extraction, military uses, presence of undersea cables, etc.

The potential exists for an increased focus and use of Ireland’s marine environment.

Future fishing activity will depend on the interaction of multiple factors such as fish and shellfish stock resources, fisheries management and the commercial viability of specific fisheries.

Government commitment to developing this resources as outlined in ‘Our Ocean Wealth’.

Recreation and Tourism

The coast, both offshore and foreshore, around Ireland supports a wide range of significant recreation and tourism-related activities.

The baseline environment is unlikely to be subject to any significant outside impacts as a result of increased exploration and or pollution.

The intensity of recreational and tourism use of the coast and its



Table 5.3: Summary of Baseline Data: Social and Economic Aspects

SEA Topic Summary of Current Baseline Summary of Future Baseline The nature and extent of these activities is wide ranging, varied, increasing in demand and important to often rural despised communities.

Much of these activities are dispersed and informal.

The majority of the areas subject to these activities have previously been covered in the baseline identified in IOSEAs 1-4.

The area of the east and south coast extending to circa 24km off shore (seascape unit) is likely to be most sensitive to potential impacts.

associated marine environment is increasing and, nationally, it is expected that there will be 10 million visits to Ireland annually by 2025 (from 7.6 million in 2014) and that revenue from oversea visitors will increase to €5 billion by that time – up from c.€3.3 billion in 2013 (Tourism and Sport: People, Place and Policy: Growing Tourism to 2025)

Human Health

Risks to human health from hazardous substances, well blow out, fire and explosions, personnel transfer, ship sinkage and collision are all low, due to the regulatory systems in place in order to preclude significant impacts to the health of employees and other users of the sea. Indirect impacts on human health could occur from impacts on water quality, businesses and recreation, such as in relation to a hydrocarbon spill.

Risks to human health are likely to remain low due to the regulatory systems in place in order to preclude significant impacts to the health of employees. OSPAR sets targets for the reduction of accidents and improvements to occupational health and safety of oil and gas workers within the North East Atlantic.


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6 Consultation 6.1 Scoping Consultation As referred to within Chapter 3, a Scoping Report was produced as the initial output of IOSEA 5. The Scoping Report summarised the relevant baseline environment, identified the key environmental issues and the potential impacts of the draft Plan. It provided a document for consultees to offer their opinion on the proposed scope and level of detail of IOSEA 5.

The draft Scoping Report was discussed during the first Steering Group meeting; meeting minutes are included in Annex B. The Steering Group contributed to the finalisation of the scoping matrices.

Following the first Steering Group meeting, the Scoping Report was finalised and was issued to statutory consultees. Copies of the responses received from stakeholders are included in Annex B.

6.2 Statutory Requirements A critical element of the IOSEA 5 is the statutory public consultation that follows preparation of a draft Strategic Environmental Assessment and Natura Impact Assessment. As a minimum, the statutory requirements for public consultation need to be met by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resource as the Competent Authority and these are:

13. (1) A competent authority shall

(a) send notice and a copy of the draft plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme, and associated environmental report to the environmental authorities specified in article 9(5), as appropriate, and state that a written submission or observation with respect to the draft plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme, and associated environmental report made to the competent authority within a specified period of not less than 4 weeks from the date of the notice will be taken into consideration before the finalisation of the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme, and

(b) publish notice, in accordance with sub-article (2), of the preparation of the draft plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme, and associated environmental report in at least one newspaper with a sufficiently large circulation in the area covered by the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme.

(2) A notice under sub-article (1) (b) shall state that—

(a) a copy of the draft plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme, and associated environmental report may be inspected at a stated place or places and at stated times during a stated period of not less than 4 weeks from the date of the notice (and the copy shall be kept available for inspection accordingly), and

(b) a written submission or observation with respect to the draft plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme, and associated environmental report made to the competent authority within the period referred to in paragraph (a), or such period as may be specified in law in respect of the draft plan or programme, or modification to a plan or



programme, will be taken into consideration before the finalisation of the plan or programme, or modification to a plan or programme1.

Public consultation for IOSEA 5, including providing for statutory requirements, are as follows:

1. Advertisement in a national newspaper;

2. The placing of a digital copy, on-line during the specified consultation period;

3. The holding of four number in-person/workshop days during the consultation period, and

4. The placing of hard copies on public display at a number of publicly accessible locations during the specified consultation period.

In each instance a facility is available for interested members of the public to provide observations or submissions on the Draft Environmental Report and Natura Impact Assessment. In addition, direct contact is being made with local authorities/key stakeholders to facilitate their engagement during the consultation period.

6.3 Form of Public Consultation The minimum period required for public consultation is 4 weeks. For the IOSEA 5 programme the public consultation will take place over approximately 6 weeks, from 6th May to 17th June 2015.

As noted above, the public consultation process includes three distinct approaches which are outlined in more detail in the following.

6.4 Online Consultation On-line consultation will be accessible through the making available of the draft reports. This form of consultation will facilitate the greatest interaction with the widest extent of people possible. As with the Scoping Report, the draft reports are easily accessible within the DCENR website. The on-line location will be referenced in notices in a National Newspaper (Irish Times and/or Independent) and will be included on any relevant DCENR social media.

Submissions can be made by stakeholders via email or by written submission to both email and postal addresses provided.

6.5 In-person Public Consultation To facilitate interested stakeholders in having engaged consultation, in-person public consultation events are being held. These public consultation events will be a combination of:

1. In-person/ workshop events - in the larger centres with Project Team Members present to provide information and to respond to queries.

2. The event will be supported with graphic information and display boards;

There are four days of consultation (3 to 8pm on each day) held in four centres of population/specific relevance, around the country. These are:

1 European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I.

435/2004)


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Mon 18th May – Killybegs- Tara Hotel, Killybegs, Co Donegal

Tues 19th May – Galway- Harbour Hotel New Dock Road, Galway City

Mon 25th May – Cork- Gresham Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street, Cork City,

Tues 26th May – Dublin- Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2

The events are supported by relevant information charts and graphics, including the preparation of a short summary information booklet that is available online and at local consultation locations.

6.6 Localised Consultation Local consultation opportunities are available at additional locations. This involves the placing of hard copies of the draft documents, together with presentation / summary brochure material on display in public buildings, such as Local Authority Offices, Public Library etc. These locations are Donegal Town, Sligo, Westport, Limerick, Tralee and Waterford.

A copy of the draft documents will also be placed on public display during the consultation period in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

6.7 Notification of Public Consultation The public consultation period, including online links, workshop days and localised consultation locations will be announced and published on the DCENR website and in national newspapers (Irish Times and/or Irish Independent). Localised consultation will be advertised in locally circulated newspapers.

6.8 Notification to Key Stakeholders In order to ensure identification and notification of appropriate stakeholders, a stakeholder identification exercise has commenced (including at the Steering Group Meeting) in order to ensure that representatives of the local communities, industry, NGOs, local authorities/public agencies are specifically informed of the public consultation.

Following the conclusion of public consultation on the draft Plan, further information will be added to this chapter of the ER and to Annex B.


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7 Predicted Effects on the Environment from Seismic Activities

7.1 Introduction This chapter provides a summary of the predicted effects on the environment from seismic survey activities, as proposed within the draft Plan. During the Scoping process, effects were identified as having the potential to be significant. The Scoping process is described in Sub-section 7.2. Sub-sections 7.3 to 8.7 describe the results of the assessment of the potential significant effects.

7.2 Scoping Assessment As part of the scoping stage an initial scoping assessment was undertaken in order to identify the potentially significant effects that need to be included within the assessment stage, as well as identifying which activities were unlikely to give rise to potential significant effect and could therefore be scoped out of the full assessment. This assessment was presented in the form of ‘scoping matrices’, which provided a summary of the proposed scope of the assessment for seismic survey activities and a summary of the proposed scope of the assessment for drilling activities. Table 7.2 below presents the summary of the scoping assessment for the seismic survey activities and the more detailed justification for the scoping decisions is provided in Annex F. The colour-coding used in Table 7.2 is described in the key below (Table 7.1).

Table 7.1 Key to Scoping Summary

Negligible or No interaction

No potential for significant impact (anticipated minor effect)

Potential for significant impact with moderate effects or which could not be ruled as insignificant. Also includes uncertain effects which may therefore have the potential to be significant.

Potential for significant impact with major or severe effects

As can be seen in Table 7.2, the conclusions of the Scoping process were that there was no potential for significant effects identified in relation to geology and ocean circulation with seismic activities. For all other topics, potential for either moderate effects or major effects was identified and activities of particular concern include:

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations (airguns, helicopter transfer);

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment (including any exclusion zones and lights);

Accidental events (e.g. loss of cable oil, diesel, equipment, dumping, ship collision); and

Sea node/ sea bottom cable surveys.


DCENR


Table 7.2: Seismic Survey Scoping Matrix

Receptor Group Ecology Physical and Chemical Aspects Social and Economic Aspects

Plan

kton

Ben

thos

Fish

Shel

lfish

Mar

ine

Rep

tiles

Bird

s

Mar

ine

Mam

mal

sD

esig

nate

d H

abita

ts a

nd

Spec

ies.

Land

scap

e an

d Se

asca

pe

Mar

ine

Arc

haeo

logy

Geo

logy

Sedi

men

ts a

nd

Seab

edO

cean

C

ircul

atio

nA

ir Q

ualit

y

Clim

ate

Wat

er Q

ualit

y

Com

mer

cial

Fi

sher

ies

Mar

icul

ture

Econ

omy

and

Mat

eria

lAss

ets

Rec

reat

ion

and

Tour

ism

Hum

an H

ealth

Activities

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations (airguns, helicopter transfer) Noise generation from normal vessel operations Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment (including any exclusion zones and lights) Atmospheric emissions due to energy requirements (combustion) of survey vessels (engines/generators) Routine vessel discharges and wastes (other than noise and air emissions) - galley waste only Accidental events (e.g. loss of cable oil, diesel, equipment, dumping, ship collision) Sea node/ sea bottom cable surveys


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7.3 Assessment of Effects from Seismic Activities The assessments summarised in Tables 7.3 to 7.16 address the effects identified within the Scoping process as having the potential to be significant (see 7.2 above). The assessments consider both alternative options, as described within section 3.3.1 and summarised below:

Option 1: To proceed with licensing and permitting of petroleum activities according to the existing regulatory regime, up to the maximum levels specified by continuing with existing restrictions;

Option 2: To proceed with licensing and permitting of petroleum activities up to the maximum levels specified, subject to modifications to the regulatory regime which may derive from the SEA process, e.g. restrictions in area licensed or restriction of timing of activities. Therefore please note that reference should be made to the mitigation measures within chapter 9 with relation to the assessment of this option.

The assessments are presented by environmental topic; full details of each assessment are contained in Annexes C (Ecology), D (Physical and Chemical Aspects) and E (Social and Economic Aspects).

Note that the assessments of impact from accidental events are summarised in Chapter 9.

7.4 Ecology Following scoping and consultation, the following key environmental topics related to ecology have been identified as having the potential to give rise to significant effects as a result of draft Plan activities related to seismic survey on:

Plankton;

Benthos;

Fish and Shellfish;

Marine Reptiles;

Seabirds;

Marine Mammals; and

Designated Sites and Species1.

These topics are each addressed within Tables 7.3 to 7.8 below. The notation used for the assessments is provided in Chapter 3, Table 3.3.

1 The assessment of effects on designated sites and species is contained in Annex C, Section 8, which states

that potential effects on the integrity of such sites would be a subject of the predicted effects on all other Ecology

topics. Therefore, no separate assessment summary is contained within this chapter.


DCENR


7.4.1 Plankton Table 7.3 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Plankton from Seismic Activities

Activities being assessed Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations

Potentially Sensitive Receptors/Receptor Groups Plankton

Summary of likely changes in baseline conditions as a result of draft Plan Short term to medium term: During Plan period (to 2020)

Significance of change

Reversibility of change

Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations: Although zooplankton and icthyoplankton may be killed/injured at close range to airguns there is believed to be potential for significant adverse effects only when spatially intensive (3D) survey occurs where meroplankton are present in seasonal concentrations. This could include spatially restricted spawners (e.g. herring) or concentrations of fish eggs or larvae at fronts. Outside such areas and times fish eggs and larvae are believed to be no more vulnerable to significant adverse effects than other zooplankton.

Opt

ion

1 - (fish eggs/larvae)

0 (other zooplankton and phytoplankton)

R (fish eggs/larvae) n/a (other zooplankton

and phytoplankton)

L (fish eggs/larvae) M (other)

Opt

ion

2

0 (all plankton) n/a M

Summary of likely changes in baseline conditions as a result of draft Plan Long term: Beyond Plan period (after 2020)



Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations: It is not anticipated that individual 3D seismic surveys would occur on multiple occasions in the same area. Whilst effects cannot be ruled out in the short term (see above) these would not be expected to result in longer term population level effects and recovery would be anticipated with the removal of the pressure.

For this reason, no mitigation is proposed and an Option 2 assessment has not been undertaken.

Opt

ion

1 0 n/a M


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Table 7.3 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Plankton from Seismic Activities

Potential Transboundary effects Significance of change


Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations: The range of impact for plankton is expected to be limited to some metres and no transboundary effects are therefore anticipated.

For this reason no mitigation is proposed and an Option 2 assessment has not been undertaken.

Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Potential Cumulative effects Significance of change


Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations: Whilst spatially and seasonally restricted concentrations of icthyoplankton could be adversely affected by 3D seismic survey there is not believed to be any increased risk from cumulative effects. This is because other activities capable of generating sufficiently high noise levels to kill/injure fish larvae or eggs (e.g. hammer piling) could not occur at sufficiently close range to seismic survey for effects to overlap.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Uncertainties Whilst knowledge of the ecology and distribution of plankton throughout the IOSEA 5 study area is limited to available surveys and broader understanding of the likely sensitivity to seismic survey activities this has not hindered SEA significantly. The determination of a potentially Minor Negative Effect on fish eggs/larvae from underwater noise associated with seismic survey is precautionary in that there would need to be a highly unusual alignment of dense concentrations of icthyoplankton with spatially intensive survey and the predicted impact is a theoretical one. Globally, however, there are examples of precautionary closures of survey areas for this sensitivity (e.g. Boertmann & Mosbech (eds), 2011) and the potential for an impact is recognised.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on plankton are predicted.


DCENR



Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on plankton are predicted.

7.4.2 Benthos Table 7.4 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Benthos from Seismic Activities


Sea node/ sea bottom cable surveys

Potentially Sensitive Receptors/Receptor Groups All benthic communities and habitats




Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations: (direct effects on fauna)

No noticeable effects on benthic invertebrates, including corals, are expected.

For this reason no mitigation is proposed and an Option 2 assessment has not been undertaken. O

ptio

n 1

0 n/a H

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations: (indirect effects due to triggering of underwater landslides)

Landslides (slope failures) do occur naturally but a large scale underwater landslide triggered by seismic survey noise would have the potential for large scale and long lasting damage to carbonate mounds communities, cold water coral reefs and sponge aggregations, via smothering and physical removal/damage, but there is no known evidence of such events and the likelihood is believed to be extremely low.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M


Irish Offshore


Table 7.4 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Benthos from Seismic Activities

Sea node/ sea bottom cable surveys: On harder bottoms, especially where there are protruding fauna, and particularly on biogenic reefs such as Modiolus reefs, coral mounds, carbonate reefs, or sponge aggregations, physical damage to, or removal of, a variety of epifauna is likely to occur, and in many of these examples recovery could take many years or even decades.

Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M




Certainty

None anticipated.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty

None anticipated


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty

None anticipated


Opt

ion

1 0 n/a H

Uncertainties In addition to uncertainties arising through data gaps, notably partial knowledge of the distribution of benthic habitats and communities, there is limited


DCENR


Table 7.4 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Benthos from Seismic Activities knowledge of the likelihood and potential magnitude of underwater landslides that might be caused by noise from seismic survey but it is assumed that likelihood is very low since there are no known incidents of seismic events being detected and related to coincident seismic survey.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 The following significant negative effect on benthos is predicted:

sea node/ sea bottom cable surveys may result in physical damage to, or removal of, a variety of epifauna, where recovery could take many years or even decades.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on benthos are predicted.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on benthos are predicted.

7.4.3 Fish and Shellfish Table 7.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Fish and Shellfish from Seismic Activities


Noise generation from normal vessel operations

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment

Routine vessel discharge and wastes

Sea node/sea bottom cable surveys

Potentially Sensitive Receptors/Receptor Groups

Fish and Shellfish Species


Irish Offshore


Table 7.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Fish and Shellfish from Seismic Activities




Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations and noise generation from normal vessel operations:

Physical effects

Underwater noise from seismic survey airguns may impact on all fish potentially sensitive to sound pressure and/or particle displacement, resulting in death/injury at very close range or suffering permanent hearing damage within a few metres of the source noise. However, it has been demonstrated that fish are able to swim away from the immediate zone of the seismic gun source and effects on the population level are not anticipated.


Opt

ion

1

0 Juveniles and adults

0 Shellfish

n/a

M

Behavioural effects

- Avoidance: The behavioural response shown by fish is to move away from the seismic survey sound sources temporarily with evidence indicating that such movements are short lived with species returning to the affected areas once the noise disturbance has ceased.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H


DCENR



-disturbance to spawning and nursery grounds: If fish are exposed to such noise during movement to spawning grounds or whilst on the ground, negative effects may be felt on spawning success. Exposed fish may expend more energy on the spawning journey than fish that are not interrupted and the spawning itself may be more or less deferred in time or displaced in space. Seismic surveys in these areas may lead to a cessation of fish spawning, spawning occurring in a less suitable location, or fish temporarily or permanently moving to a more suitable spawning ground. Nursery areas will be affected to a lesser extent as juvenile fish are able to swim away from sound sources. However, if they move away to another area the conditions may not be suitable enough to sustain them and these small fish may not be able to swim the long distances required to avoid the sound source.

Opt

ion

1

--‘Hearing sensitive-high sensitivity’

species with restricted spawning e.g. herring

-Pelagic spawners

- Demersal spawners

R L

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M

-disturbance to migration:

Deflection from migratory routes due to underwater noise generated from seismic survey. Up to minor negative effect for species such as shad, salmonids and eels during marine phases of migration. Neutral effect for river and sea lamprey due to their lower sensitivity to underwater noise.

With best practice operating procedures in place to minimise the introduction of unnecessary noise into the marine environment, including a project specific risk assessment for Habitats Directive Annex IV species, neutral effects are predicted.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M


Irish Offshore



-disturbance to feeding: Noise effects to prey items of fish species such as benthic invertebrates are not predicted to occur unless within very close proximity to the source of the seismic survey noise. In addition, other prey items including low trophic fish species such as sandeels and gobies are expected to be displaced by elevated noise levels in much the same way as the predatory fish species. Any fish species displaced as a direct result of avoidance reactions to underwater noise would be expected to be able to feed on adjacent unaffected areas.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment: No long-term effects of survey vessels are predicted, mortality from collisions is expected to be low (and very possibly zero) with no lasting effects on fish and shellfish populations. For this reason no mitigation is proposed and an Option 2 assessment has not been undertaken.

Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Routine vessel discharge and wastes:

In the offshore environment such discharges will disperse rapidly and in inshore areas it is not expected that the short term nature of discharges would lead to significant effects.

MARPOL regulations also restrict the extent of pollution, especially with regard to the handling of litter that could pose a hazard to fish species if ingested or entangled. It is therefore considered that there is no potential for significant effects to arise and effects from routine vessel discharges associated with the plan are not anticipated to have an effect on fish and shellfish species.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H


DCENR



Sea node/sea bottom cable surveys: Physical disturbance due to the use of arrays of seabed hydrophones deployed on the seabed will have a localised effect on fish habitat with the loss of shellfish individuals. In the main, these effects will be small-scale with habitat recovery expected to occur relatively quickly.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M




Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations and noise generation from normal vessel operations: It is not anticipated that individual seismic surveys would be repeated continually in the same area for the duration of the draft Plan period. Whilst population level effects cannot be ruled out in the short term (see above) these would be expected to affect individual cohorts only and longer term recovery would be anticipated with the removal of the pressure.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations and noise generation from normal vessel operations: No transboundary effects are anticipated.


Opt

ion

1 0 n/a H


Irish Offshore





Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations and noise generation from normal vessel operations: No cumulative effects are anticipated.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Uncertainties Information on the distribution of fish and shellfish stocks, notably deep water species, is partial. This is affected by both the great scale and in parts remoteness of the IOSEA 5 study area.

Knowledge of the behavioural response of fish to underwater noise is often inferred from the conclusions of a relatively limited number of studies. Assessments have been necessarily precautionary because of this.

There is uncertainty with regard to cumulative noise effects because of lack of knowledge of the interaction of multiple noise sources and behavioural responses of fish species. Project specific modelling may be necessary where multiple seismic surveys are planned, or there are other activities with high levels of noise generation within a distance of around 100 km or less.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 The following significant negative effect on fish and shellfish is predicted:

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations and noise generation from normal vessel operations may result in disturbance to spawning and nursery grounds.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on fish and shellfish are predicted.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on fish and shellfish are predicted.


DCENR


7.4.4 Marine Reptiles Table 7.6 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Reptiles from Seismic Activities




Routine vessel discharges and wastes (other than noise and air emissions) - galley waste only

Potentially Sensitive Receptors/Receptor Groups Marine reptiles




Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations and noise generation from normal vessel operations: Noise emitted from airguns has the potential to have impact on marine turtles, however; the effect of underwater noise on these species is still poorly understood. Marine turtles are not known to vocalise or use sound for communication, but may use sound for navigation, locating prey, avoiding predators and general environmental awareness.

Applying mitigation would reduce the likelihood of negative effects on marine turtles; however, considering the limited ability to detect animals below the surface and during hours of darkness/poor visibility the potential for a minor negative effect would still remain.

Effects would be limited to an individual or individuals rather than at a population level.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M


Irish Offshore


Table 7.6 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Reptiles from Seismic Activities

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment: The risk of collision would be low; however, severity may be high (mortality of protected species).

Applying mitigation would reduce the likelihood of negative effects on marine

turtles; however, considering the limited ability to detect animals below the surface and during hours of darkness/poor visibility the potential for a minor negative effect would still remain.

Effects arising from physical presence of vessels and equipment would potentially only impact on individuals rather than at a population level.

Opt

ion

1 - IR M

Opt

ion

2

- IR M

Routine vessel discharges and wastes (other than noise and air emissions) - galley waste only: MARPOL regulations restrict the extent of pollution, especially with regard to the handling of litter that could pose a hazard to marine turtles.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M




Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations and noise generation from normal vessel operations: No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment: No persistent effects are expected.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a H


DCENR



Routine vessel discharges and wastes (other than noise and air emissions) - galley waste only: No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M



Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations and noise generation from normal vessel operations: An animal that is potentially affected by an activity occurring as part of exploration activity in the IOSEA 5 study area may well cross boundaries into waters of other nations. However, since effects are likely to only affect animals in the immediate vicinity of the sound source at the time of emission, it follows that effects would be lower outwith Irish waters.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M



Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations and noise generation from normal vessel operations: Anthropogenically produced noise from a variety of sources has the potential to have impact on marine turtles; however, the effect of underwater noise on these species is still poorly understood. Marine turtles are not known to vocalise or use sound for communication, but may use sound for navigation, locating prey, avoiding predators and general environmental awareness. Effects would only be anticipated to affect an individual or individuals rather than at a population level.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M


Irish Offshore



Routine vessel discharges and wastes (other than noise and air emissions) - galley waste only: MARPOL regulations restrict the extent of pollution, especially with regard to the handling of litter that could pose a hazard to marine turtles.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Uncertainties The effect of underwater noise on marine turtles is still poorly understood.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on marine reptiles are predicted.


Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on fish and shellfish are predicted.

7.4.5 Sea birds Table 7.7 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Sea Birds from Seismic Activities





Potentially Sensitive Receptors/Receptor Groups Seabirds, waders and wildfowl.


DCENR


Table 7.7 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Sea Birds from Seismic Activities




Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations: Noise emitted from airguns is unlikely to have a direct impact on seabirds as they spend most of their time above water and recent studies have identified no effect of seismic survey activity on movements and diving behaviour (see Annex C, section 6.6.1). Indirect effects from disturbance to prey items are possible but unlikely.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Noise generation from normal vessel operations: Engine noise, as well as that generated from deck machinery, have the potential to disturb birds both as a direct impact and as an indirect impact by disturbing prey. Effects of noise from vessels are unlikely as the visual presence of vessels is more important for birds.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a L

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment: Vessels moving through an area containing seabirds may flush them from the area causing them to use energy that they would not have otherwise used. Collisions at night between seabirds and brightly-lit vessels have also been documented causing some mortality. However, disturbance by vessels is only likely to affect a small proportion of a population and collisions with survey ships affect an even smaller number of birds.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M


Irish Offshore



Routine vessel discharges and wastes (other than noise and air emissions) - galley waste only: Disposal of permitted wastes including galley waste, grey water and black water at sea is not likely to impact seabirds owing to rapid dilution upon discharge.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a L




Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations: No persistent effects are anticipated.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a M

Noise generation from normal vessel operations: No persistent effects are anticipated.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a L

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment: No persistent effects are anticipated.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a M

Routine vessel discharges and wastes: No persistent effects are anticipated.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a L



Certainty


DCENR



None anticipated


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty

None anticipated


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Uncertainties There are uncertainties with transboundary effects and potential cumulative effects on seabirds as much is dependent on time of year and prevailing meteorological conditions at the time of an incident.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on sea birds are predicted.


Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on sea birds are predicted.


Irish Offshore


7.4.6 Marine Mammals Table 7.8 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Mammals from Seismic Activities





Potentially Sensitive Receptors/Receptor Groups Marine Mammals




Certainty

Underwater noise generation (2D/3D seismic operations and normal vessel operations) – DISTURBANCE Noise emitted from airguns has the potential to impact on marine mammals. The severity of any potential effect will increase with increasing exposure and effects will be more likely on the more commonly occurring species, but are likely limited to behavioural disturbance which is likely to be short live and of limited spatial extent.

Applying mitigation would reduce the likelihood of negative effects on marine mammals; however, in the absence of project specific information, the potential for a minor negative effect should still be considered at this stage.

Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2

- R H

Underwater noise generation (2D/3D seismic operations and normal vessel operations) – PHYSICAL HARM Noise emitted from airguns has the potential to impact on marine mammals, however; the overall likelihood of animals being subject to physical harm from noise generated from the seismic activities associated with the plan is low. Potential risks are higher for more commonly occurring species and those species that may be more susceptible to injury, such as beaked whales and sperm whales; however, the potential for injury exists with all occurring species.

Applying mitigation would reduce the likelihood of significant negative effects on marine mammals; however, in the absence of project specific information, the

Opt

ion

1

-- IR H

Opt

ion

2 - IR M


DCENR


Table 7.8 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Mammals from Seismic Activities potential for a minor negative effect should still be considered at this stage.

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment The risk of collision would be low; however limitations in vessel ability to take effective evasive actions and the potential severity of a vessel strike on an individual would result in potential negative effects arising from physical presence of vessels and equipment.

Opt

ion

1 - IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M

Routine vessel discharges and waste MARPOL regulations restrict the extent of pollution, especially with regard to the handling of litter that could pose a hazard to marine mammals.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M




Certainty

Underwater noise generation (2D/3D seismic operations and normal vessel operations) – DISTURBANCE No persistent effects are expected


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Underwater noise generation (2D/3D seismic operations and normal vessel operations) – PHYSICAL HARM No persistent effects are expected


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H


Irish Offshore


Table 7.8 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Mammals from Seismic Activities

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment No persistent effects are expected


ptio

n 1

0 n/a M

Routine vessel discharges and waste No persistent effects are expected


ptio

n 1

0 n/a M



Certainty

Underwater noise (2D/3D seismic operations and normal vessel operations) An animal that is potentially affected by an activity occurring as part of exploration activity in the IOSEA 5 study area may well cross boundaries into waters of other nations. However, since effects are likely to only affect animals in the vicinity of the sound source at the time of emission and although noise emissions, especially from multiple seismic surveys, may be audible to marine mammals and their prey in transboundary regions, the distance makes it likely that noise levels will have attenuated to such a level that effects are negligible.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment It is possible that some of the vessel activity associated with the plan in the IOSEA 5 study area will operate from ports in other European States. However; there is little transboundary impact likely to arise from seismic vessel activity within the IOSEA 5 study area.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H


DCENR


Table 7.8 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Mammals from Seismic Activities



Certainty

Underwater noise (2D/3D seismic operations and normal vessel operations) The long term, cumulative effects of sound emissions to the marine environment are poorly understood and firm conclusions cannot be made at this stage. As a result, the impact of the introduction of additional low frequency noise into the marine environment from seismic surveys in the IOSEA 5 area must be considered as a worst case and treated as having the potential to negatively affect some marine mammal species.

Opt

ion

1

- R L

Opt

ion

2

- R L

Physical presence of vessels and equipment The risk of collision would be low; however limitations in vessel ability to take effective evasive actions and the potential severity of a vessel strike on an individual would result in potential negative effects arising from physical presence of vessels and equipment.

Opt

ion

1

- R L

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a L

Uncertainties The long term, cumulative effects of sound emissions to the marine environment are poorly understood

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 The following significant negative effect on marine mammals is predicted:

Underwater noise generation (from 2D/3D seismic operations and normal vessel operations) may result in physical harm to marine mammals.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on marine mammals are predicted.


Irish Offshore


Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on marine mammals are predicted.

7.5 Physical and Chemical Aspects Following scoping and consultation, the following key environmental topics related to physical and chemical aspects have been identified as having the potential to give rise to significant effects as a result of draft Plan activities related to seismic survey:

Landscape, seascape and visual amenity;

Marine heritage and archaeology;

Air quality;

Climate; and

Water quality.


7.5.1 Landscape, Seascape and Visual Amenity Table 7.9 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Landscape, Seascape and Visual Amenity from Seismic Activities

Activities being assessed Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment (including any exclusion zones and lights)


Seascape Character Types; National Parks; Northern Irish National Landscape Designations; County Level Landscape Designations; National Waymarked Trails; EuroVelo and National Cycle Routes; Harbours and Marinas; Ferry Routes; Coastal Roads and Rail Routes; Settlements; and Other Key Tourist Facilities/Locations and Vantage Points




Certainty

Physical presence of survey vessels and equipment Due to the nature of the proposed activity in relation to the existing baseline, it is considered that any potential change would be indistinguishable.

For this reason no mitigation is proposed and an Option 2 assessment has not been Opt

ion

1

0 R H


DCENR


Table 7.9 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Landscape, Seascape and Visual Amenity from Seismic Activities undertaken.




Certainty

Physical presence of survey vessels and equipment Due to the nature of the activities there would be no lasting effects beyond the Plan period.


Opt

ion

1

N/A N/A H



Certainty

Physical presence of survey vessels and equipment Due to the nature of the proposed activity in relation to the existing baseline, it is considered that any potential change would be indistinguishable.


Opt

ion

1

0 R H



Certainty

Physical presence of survey vessels and equipment Due to the extent of the IOSEA 5 study area and the scale of the proposed activity, it is considered that any potential change would be indistinguishable.


Opt

ion

1

0 R H

Uncertainties None identified.


Irish Offshore


Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on landscape, seascape and visual amenity are predicted.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on landscape, seascape and visual amenity are predicted.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on landscape, seascape and visual amenity are predicted.

7.5.2 Marine Heritage and Archaeology Table 7.10 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Heritage and Archaeology from Seismic Activities

Activities being assessed Sea node/ sea bottom cable surveys


Historic wreck sites and archaeological objects

Protected wrecks and military remains

Aviation archaeological remains

Submerged prehistoric landscapes and archaeological sites




Certainty

Predicted effects from seismic activities – sea node/sea bottom cable surveys Sea node and sea bottom cable surveys may result in direct seabed effects to a range of archaeological receptors including historic wrecks, associated archaeological objects and materials, and submerged archaeological sites where these occur in close proximity to the seabed surface. Whilst the precise location of any proposed survey activity is currently unknown, without mitigation a minor negative effect on sensitive archaeological receptor groups may be anticipated. However, once appropriate mitigation measures are implemented, a neutral effect to archaeological receptors from sea node and

Opt

ion

1 - IR M


DCENR


Table 7.10 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Heritage and Archaeology from Seismic Activities cable surveys is anticipated.

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M




Certainty

Due to the nature of the archaeological record, and the potential for direct, permanent and irreversible seabed effects baseline conditions are likely to deteriorate as a result of sea node and sea cable survey activities. Without mitigation, the marine heritage and archaeological baseline will be permanently altered affecting its long term survival. Any changes are anticipated to be of minor significance given the likely scale of activity. However, once appropriate mitigation measures are implemented, a neutral effect to archaeological receptors from sea node and cable surveys may be anticipated in the long term.

Opt

ion

1

- IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 N/A M



Certainty

No significant change to baseline conditions is anticipated from potential transboundary effects as a result of sea node or sea cable surveys.

Based on the above, no mitigation is proposed. Therefore, no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1 0 IR M


Irish Offshore




Certainty

Given the likely low scale of sea node/sea cable survey activity in the study area, no potential cumulative effects to archaeological receptors are anticipated, both from this activity, and in combination with other development activities.


Opt

ion

1

0 IR L

Uncertainties The main uncertainties exist in understanding the exact scale of sea node and sea cable activity in the IOSEA 5 study area. Up to 25,000 line km of 2D seismic survey per annum and up to 20,000 km2 of 3D seismic survey may be undertaken per annum but the exact amount and locations of sea node cable surveys is unknown. Likelihood of spatial interaction and direct effects on archaeological sites is therefore difficult to quantify. To counter this, expert judgement and a precautionary approach to the assessment has been applied.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on marine heritage and archaeology are predicted.


Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on marine heritage and archaeology are predicted.

7.5.3 Air Quality Table 7.11 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Air Quality from Seismic Activities

Activities being assessed Atmospheric emissions due to energy requirements (combustion) of survey vessels (engines/generators)


Atmospheric emissions


DCENR


Table 7.11 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Air Quality from Seismic Activities




Certainty

Atmospheric emissions: When compared with the annual total acidification potential for Ireland, the annual predicted emissions from the annual seismic survey effort in the IOSEA 5 study area would make up 1.3% of total national emissions. In this context, the predicted atmospheric emissions from seismic survey activity in the IOSEA 5 study area can be considered to be minimal; therefore, the resulting effects are predicted to be neutral. O

ptio

n 1

0 R H




Certainty

Atmospheric emissions: None. The effects are expected to be short term and reversible.

Opt

ion

1

0 R H



Certainty

Atmospheric emissions: None. Due to the location of the activity and the nature of the offshore environment, no transboundary effects are predicted.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H



Certainty


Irish Offshore


Table 7.11 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Air Quality from Seismic Activities

Atmospheric emissions: Combining emissions from seismic activities and exploration equates to a total annual acidification potential of 2,089 tonnes a year in the worst case scenario which equates to 2.4 % of the national annual acidification potential of Ireland. In this context, the predicted atmospheric emissions from activity in the IOSEA5 area can be considered to be minimal, and therefore its resulting effects are expected to be neutral. O

ptio

n 1

0 R H


Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on air quality are predicted.


Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on air quality are predicted.

7.5.4 Climate Table 7.12 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Climate from Seismic Activities

Activities being assessed Atmospheric emissions due to energy requirements (combustion) of survey vessels (engines/generators)


Global climate


DCENR





Certainty

Global climate: During the draft Plan period, the predicted annual CO2 equivalent from the maximum amounts of seismic survey activity proposed represents just 0.1% of the total emissions in Ireland for one year (ref Annex D, section 8.6). Therefore, the predicted effect is classed as minor negative. O

ptio

n 1

- IR H

Opt

ion

2

- IR H




Certainty

Global climate: Emissions with global warming potential are by their nature long term as they will affect long term climate even after emissions are stabilised. Therefore, the predicted effect beyond the draft Plan period is also classed as minor negative. O

ptio

n 1

- IR H

Opt

ion

2

- IR H



Certainty

Global climate: Because of the global nature of climate change emissions and effects it is not possible to separately consider transboundary effects (all effects are transboundary). Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

N/A N/A N/A


Irish Offshore




Certainty

Global climate: Combining emissions from seismic activities and exploration equates to 224,663 tonnes of CO2 equivalent a year in the worst case scenario which equates to 0.3 % of the national annual CO2 emissions (ref Annex D, section 8.8). Despite their relative small scale in relation to existing emissions nationally, Ireland is facing significant challenges in meeting its EU future emissions targets for greenhouse gases under the EU Climate and Energy package for 2020 and anticipated longer term targets up to 2050. In this context, the predicted cumulative effect on atmospheric emissions from activity in the IOSEA 5 study area is considered to be major negative.

Opt

ion

1

-- IR H

Opt

ion

2

-- IR H


Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on climate are predicted.


Cumulative and Transboundary Effects The following significant negative cumulative effect is predicted with regards to climate:

Combining emissions from seismic activities and exploration equates to 224,663 tonnes of CO2 equivalent a year in the worst case scenario. Despite their relative small scale in relation to existing emissions nationally, Ireland is facing significant challenges in meeting its EU future emissions targets for greenhouse gases and therefore in this context, the predicted cumulative effect on atmospheric emissions from activity in the IOSEA5 area can be considered to be major negative. It is uncertain whether mitigation proposed for option 1 would significantly reduce the estimated emissions and therefore the potential effects remain as a major negative for Option 2.


DCENR


7.5.5 Water Quality Table 7.13 Summary Assessment Table: Seismic Activities

Activities being assessed Routine vessel discharges and wastes (other than noise and air emission) – galley waste only

Potentially Sensitive Receptors/Receptor Groups Direct effects on water quality. Indirect effects on biodiversity, human health, sediment quality, fisheries, mariculture and the economy.




Certainty

Routine vessel discharges and wastes No or minimal vessel discharges would be expected due to control under multiple International, National, and European regulations.


Opt

ion

1

0 R H




Certainty

None expected, as the effects are unlikely to remain for a long duration N/A N/A N/A



Certainty

None anticipated

N/A N/A N/A



Certainty

None anticipated

N/A N/A N/A


Irish Offshore


Uncertainties Data on the risk of spillages from vessel collisions includes multiple assumptions:

Data on vessel numbers, density and time spent on the water has not been obtained.

The data is based on UKCS vessel statistics and are not specific to Irish waters.

Therefore the probability of spillages from vessels has not been able to be calculated.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on water quality are predicted.


Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on water quality are predicted.

7.6 Social and Economic Aspects Following scoping and consultation, the following key environmental topics related to social and economic aspects have been identified as having the potential to give rise to significant effects as a result of draft Plan activities related to seismic survey:

Economy and material assets;

Mariculture; and

Recreation and tourism.



DCENR


7.6.1 Economy and Material Assets Table 7.14 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Economy and Material Assets Seismic Activities

Activities being assessed Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations (airguns, helicopter transfer)

Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment (including any exclusion zones and lights)

Sea node/ sea bottom cable surveys


Shipping Channels

Fishing Grounds

Commercial Fisheries

Subsea infrastructure e.g. cables, pipelines




Certainty

Physical presence of vessels and equipment Increased visible presence of vessels and equipment. as a result of surveys/ testing could cause interference with other users of the marine environment i.e. shipping, fisheries

A minor negative has been recorded which remains as residual through Option 1 and 2.

Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2 - R M


Irish Offshore


Table 7.14 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Economy and Material Assets Seismic Activities

Physical presence of survey vessels – commercial fisheries The main interaction of seismic operations with the fishing industry would be the physical presence of the survey vessel and streamers. Both fishing and seismic survey vessels have limited manoeuvrability when towing gear. The presence of seismic survey vessels may also prevent access to fishing grounds. If best practice pre-survey planning is adhered to, with open communications with the fishing industry prior to and for the duration of a seismic survey, then fishing effort can be redirected to other unaffected areas for the duration of a seismic survey and a significant impact on fishing revenue would not be expected to occur.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Noise generation Increased activity may result in noise generation which results in a minor negative impact given the likely distance and short term nature of any effects.


Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2 - R M

Underwater noise – commercial fisheries No major adverse effects on fish and shellfish stocks are predicted.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a M

Sea node / sea bottom cable surveys There is potential for sea node/ sea bottom cable surveys to impact on sub-sea cables/pipelines.

Opt

ion

1 - R M


DCENR


Table 7.14 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Economy and Material Assets Seismic Activities A minor negative has been recorded which remains as residual through Option 1 and 2.

Opt

ion

2 - R M




Certainty

Increased visible presence of vessels and equipment as a result of long term exploration in the IOSEA 5 area could cause interference with other users of the marine environment i.e. shipping, fisheries


Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2 - R M



Certainty

Impact on subsea infrastructure There is potential for sea node/ sea bottom cable surveys to impact on sub-sea cables/pipelines which are either existing or proposed between Ireland and other nations i.e. transatlantic cables


Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M


Irish Offshore


Table 7.14 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Economy and Material Assets Seismic Activities

Physical Presence

Impact on foreign fishing operations

The potential exists to conflict with commercial fisheries in Irish waters many of which are based out of adjoining nations i.e. UK, France.


Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2 - R M



Certainty

Impact on fishing grounds Complete loss or restricted access to traditional fishing grounds as a result of cumulative seismic surveys and exclusion zones around vessels, drilling rigs and well heads.

Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a H

Physical Presence: Increased presence from increase in activities of vessel or equipment combined with existing and proposed increases in other users e.g. energy infrastructure, commercial shipping

Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M


Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on economy and material assets are predicted.


DCENR



Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on economy and material assets are predicted.

7.6.2 Mariculture Table 7.15 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Mariculture from Seismic Activities


Potentially Sensitive Receptors/Receptor Groups Mariculture




Certainty

Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations- Currently no underwater noise effects generated from seismic survey are anticipated for mariculture for the draft Plan duration (until 2020). However, should offshore fin-fish mariculture cultivation be developed in areas within or close to the IOSEA 5 study area, during the next 5 years then underwater noise effects from seismic activity may be expected to be incurred.

Opt

ion

1

- R L

Opt

ion

2

- R L




Certainty

None anticipated

For this reason no mitigation is proposed and an Option 2 assessment has not been undertaken

Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty


Irish Offshore


Table 7.15 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Mariculture from Seismic Activities

None anticipated


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty

None anticipated


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Uncertainties Possible future mariculture developments, for example finfish culture off the south or east coasts, in areas further offshore which may have more interaction with seismic surveys.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on mariculture are predicted.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on mariculture are predicted.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on mariculture are predicted.


DCENR


7.6.3 Recreation and Tourism Table 7.16 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Recreation and Tourism from Seismic Activities

Activities being assessed Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic operations (airguns, helicopter transfer)


Prominent Coastal Locations / Towns / Attractions, Blue flag beaches

Identified recreation locations / activities, e.g. coastal walks, boat tours, cruising, Sailing, diving, angling, locations etc.




Certainty

Physical presence of vessels and equipment Increased visible presence of vessels and equipment. as a result of surveys/ testing could cause interference with recreation and tourism users of the marine environment.

As a neutral effects is recorded for Option 1, no mitigation is proposed and an Option 2 assessment has not been undertaken. O

ptio

n 1

0 R H

Noise generation Possible closing/restrictions on use of marine area for recreation/tourism activities during survey periods.

A minor negative is recorded for Option 1, however no mitigation is considered to mitigate this minor impact so an Option 2 assessment has not been undertaken. O

ptio

n 1

- R M




Certainty

None

N/A N/A N/A


Irish Offshore



Reversibility of change Certainty

Potential indirect (visual) impact on recreation and tourism, either operating out of or located in adjacent Member State territory particularly Northern Ireland


ptio

n 1

- R H



Certainty

Increased presence in marine areas in combination with other users e.g. offshore energy projects etc. could have a cumulative impact on recreation and tourism activities.


ptio

n 1

- R M

Uncertainties The nature and extent of the IOSEA 5 study area, in combination with the likely small number of licences for exploration, provides some uncertainty regarding the impact on recreation and tourism. This results in difficulties when assessing specific effects and location. However it has been concluded that any effects are likely to be negligible.


DCENR


Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on recreation and tourism are predicted.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on recreation and tourism are predicted.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on recreation and tourism are predicted.


Irish Offshore


8 Predicted Effects on the Environment from Drilling Activities

8.1 Introduction This chapter provides a summary of the predicted effects on the environment from drilling activities, as proposed within the draft Plan. During the Scoping process, effects were identified as having the potential to be significant. The Scoping process is described in Sub-section 8.2. Sub-section 8.3 onwards addresses those effects.

8.2 Scoping Assessment As part of the scoping stage an initial scoping assessment was undertaken in order to identify the potentially significant effects that need to be included within the assessment stage, as well as identifying which activities were unlikely to give rise to potential significant effect and could therefore be scoped out of the full assessment. This assessment was presented in the form of ‘scoping matrices’, which provided a summary of the proposed scope of the assessment for seismic survey activities and a summary of the proposed scope of the assessment for drilling activities. Table 8.2 below presents the summary of the scoping assessment for the drilling activities and the more detailed justification for the scoping decisions is provided in Annex F. The colour-coding used in Table 8.2 is described in the key below (Table 8.1).

Table 8.1 Key to Scoping Summary

Negligible or No interaction

No potential for significant impact (anticipated minor effect)

Potential for significant impact with moderate effects or which could be ruled as insignificant. Also includes uncertain effects which may therefore have the potential to be significant.

Potential for significant impact with major or severe effects

As can be seen in Table 8.2, the conclusions of the Scoping process were that there was no potential for significant effects identified in relation to ocean circulation from drilling activities.

For all other topics, potential for significant effects with moderate effects or major or severe effects was identified and activities of particular concern include:

Physical presence of the rig and vessels at surface (including any exclusion zones, and light emissions);

Presence of subsea equipment (including wellhead, anchors and chains, marine riser, etc);

Mud, cement and cuttings release from tophole sections;

WBM & WBM cuttings discharged from surface, including payzone cuttings;VSP/checkshot surveys, including underwater noise generation; and

Accidental events (e.g. loss of diesel, chemicals, base oil; worst case scenario - blowout).


DCENR


Table 8.2: Drilling Activities Scoping Matrix

Receptor Group

Ecology Physical and Chemical Aspects Social & Economic Aspects

Plan

kton

Ben

thos

Fish

Shel

lfish

Mar

ine

Rep

tiles

Bird

s

Mar

ine

Mam

mal

s

Des

igna

ted

Hab

itats

and

Sp

ecie

s.

Land

scap

e an

d Se

asca

pe

Mar

ine

Arc

haeo

logy

Geo

logy

Sedi

men

ts a

nd

Seab

ed

Oce

an

Circ

ulat

ion

Air

Qua

lity

Clim

ate

Wat

er Q

ualit

y

Com

mer

cial

Fi

sher

ies

Mar

icul

ture

Econ

omy

and

Mat

eria

l Ass

ets

Rec

reat

ion

and

Tour

ism

Hum

an H

ealth

Activities

Physical presence of the rig and vessels at surface (including any exclusion zones, and light emissions)

Presence of subsea equipment (including wellhead, anchors and chains, marine riser, etc)

Atmospheric emissions due to energy requirements (combustion) of rigs and associated vessels and helicopters (engines/generators)

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations

Potential discharges from commissioning of drill rigs

Mud, cement and cuttings release from tophole sections

WBM & WBM cuttings discharged from surface, including payzone cuttings

Well testing (flaring and burner spraying for cooling)


Irish Offshore


Table 8.2: Drilling Activities Scoping Matrix

Receptor Group

Ecology Physical and Chemical Aspects Social & Economic Aspects

Plan

kton

Ben

thos

Fish

Shel

lfish

Mar

ine

Rep

tiles

Bird

s

Mar

ine

Mam

mal

s

Des

igna

ted

Hab

itats

and

Sp

ecie

s.

Land

scap

e an

d Se

asca

pe

Mar

ine

Arc

haeo

logy

Geo

logy

Sedi

men

ts a

nd

Seab

ed

Oce

an

Circ

ulat

ion

Air

Qua

lity

Clim

ate

Wat

er Q

ualit

y

Com

mer

cial

Fi

sher

ies

Mar

icul

ture

Econ

omy

and

Mat

eria

l Ass

ets

Rec

reat

ion

and

Tour

ism

Hum

an H

ealth

Activities

VSP/checkshot surveys, including underwater noise generation

Drilling activity

Accidental events (e.g. loss of diesel, chemicals, base oil; worst case scenario - blowout)



8.3 Assessment of Effects from Drilling Activities The assessments summarised in Tables 8.3 to 8.18 address the effects identified within the Scoping process as having the potential to be significant (see 8.2 above). The assessments consider both alternative options, as described within section 3.3.1 and summarised below:

Option 1: To proceed with licensing and permitting of petroleum activities according to the existing regulatory regime, up to the maximum levels specified by continuing with existing restrictions;

Option 2: To proceed with licensing and permitting of petroleum activities up to the maximum levels specified, subject to modifications to the regulatory regime which may derive from the SEA process, e.g. restrictions in area licensed or restriction of timing of activities. Therefore please noted that reference should be made to the mitigation measures within chapter 9 with relation to the assessment of this option.

The assessments are presented by environmental topic; full details of each assessment are contained in Annexes C (Ecology), D (Physical and Chemical Aspects) and E (Social and Economic Aspects).

Note that the assessments of impact from accidental events are summarised in Chapter 9.

8.4 Ecology Following scoping and consultation, the following key environmental topics related to ecology have been identified as having potential to give rise to significant effects as a result of draft Plan activities related to drilling:

Plankton;

Benthos;

Fish and Shellfish;

Marine Reptiles;

Seabirds;

Marine Mammals; and

Designated Sites and Species1.


1 The assessment of effects on designated sites and species is contained in Annex C, Section 8, which states

that potential effects on the integrity of such sites would be a subject of the predicted effects on all other Ecology

topics. Therefore, no separate assessment summary is contained within this chapter.


Irish Offshore


8.4.1 Plankton Table 8.3 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Plankton from Drilling Activities

Activities being assessed


Potential discharges from drill rigs

WBM cuttings discharged from surface


Plankton

Summary of likely changes in baseline conditions as a result of draft plan Short term to medium term: During Plan period (to 2020)



Certainty

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations: Discharges will be limited by adherence to standard international controls e.g. MARPOL regulations and limited volumes of material discharged will be subject to rapid dispersal and are not expected to have significant effects.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Potential discharges from drill rigs: In the offshore environment such discharges will disperse rapidly and in inshore areas it is not expected that the short term nature of discharges would lead to significant effects.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

WBM cuttings discharged from surface: Volumes of material, including oil contaminants, are not expected to be sufficient to adversely affect plankton at the population level (or significant numbers of important species).


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Summary of likely changes in baseline conditions as a result of draft plan Long term: Beyond Plan period (after 2020)



Certainty



Table 8.3 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Plankton from Drilling Activities

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations: No persistent effects are anticipated.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Potential discharges from drill rigs: No persistent effects are anticipated.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

WBM cuttings discharged from surface: No persistent effects are anticipated.


Opt

ion

1 0 n/a M



Certainty

None anticipated.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a H



Certainty

None anticipated.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a H

Uncertainties Uncertainties regarding plankton ecology noted in relation to seismic survey equally apply to drilling activity.



Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on plankton are predicted.


Irish Offshore


8.4.2 Benthos Table 8.4 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Benthos from Drilling Activities


Physical presence of subsea equipment





Drilling activity


All benthic communities and habitats




Certainty

Physical presence of subsea equipment: The main effects will probably be somewhat localised and small scale, and in most situations recovery is likely to be quite rapid; however, some communities on very soft sediments, such as seapens and burrowing megafauna, may show sensitivity to such physical effects, due to removal/damage of the more fragile emergent fauna, that may take several years to recover. Many other potentially sensitive inshore communities such as seagrass beds occur too far from areas of likely deployment to be at material risk of being affected.

On harder bottoms, especially where there are protruding fauna, and particularly on carbonate mounds or biogenic reefs such as Modiolus reefs, coral reefs, or deep sea sponge aggregations, physical damage to, or removal of, a variety of epifauna is likely to occur, and in many of these examples recovery could take many years or even decades.

Opt

ion

1

- - R H

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M



Table 8.4 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Benthos from Drilling Activities

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations and potential discharges from drill rigs: Overall, it is concluded that no significant change to baseline water quality would be expected to result from routine, permitted vessel discharges of waste, although consequences for biodiversity as a result of the draft Plan could not be completely ruled out in areas of water with limited circulation that may inhibit dilution and dispersion (in particular the Vulnerable Areas) where some effects on sedentary organisms are possible. Most of these VAs are sufficiently deep that contaminants are unlikely to be detectable at the seabed, however, and the shallowest Vulnerable Areas, such as Cork Harbour or Dublin Bay, are highly unlikely to be subject to such discharges.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Mud, cement and cuttings release from tophole sections and WBM cuttings discharged from surface: Overall effects on benthos from such releases are likely to be Neutral in most instances, but have the potential to be Major negative if releases were to occur over or immediately adjacent to important sensitive habitats.

Opt

ion

1

- - R H

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a H

Drilling activity: The additional contribution to seabed damage/disturbance over other equipment (see physical presence of subsea equipment above) will be negligible.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H




Certainty

None anticipated.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty

None anticipated.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H


Irish Offshore


Table 8.4 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Benthos from Drilling Activities



Certainty

None anticipated.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Uncertainties Information on the distribution of many habitats, notably deep water habitats, is partial. This is affected by both the great scale and in parts remoteness of the IOSEA 5 study area.

Knowledge of likely sensitivity of deep water habitats and communities to many effects, including to effects by cuttings and WBMs, and to contamination by hydrocarbons, is generally lower than for shallower areas; however, there is a good level of understanding of elements of deep water communities’ sensitivities (e.g. DNV GL, 2015).

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 The following significant negative effects on benthos are predicted:

Drilling activities may result in physical damage to a variety of epifauna, where recovery could take many years or even decades; and

Mud, cement and cuttings release from tophole sections and WBM cuttings discharged from surface have the potential to result in major negative effects if releases were to occur over or immediately adjacent to important sensitive habitats.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on benthos are predicted.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on benthos are predicted.

8.4.3 Fish and Shellfish Table 8.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Fish and Shellfish from Drilling Activities


Physical presence of the rig and vessels at surface

Presence of subsea equipment

VSP/checkshot surveys including underwater noise generation

Drilling activity







Table 8.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Fish and Shellfish from Drilling Activities


Fish and Shellfish Species




Certainty

Physical presence of the rig and vessels at surface and presence of subsea equipment: It is well documented that shellfish colonise and fish aggregate around man-made objects in the marine environment. The wide distribution ranges of local fish and shellfish receptors (whether in terms of spawning, nursery or feeding grounds and migratory routes) and the local nature of any effect (principally around the structures) should be noted in this context. The provision of habitat for fish species resulting from the presence of the structures is therefore considered to be potentially beneficial in the local area but very short term and of overall neutral effect to the fish and shellfish populations.


Opt

ion

1 0 n/a H

VSP/checkshot surveys including underwater noise generation and drilling activity: Vertical Seismic Profiling/Checkshot surveys are completed using airguns similar to those used for seismic surveys. However, VSP surveys are of a much lower intensity and shorter time period than seismic surveys.

Behavioural response of a temporary displacement from the area due to avoidance reaction would be expected but this would be very short lived and that the fish stocks will most likely return to the area after completion of the survey.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H


Irish Offshore



Mud, cement and cuttings release from tophole sections and WBM cuttings discharged from surface:

Although water based muds may be discharged to sea and will disperse, adversely affecting water quality, the period of drilling is relatively short term and concentrations of associated contaminants (oils) from hydrocarbon reservoirs are not expected to be sufficiently concentrated or volumes large enough to impinge significantly upon fish and shellfish receptors. Similarly, hydrocarbon contamination of payzone cuttings is not expected to result in concentrations of pollution sufficient to adversely affect receptors to any major degree, even in coastal waters.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations and potential discharges from drill rigs: Discharges will be limited by adherence to MARPOL regulations and limited volumes of material discharged will be subject to rapid dispersal and are not expected to have a significant effect. As well as control of discharges by adherence to MARPOL regulations discharges will be limited in duration to a short period of time.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H




Certainty

VSP/checkshot surveys including underwater noise generation and drilling activity:

No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Mud, cement and cuttings release from tophole sections and WBM cuttings discharged from surface:

No persistent effects are anticipated.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H




Potential discharges from normal vessel operations and potential discharges from drill rigs: No persistent effects are anticipated.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty

VSP/checkshot surveys including underwater noise generation and drilling activity: No transboundary effects identified.


Opt

ion

1 0 n/a H



Certainty


Irish Offshore



VSP/checkshot surveys including underwater noise generation and drilling activity: Other noise producing users of the area include merchant shipping, fishing, marine scientific research, naval vessels, the offshore wind and renewable energy sector and the oil and gas industry in adjacent offshore areas (e.g. the UKCS). In general, the sound levels emitted by these users are below levels expected to cause any injurious effects to fish and shellfish species.

Although short-term behavioural reactions may be likely, the transitory and temporary nature of noise from drilling and VSP/checkshot surveys the interaction with underwater noise from other sea users will be short-lived and consequently less likely to cause significant cumulative effects.

The long term, cumulative effects of sound emissions to the marine environment are poorly understood and firm conclusions cannot be made at this stage. As a result, the impact of the introduction of additional low frequency noise into the marine environment from VSP surveys and drilling activity in the must be considered as a worst case and treated as having the potential to negatively affect some marine species. However, the relatively short duration of the VSP survey and drilling operations and the directional character of most of the produced sound suggests that any potential cumulative effects will be minor.


Opt

ion

1 0 n/a M




Mud, cement and cuttings release from tophole sections and WBM cuttings discharged from surface: The ‘seabed take’ for exploitation of marine and offshore resources is increasing with potential for cumulative habitat loss. The combined loss of sea bed habitat will likely be small in the context of the habitat available and the wide distribution ranges of fish and shellfish species. The spawning, nursery and feeding grounds are found throughout the North West Atlantic, Celtic and Irish Seas and when the net loss of habitat is considered in combination with these other activities which cause habitat loss and the homogeneous occurrence of such habitat, the overall cumulative impact is assessed as being of neutral significance.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Uncertainties Information on the distribution of fish and shellfish stocks, notably deep water species, is partial. This is affected by both the great scale and in parts remoteness of the draft Plan study area.



Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on fish and shellfish are predicted.

8.4.4 Marine Reptiles Table 8.6 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Reptiles from Drilling Activities



Physical presence of the rig and vessels





Marine reptiles


Irish Offshore


Table 8.6 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Reptiles from Drilling Activities

Summary of likely changes in baseline conditions as a result of draft plan Short term to medium term:

During Plan period (to 2020)



Certainty

VSP/checkshot surveys, including underwater noise generation: Although underwater noise has the potential to impact on marine turtles, the effect is still poorly understood. However, VSP/checkshot surveys generate much less noise than for seismic survey, due to the smaller airguns used, the small number and short duration of such surveys, and their point-source nature. Therefore, a neutral effect is predicted.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Physical presence of the rig and vessels: The physical presence of immobile structures within the water column is unlikely to pose significant risks for pelagic vertebrates. The physical presence of vessels may pose a risk of disturbance to and/or collision with marine reptiles, resulting in physical injury or mortality. However, considering the expansive nature of the IOSEA 5 study area and low intensity of drilling activity proposed within the draft Plan, the impact of physical presence of vessels associated with drilling would be negligible.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations: MARPOL regulations restrict the extent of pollution, especially with regard to the handling of litter that could pose a hazard to marine turtles.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Potential discharges from drill rigs and WBM cuttings discharged from surface: In the offshore environment, such discharges would disperse rapidly and, in inshore areas, it is not expected that the short term nature of discharges would lead to any major effects.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Table 8.6 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Reptiles from Drilling Activities




Certainty

VSP/checkshot surveys, including underwater noise generation: No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Physical presence of the rig and vessels: No persistent effects are expected.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a M

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations: No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1 0 n/a M

Potential discharges from drill rigs and WBM cuttings discharged from surface: No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty

VSP/checkshot surveys, including underwater noise generation: Marine turtles have been recorded within the Irish and Celtic Seas (Figure C.5.2), across the boundary between UK and Irish waters. However, as defined above, VSP/checkshot surveys generate much less noise than for seismic survey, due to the smaller airguns used, the small number and short duration of such surveys, and their point-source nature; therefore, effects are expected to be neutral.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M



Certainty

VSP/checkshot surveys, including underwater noise generation: Anthropogenically produced noise from a variety of sources has the potential to have impact on marine turtles; however, the effect of underwater

Opt

ion

1

- R M


Irish Offshore


Table 8.6 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Reptiles from Drilling Activities noise on these species is still poorly understood. Marine turtles are not known to vocalise or use sound for communication, but may use sound for navigation, locating prey, avoiding predators and general environmental awareness.

Effects would only be anticipated to effect an individual or individuals rather than at a population level.

Opt

ion

2

- R L

Routine vessel discharges MARPOL regulations restrict the extent of pollution, especially with regard to the handling of litter that could pose a hazard to marine turtles.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Uncertainties The effect of underwater noise on marine turtles is still poorly understood.



Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on marine reptiles are predicted.

8.4.5 Sea birds Table 8.7 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Sea Birds from Drilling Activities

Activities being assessed Physical presence of rig and vessels at the surface

Presence of subsea equipment




Well testing


Seabirds, waders and wildfowl



Table 8.7 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Sea Birds from Drilling Activities




Certainty

Physical presence of rig and vessels at the surface: Seabirds are known to be attracted to offshore drilling units and mortality can occur owing to collisions and exhaustion caused by disorientation. However only a small number of birds would be anticipated to be effective and no population level effects are anticipated.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M

Presence of subsea equipment: None anticipated


ptio

n 1

0 n/a M

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations: Potentially toxic substances such as detergents in grey water would dilute very rapidly upon discharge and is therefore unlikely to have an impact on seabirds


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a L

Potential discharges from commissioning of drill rigs: . Only ballast water is permitted to be discharged at sea which may create a sediment plume that gradually disperses with distance from the rig. Since seabirds find food by visual means, successful food capture is likely to be reduced within the plume owing to the increased turbidity. The area involved, however, would be very small; therefore, a Neutral Effect on seabird populations is predicted.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a L

WBM cuttings discharged from surface: Only water-based muds are permitted to be discharged at sea which would create a sediment plume that gradually disperses with distance from the rig. Since seabirds find food by visual means, successful food capture is likely to be reduced within the plume. However, the area involved, would be very small; therefore, a neutral effect is predicted..


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a L


Irish Offshore



Well testing: Where well testing includes flaring of hydrocarbon, there is the potential for an impact on seabirds owing to attraction to the light source with the consequences for the individuals involved discussed above in the Physical Presence of Rig assessment.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M




Certainty

Physical presence of rig and vessels at the surface: According to the draft Plan, drilling units will only be present in any one location temporarily and therefore will only have a short-term impact on seabird populations (see above) with recovery over time after the departure of the rig.


Opt

ion

1 0 n/a M

Presence of subsea equipment: The presence of subsea equipment is unlikely to affect seabirds as this equipment is unlikely to be large enough to have an aggregative effect on fish that would, in turn, attract seabirds.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations: No long-term impact on seabird populations is predicted.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a L

Potential discharges from drill rigs: In concurrence with discharges from normal vessel operations, this would be a temporary activity with a Neutral Effect and therefore there will be no long-term effects on seabird populations.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a L




WBM cuttings discharged from surface: In concurrence with discharges from normal vessel operations, this would be a temporary activity with a Neutral Effect and therefore there will be no long-term effects on seabird populations.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a L

Well testing: This would be a temporary activity with a Minor Negative Effect during operations but there will be no long-term effects on seabird populations.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M



Certainty

None anticipated


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M



Certainty

Physical presence of rig and vessels at the surface: The addition of further drilling units’ increases the likelihood of an interaction with a seabird. O

ptio

n 1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M

Uncertainties Limited information on the nature of discharges during rigs and their toxicity to seabirds places some uncertainty on the assessment. Similarly the exact nature of well testing activities is unknown and therefore a conservative approach has been taken to the assessment.



Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on sea birds are predicted.


Irish Offshore


8.4.6 Marine Mammals Table 8.8 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Mammals from Drilling Activities



Physical presence of rig and vessels




Mud, cement and cutting from tophole section

Drilling activity


Marine Mammals




Certainty

VSP/checkshot surveys, including underwater noise and drilling activity: Underwater noise has the potential to impact on marine mammals; however, VSP/checkshot surveys generate much less noise than for seismic survey, due to the smaller airguns used, the small number and short duration of such surveys, and their point-source nature. Therefore, the potential negative effects from these operations are considered to be much less than those resulting from the larger 2D and 3D seismic surveys.

Drilling is generally acknowledged to produce moderate levels of continuous omnidirectional sound at low frequency. Modelled sound exposure levels from such operations are predicted to be below that expected to cause injury to a marine mammal, and would have the potential to cause low level disturbance, masking or behavioural effects.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M

Physical presence of rig and vessels: The risk of collision would be low, however; limitations in vessel ability to take effective evasive actions and the potential severity of a vessel strike on an individual would result in potential negative effects arising from physical presence of vessels and equipment, however this would likely only impact on an individual or individuals rather than at a population level.

Opt

ion

1

- IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M



Table 8.8 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Mammals from Drilling Activities

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations: MARPOL regulations restrict the extent of pollution, especially with regard to the handling of litter that could pose a hazard to marine mammals.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Discharges from drill rigs and WBM cuttings: In the offshore environment, such discharges would disperse rapidly and, in inshore areas, it is not expected that the short term nature of discharges would lead to any major effects.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Mud, cement and cutting from tophole section: After review of the final submission of the detailed description of activities, it is possible to conclude that this activity would not impact upon marine mammals.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H




Certainty

VSP/checkshot surveys, including underwater noise and drilling activity: No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Physical presence of rig and vessels: No persistent effects are expected.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a M

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations: No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Discharges from drill rigs and WBM cuttings: No persistent effects are expected.


ptio

n 1

0 n/a M


Irish Offshore



Mud, cement and cutting from tophole section: No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty

Underwater noise (VSP and Drilling): An animal that is potentially affected by an activity occurring as part of exploration activity in the IOSEA 5 study area may well cross boundaries into waters of other nations. However, since impacts are likely to only affect animals in the immediate vicinity of the sound source at the time of emission, and considering the relatively low source volume, limited number of surveys proposed and short duration, effects are expected to be negligible.


Opt

ion

1 0 n/a M

Physical presence of rig and vessels: It is possible that some of the vessel activity associated with the plan in the IOSEA 5 area will operate from ports in other European States; however, there is little transboundary impact likely to arise from drilling vessel activity within the IOSEA 5 study area.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H



Certainty

Underwater noise (VSP and Drilling):

Anthropogenically produced noise from a variety of sources has the potential to have impact on marine mammals, however; the long term, cumulative effects of sound emissions to the marine environment are poorly understood and firm conclusions cannot be made at this stage. As a result, the impact of the introduction of additional low frequency noise into the marine environment from drilling activity and associated surveys in the IOSEA 5 study area must be considered as a worst case and treated as having the potential to negatively affect some marine species. However, the relatively short duration of the drilling operations and the directional character of most of the produced sound suggest that any potential cumulative effect would represent a relatively minor effect.

Opt

ion

1

- R L

Opt

ion

2

- R L




Physical presence of rig and vessels: Due to limitations in manoeuvrability of vessels and the potential severity of a collision on an individual there would still remain the potential for a negative effect on marine mammals, however; this would likely only impact on an individual or individuals rather than at a population level.

Opt

ion

1

- R L

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a L

Uncertainties The long term, cumulative effects of sound emissions to the marine environment are poorly understood



Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on marine mammals are predicted.

8.5 Physical and Chemical Aspects Following scoping and consultation, the following key environmental topics related to physical and chemical aspects have been identified as having the potential to give rise to significant effects as a result of draft Plan activities related to drilling:

Landscape, seascape and visual amenity;

Marine heritage and archaeology;

Geology;

Bathymetry and seabed features;

Sediment and ocean circulation;

Air quality;

Climate; and

Water quality.


8.5.1 Landscape, Seascape and Visual Amenity Table 8.9 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Landscape, Seascape and Visual Amenity from Drilling


Physical presence of the rig and vessels at surface (including any exclusion zones, and light emissions)



Irish Offshore


Table 8.9 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Landscape, Seascape and Visual Amenity from Drilling


Seascape Character Types; National Parks; Northern Irish National Landscape Designations; County Level Landscape Designations; National Waymarked Trails; EuroVelo and National Cycle Routes; Harbours and Marinas; Ferry Routes; Coastal Roads and Rail Routes; Settlements; and Other Key Tourist Facilities/Locations and Vantage Points


Significance of change2


Certainty

The physical presence of the rig, including the well testing, would have the potential to negatively impact upon the seascape / landscape and visual amenity of the following receptors at the distances set out in the adjacent column:

Seascape Character Type (SCT)1, Large Open or Partially Open Sea Lough with Raised Hinterland; SCT2, Rugged Peninsula with Drowned Valleys; SCT3, Low Lying Plateau Landscape; SCT5, Plateaus and High Cliffs; National Parks; National Waymarked Trails; EuroVelo and National Cycle Routes; Harbours and Marinas; Ferry Routes; The Wild Atlantic Way; National Road Network; Dublin to Rosslare Europort Rail Line; Settlements; and Other Key Tourist Facilities/Locations and Vantage Points.

Opt

ion

1 <25 km - - R L

25-35 km - R L

>35 km 0 R L

Opt

ion

2 <25 km - - R L

25-35 km - R L

>35 km 0 R L


SCT4 - Low Lying Coastal Plain and Estuarine Landscape, Low Lying Islands and Peninsulas; and SCT6 - Large Bay; National Road Network; and Dublin to Rosslare Europort Rail Line.

Opt

ion

1 <15 km - - R L

15-35 km - R L

>35 km 0 R L

Opt

ion

2

<15 km - - R L

15-35 km - R L

>35 km 0 R L




Certainty

Due to the nature of the activities there would be no lasting effects beyond the Plan period.

Opt

ion

1 n/a n/a H

2 The distances set out for the ‘Significance of Change’ refer to a combination of the level of sensitivity to the type

of development proposed and the levels of magnitude of change as set out under ‘Visibility Thresholds’ in Section

2.6.2, Magnitude of Change, of the SLVIA in Annex D.



Table 8.9 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Landscape, Seascape and Visual Amenity from Drilling

Potential Transboundary effects



Certainty


NISCT1 - Large Open or Partially Open Sea Lough with Raised Hinterland; Slieve Gullion AONB; and Mourne AONB.

Opt

ion

1 <25 km - - R L

25-35 km - R L

>35 km 0 R L

Opt

ion

2 <25 km - - R L

25-35 km - R L

>35 km 0 R L

The physical presence of the rig, including the well testing, would have the potential to negatively impact upon the seascape / landscape and visual amenity of the following receptor at the distances set out in the adjacent column:

NISCT2 - Low Lying Coastal Plain

Opt

ion

1 <15 km - - R L

15-35 km - R L

>35 km 0 R L O

ptio

n 2 <15 km - - R L

15-35 km - R L

>35 km 0 R L

Potential Cumulative effects



Certainty

There is the potential for cumulative effects to occur when more than one rig is located within 25 km of a receptor. However due to the extent of the IOSEA 5 study area, the extent of the draft Plan and the duration of the activities it is unlikely that this scenario would occur.

Opt

ion

1 <25 km - - R L

25-35 km - R L

>35 km 0 R L

Opt

ion

2 <25 km - - R L

25-35 km - R L

>35 km 0 R L

Uncertainties Due to the strategic nature of the assessment and the unknown actual locations of any exploration drilling that will occur, it has only been possible to identify where potential effects may occur. Therefore where it is predicted that an area may experience a major negative and thereby significant effect, it may be the case that when a site specific SLVIA is carried out that no significant effects are actually identified for that specific location and circumstances.

As proposed mitigation in relation to seascape, landscape and visual matters is limited to further, more detailed assessment and generalisations about the potential locations of rigs, there is no change to the levels of effect for ‘Option 2’.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 The following significant negative effects on landscape, seascape and visual amenity are predicted:

Potential major negative effects where a rig, including the well testing, is less than 25km from the following receptors:


Irish Offshore


- Seascape Character Type (SCT)1, Large Open or Partially Open Sea Lough with Raised Hinterland; SCT2, Rugged Peninsula with Drowned Valleys; SCT3, Low Lying Plateau Landscape; SCT5, Plateaus and High Cliffs; National Parks; National Waymarked Trails; EuroVelo and National Cycle Routes; Harbours and Marinas; Ferry Routes; The Wild Atlantic Way; National Road Network; Dublin to Rosslare Europort Rail Line; Settlements; and Other Key Tourist Facilities/Locations and Vantage Points.

Potential major negative effects where a rig, including the well testing, is located less than 15km from the following receptors:

- SCT4 - Low Lying Coastal Plain and Estuarine Landscape, Low Lying Islands and Peninsulas; and SCT6 - Large Bay; National Road Network; and Dublin to Rosslare Europort Rail Line.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 As for Option 1.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects Potential significant transboundary effects are identified as follows:

Potential major negative effects where a rig, including the well testing, is located less than 25km from the following receptors:

- NISCT1 - Large Open or Partially Open Sea Lough with Raised Hinterland; Slieve Gullion AONB; and Mourne AONB.

Potential major negative effects where a rig, including well testing, is located less than 15km from the receptor ‘NISCT2 - Low Lying Coastal Plain’.

There is the potential for cumulative effects to occur when more than one rig is located within 25 km of a receptor.

8.5.2 Marine Heritage and Archaeology Table 8.10 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Heritage and Archaeology from Drilling


Presence of subsea equipment (including wellhead, anchors and chains, marine riser, etc.)



Drilling activity


Historic wreck sites and archaeological objects

Protected wrecks and military remains

Aviation archaeological remains

Submerged prehistoric landscapes and archaeological sites

Skellig Michael WHS



Table 8.10 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Heritage and Archaeology from Drilling




Certainty

Physical presence of subsea equipment Presence of subsea equipment has the potential to result in direct and indirect effects to archaeological receptors where the activity occurs in close proximity to these sites. Whilst mobile drilling units may be temporary in nature, any effects on seabed from these units, (e.g. anchors, cables and chains), and associated structures, will cause damage and disturbance to any present wrecks, archaeological sites or submerged prehistoric archaeological sites and landscapes. The greatest potential for interaction lies in the shallower waters of the Irish and Celtic seas where known wrecks and losses are most prevalent, and submerged prehistoric archaeological potential is greatest. No effects should occur to the WHS at Skellig Michael given its location on an Island above sea level.

Opt

ion

1

- - IR M

Opt

ion

2 0 n/a M

Mud, cement and cuttings releases from tophole sections Mud, cement and cutting releases from tophole sections of wells may result in some minor level effects to historic wrecks and extant archaeological sites on the seabed, where these releases occur in close proximity to these sites.

Opt

ion

1

- IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M

WBM cuttings discharged from surface WBM cuttings discharged from the surface are unlikely to result in any significant effects to archaeological receptors, as these deposited contaminants will occur on a low scale, and will likely disperse in the water column. On this basis physical interaction with archaeological receptors is considered to be highly unlikely.


Opt

ion

1

0 IR M

Drilling activity The physical act of drilling may impact on submerged prehistoric archaeological landscapes, sites and deposits, whereby drilling O

ptio

n 1

- IR M


Irish Offshore


Table 8.10 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Heritage and Archaeology from Drilling penetrates these receptors buried within the geological deposits. Interaction will only occur in areas with water depths less than 120 m, with the greatest potential for impact occurring in waters less than 30 m depth. O

ptio

n 2

0 n/a M




Certainty

The presence of subsea equipment, mud, cement and cuttings releases, the physical act of drilling and accidental events all have potential to result in effects to archaeological receptors in the shorter term. Development activities post 2020 are currently unknown, however these effects described above will all be permanent and irreversible. In the longer term and beyond the draft Plan period to 2020, baseline conditions may be significantly altered without mitigation.

Opt

ion

1

- IR M

Opt

ion

2 0 n/a M



Certainty

Predicted transboundary effects with potential to impact upon archaeological receptors is limited to any transnational developments that may straddle international borders. The likelihood of such a scenario occurring is considered to be low; any effects on archaeological sites will likely be of limited significance.


Opt

ion

1

0 IR M



Certainty

Cumulative effects from draft Plan activities may arise from Offshore Renewable Energy developments, Port developments, and Fisheries developments where these activities result in direct or indirect seabed effects. In the longer term cumulative effects may also be anticipated from marine aggregate dredging, although currently no operational licences exist in Irish waters. Many of these developments have the potential to result in direct and indirect seabed effects and may result in damage or removal of important archaeological sites and

Opt

ion

1

- IR M



Table 8.10 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Marine Heritage and Archaeology from Drilling objects. Furthermore, the majority of these activities are likely to take place within the shallower waters of the Celtic and Irish seas most conducive to such development, but also where heritage resources, wrecks and submerged prehistoric landscapes are most prevalent. More precise information on the location of these various development activities is currently unknown, however, it must be assumed that potential for cumulative and in combination effects to heritage resources exist where activities take place in close spatial proximity to each other. Cumulative effects where they occur will be permanent and irreversible, however the significance of any changes may be greatly reduced through the implementation of project specific mitigation measures to ensure future protection of archaeological and heritage resources.

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M

Uncertainties Given the scale of the Plan, there are uncertainties over the location of future plan activities and of the future location of other development activities with potential for cumulative effects.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 The following significant negative effects on marine heritage and archaeology are predicted: Potential direct and indirect major negative effects on archaeological receptors from

the presence of subsea equipment where the activity occurs in close proximity to these sites.


Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on marine heritage and archaeology are predicted.

8.5.3 Geology Table 8.11 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Geology from Drilling

Activities being assessed Drilling activities


Individual strata or geological features such as faults, folds etc. may constitute more sensitive features.


Irish Offshore


Table 8.11 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Geology from Drilling




Certainty

Drilling activities:

Very minor effects are predicted in relation to geology as a result of drilling activities which, due to their very nature, would disaggregate the rock directly beneath the drilling bit. The volume of the damage (even for the worst case drilling programme) would be very small compared to the geological features affected and minor significance has been determined.

Opt

ion

1

- IR H

Opt

ion

2

- IR H




Certainty

Drilling activities As per the above, the resultant removal of rock through drilling would be permanent but of a small scale in relation to the geological features affected. As such, a minor effect is identified.

Opt

ion

1

- IR H

Opt

ion

2

- IR H



Certainty

No transboundary effects on geology are predicted. N/A N/A N/A



Certainty

Drilling activities Minor, adverse cumulative effects on geology may result from interactions with offshore renewables, port developments or other oil/gas developments.

Such cumulative effects would be more likely in shallow coastal waters or, for oil/gas, on a basin specific level. However, given the small amount of intrusive works and the likelihood of interactions actually occurring only a minor adverse effect is predicted.

Opt

ion

1

- IR H

Opt

ion

2

- IR H

Uncertainties Detailed geological knowledge is not available for the whole IOSEA 5 study area but this has not prevented a strategic level assessment.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on geology are predicted.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on geology are predicted.



Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on geology are predicted.

8.5.4 Bathymetry and Seabed Features Table 8.12 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Bathymetry and Seabed Features from Drilling

Activities being assessed Physical presence of sub-sea equipment

Drilling Activity


Sensitive receptors include seabed mounds, gas related features, pockmarks, sand waves etc.




Certainty

Physical presence of sub-sea equipment Relative to the overall size of the IOSEA 5 study area, the potential area that may be affected via the physical presence of equipment in contact with the sea bed is very small. Therefore, the presence of sub-sea equipment is unlikely to result in any significant changes to seabed features in the short/medium term. However, there is the potential for localised changes, in the absence of appropriate mitigation, and it is important to protect valuable seabed features. Therefore, the option 1 assessment predicts a minor negative effect, whilst the option 2 assessment predicts a neutral effect,

Opt

ion

1

- IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 N/A M

Drilling activity

Drilling activity is unlikely to result in any significant changes to seabed features in the short/medium term as long as appropriate mitigation is applied to accurately locate and physically avoid any sensitive features in line with best practice pre-activity planning and EIA.

Opt

ion

1

- IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 N/A M




Physical presence of sub-sea equipment As for short-term effects, the size of the area that may be affected via the physical presence of sub-sea equipment in contact with the sea bed would be very small. However, there is the potential for localised changes which may have effects over the longer term, in the absence of appropriate mitigation. Therefore, the option 1 assessment predicts a minor negative effect,

Opt

ion

1

- IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 N/A M


Irish Offshore


Table 8.12 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Bathymetry and Seabed Features from Drilling whilst the option 2 assessment predicts a neutral effect.

Drilling activity is unlikely to result in any significant changes to seabed features in the long term as long as appropriate mitigation is applied to accurately locate and physically avoid any sensitive features in line with best practice pre-activity planning and EIA.

Opt

ion

1

- IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 N/A M



No transboundary effects on seabed features are predicted in relation to placement of equipment on the sea bed during drilling operations. An Option 2 assessment is therefore not required.

Opt

ion

1 0 N/A H

No transboundary effects on seabed features are predicted in relation to drilling. An Option 2 assessment is therefore not required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H



It is unlikely that cumulative effects will result in effects on sensitive seabed features from placement of equipment on the seabed considering the large size of the IOSEA 5 study area, the relatively small programme of works anticipated over the timeframe and the requirement to accurately locate and physically avoid any sensitive features.

Opt

ion

1

- IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 N/A M

It is unlikely that cumulative effects will result in effects on sensitive seabed features due to drilling operations considering the large size of the IOSEA 5 study area, the relatively small programme of works anticipated over the timeframe and the requirement to accurately locate and physically avoid any sensitive features.

The exception to this relates to interactions with wide scale, fishing activities that physically affect the sea bed which could have both minor positive or negative effects.

Opt

ion

1

-

IR M

Opt

ion

2 0

(+- in relation to fishing)

N/A

(IR in relation to fishing)

M



Table 8.12 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Bathymetry and Seabed Features from Drilling

Uncertainties Uncertainty exists relating to the location of sensitive seabed features, especially in the deeper waters of the IOSEA 5 study area, although not exclusively so. It is likely that further features will be discovered as more scientific and exploration work takes place.

Mitigation will focus on accurately locating and characterising such features through pre-drilling geotechnical and seabed surveys which will be required to map the seabed across any proposed drilling location.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on bathymetry and seabed features are predicted.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on bathymetry and seabed features are predicted.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on bathymetry and seabed features are predicted.

8.5.5 Sediments and Ocean Circulation Table 8.13 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Sediments and Ocean Circulation from Drilling

Activities being assessed Presence of subsea equipment impacting on sediment transport pathways.

Sediment contamination arising from the commissioning of drill rigs.

Mud, cement and cuttings released from top-hole cuttings causing sediment contamination

WBM & WBM-contaminated cuttings discharged

from surface, including payzone cuttings affecting sediment quality

Accidental releases of oil from vessels

Accidental releases of oil from drilling incidents

Drilling activity


Sensitive sediments would include those where significant uptake and long-term contamination is more likely (e.g. areas with smaller sediment sizes), in proximity to important areas for benthic habitats (e.g. protected areas) and/or where there is risk to human health (e.g. from uptake through the food chain).


Irish Offshore


Table 8.13 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Sediments and Ocean Circulation from Drilling




Certainty

Presence of subsea equipment The temporary nature of any deployment of subsea equipment aligned to the relatively low level of equipment deployed during exploration/appraisal drilling result in a neutral level of predicted change on sediment transport from such activity. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 R H

Commissioning of drill rigs The effects on sediments from potential discharges during commissioning of drill rigs are expected to be of the same magnitude as during exploration and operation, discussed below, resulting in a neutral assessment with no significant changes to baseline conditions anticipated.

Compliance with OSPAR and national requirements in relation to discharges is a key mitigation consideration.

Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2

0 R M

Mud, cement and cuttings released from tophole sections Any drill cuttings piles will be restricted to <1km from any drill location unless sediment resuspension processes dominate, in which case any low-level contaminated sediments will be well dispersed. Compliance with OSPAR and national requirements in relation to discharges is a key mitigation consideration.

No significant short-term effects are considered likely from such cuttings as long as sensitive locations (e.g. for biota of human health) are avoided. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 R M

WBM cuttings discharged from surface WBMs (or WBM cuttings) discharged near the sea surface will be diluted to low concentrations and this, along with the isolated and low level of activity predicted in the draft Plan timeframe results in a neutral assessment of significance in the short-term. Compliance with OSPAR and national requirements in relation to discharges is a key mitigation consideration.

Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2

0 R H




Drilling Activity Due to the small spatial footprint of any drilling activity no effects on sediment transport processes are predicted. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H




Certainty

Presence of subsea equipment The temporary nature of any deployment of subsea equipment aligned to the relatively low level of equipment deployed during exploration/appraisal drilling result in a neutral level of predicted change on sediment transport from such activity. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 R H

Commissioning of drill rigs The temporary nature of commissioning of drill rigs results in no significant long-term effects on sediments from the discharges of ballast water that could occur during commissioning. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 R H

Mud, cement and cuttings released from tophole sections Any drill cuttings piles will be restricted to <1km from any drill location unless sediment resuspension processes dominate in which case any low-level contaminated sediments will be well dispersed. No significant long-term effects are considered likely from such cuttings as long as sensitive locations (e.g. for biota of human health) are avoided. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 R M

WBM cuttings discharged from surface WBMs (or WBM cuttings) discharged near the sea surface will be diluted to low concentrations and this, along with the isolated and low level of activity predicted in the draft Plan timeframe results in a neutral assessment of significance in the long-term. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 R H

Drilling Activity Due to the small spatial footprint of any drilling activity no effects on sediment transport processes are predicted. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H


Irish Offshore





Certainty

Presence of subsea equipment No transboundary effects are likely from the deployment of seabed equipment during the temporary, drilling phase. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H

Commissioning of drill rigs No transboundary effects on sediments are predicted from the temporary commissioning of drill rigs. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Mud, cement and cuttings released from tophole sections

Mud, cement and cuttings released from top-hole cuttings will have a limited radius of effect around any well and no transboundary effects are predicted. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H

WBM & WBM-contaminated cuttings discharged from surface

Surface discharges of WBM cuttings will rapidly be assimilated in the water column and no transboundary effects are predicted on sediments. Therefore no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H



Certainty

It is unlikely that cumulative effects will result in effects on sediment transport due to drilling operations considering the large size of the IOSEA 5 study area and the relatively small programme of works anticipated over the timeframe. An Option 2 assessment is therefore not required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Cumulative effects in relation to planned discharges are unlikely due to the large IOSEA 5 study area, nature of the discharges (which will be controlled by compliance with directives, conventions and other legislation) and their isolated, temporary nature. An Option 2 assessment is therefore not required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M




Unplanned releases of oil to water may interact with other sources of contamination affecting sediments cumulatively where oil reaches such receptors. However, the majority of the IOSEA 5 study area does not have significant sediment quality issues and the likelihood of cumulative effects occurring in areas that do are judged to be so small that a neutral impact is predicted. An Option 2 assessment is therefore not required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Uncertainties The determination of effects on sediments from unplanned releases is based on existing accident statistics. There is some uncertainty as to the exact relevance of these statistics which may greatly overestimate risk, as exploration/appraisal wells are highly transitory operations. Additional, actual effects will vary greatly across the IOSEA 5 study area which includes offshore/nearshore areas, highly used/remote areas and both shallow and deepwaters. So, any assessment is highly generic but the low level of potential activity within the draft Plan period and the large size of the area directs much of the assessment which is then viewed in a precautionary way.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on sediments and ocean circulation are predicted.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on sediments and ocean circulation are predicted.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on sediments and ocean circulation are predicted.

8.5.6 Air Quality Table 8.14 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Air Quality from Drilling





Atmospheric emissions




Certainty


Irish Offshore


Table 8.14 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Air Quality from Drilling

Atmospheric emissions / well testing:

Drilling operations will generate an acidification potential of some 92 tonnes SO2 equivalents for each well – 923 tonnes a year in the worst case scenario and well testing operations will generate an acidification potential of some 6.72 tonnes SO2 equivalents for each well – 33 tonnes a year in the worst case scenario. This equates to a total acidification potential of 956 tonnes of SO2 equivalent. This represents a total of 1.1% of the national acidification potential. In this context, the predicted atmospheric emissions from activity in the IOSEA5 area can be considered to be minimal, and therefore its resulting effects are expected to be neutral.

Opt

ion

1

0 R H




Certainty

Atmospheric emissions / well testing:

None. The effects are expected to be short term and reversible.

Opt

ion

1

0 R H



Certainty

Atmospheric emissions / well testing: None. Due to the location of the activity and the nature of the offshore environment, no transboundary effects are predicted. O

ptio

n 1

0 N/A H



Certainty

Atmospheric emissions / well testing: Combining emissions from seismic activities and exploration equates to a total annual acidification potential of 2,089 tonnes a year in the worst case scenario which equates to 2.4% of the national annual acidification potential of Ireland. In this context, the predicted atmospheric emissions from activity in the IOSEA 5 study area can be considered to be minimal, and therefore the resulting effects are expected to be neutral.

Opt

ion

1

0 R H






Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on air quality are predicted.

8.5.7 Climate Table 8.15 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Climate from Drilling





Global climate




Certainty

Global climate: The annual CO2 equivalent from drilling ten wells and testing five wells represents just 0.2% of the total emissions in Ireland for one year and is therefore classed as minor negative

Opt

ion

1

- IR H

Opt

ion

2

- IR H




Certainty

Global climate: Emissions with global warming potential are by their nature long term as they will affect long term climate even after emissions are stabilised

Opt

ion

1

- IR H

Opt

ion

2

- IR H



Certainty

Global climate: Because of the global nature of climate change emissions and effects it is not possible to separately consider transboundary effects (all effects are transboundary). No Option 2 assessment is necessary.

Opt

ion

1

N/A N/A N/A


Irish Offshore


Table 8.15 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Climate from Drilling



Certainty

Global climate: The annual CO2 equivalent from drilling ten wells and testing five wells represents just 0.2% of the total emissions in Ireland for one year (see Annex D, section 8.8) and is therefore classed as minor negative However, Ireland is facing significant challenges in meeting its EU future emissions targets for greenhouse gases under the EU Climate and Energy package for 2020 and anticipated longer term targets up to 2050. In this context, the predicted cumulative effect on atmospheric emissions from activity in the IOSEA5 area can be considered to be major negative.

Opt

ion

1

-- IR H

Opt

ion

2

-- IR H




Cumulative and Transboundary Effects The following significant negative cumulative effect is predicted with regards to climate:

The annual CO2 equivalent from drilling ten wells and testing five wells is relatively small scale when considered against the total emissions in Ireland for one year. However, Ireland is facing significant challenges in meeting its EU future emissions targets for greenhouse gases and therefore in this context, the predicted cumulative effect on atmospheric emissions from activity in the IOSEA5 area can be considered to be major negative.

8.5.8 Water Quality Table 8.16 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Water Quality from Drilling




Chemical Discharges Associated with Drilling

Includes the following activities included in the draft Plan:

Mud, cement and cuttings release from topshole sections


Drilling activity




Table 8.16 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Water Quality from Drilling


Direct effects on water quality. Indirect effects on biodiversity, human health, sediment quality, fisheries, mariculture and the economy




Certainty

Potential discharges from normal vessel operations. Likely effects as discussed in seismic operation, other than the risks associated with streamers


Opt

ion

1

0 R H

Potential discharges from commissioning of drill rigs The potential contaminants to the marine environment from commissioning of drill units include those associated with ballast water. The effects associated with each potential contaminant and activity are discussed below. The effects are not considered likely to vary during commissioning of drill units. An overall risk classification has been determined based on the likely combination of each of the discharges.

Opt

ion

1 - R H

Opt

ion

2

0 R H

Chemical Discharges Associated with Drilling Includes the following activities included in the draft Plan: Mud, cement and cuttings release from

tophole sections WBM cuttings discharged from surface

Drilling activity Various OSPAR Decisions and Recommendations are in place to limit the discharge of hazardous chemicals, including the OSPAR Decision 2000/02 (Harmonised Mandatory Control System for the Use and Reduction of Offshore Chemicals) as amended by 2005/01 which requires a permit for authorisation of the discharge of some chemicals. Research indicates no/minimal community effects are present a short distance from the installation. Effects in Vulnerable Areas (VAs) and for sedentary organisms in close proximity to a discharge cannot be ruled out.

Once appropriate mitigation measures are put in place as detailed in Chapter 9, the effects are considered to be neutral.

Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2

0 R H


Irish Offshore




tophole sections WBM cuttings discharged from surface Drilling activity

Discharge of chemicals (PLONOR substances) and drilling fragments associated with drilling

Relatively high volumes (at least 71 % of all permitted chemical discharged in UKCS and Ireland) of PLONOR substances are discharged (permitted) to the marine environment from oil and gas installations (OSPAR, 2014). Without mitigation these substances are considered to pose no or little risk to the environment. Some minimal effects to turbidity of the water may be expected in the local vicinity.


Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2 0 R H




Certainty



Discharge of chemicals (non PLONOR substances) during drilling in all arears included in the draft plan

Non PLONOR chemicals may pose a risk to the environment, e.g. they may be toxic, non-biodegradable, persistent and bioaccumulative. Data from current installations suggests a maximum of 30% of all chemicals used to be non-PLONOR chemicals (OSPAR, 2014). Given the potential for these chemicals to be persistent and bioaccumlative, the effects of any discharges may continue for the long term. The ultimate fate of most of these chemicals would be in the sediments. Without mitigation the effects are considered to be on a ‘Minor Negative Scale. Consideration of the Vulnerability of the habitats is difficult due to the

Opt

ion

1

- IR/R M

Opt

ion

2

0 IR/R M



Table 8.16 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Water Quality from Drilling potential longevity of such chemicals in the environment. Various OSPAR Decisions and Recommendations are in place to limit the discharge of hazardous chemicals, including the OSPAR Decision 2000/02 (Harmonised Mandatory Control System for the Use and Reduction of Offshore Chemicals) as amended by 2005/01 which requires a permit for authorisation of the discharge of non-PLONOR chemicals.


Well testing (flaring and burner spraying for cooling) Flaring may add to ocean acidification. Ocean acidification will be a long term and mainly irreversible change. Information on ocean acidification is contained in Annex D, Section 7.


Opt

ion

1 0 IR L



Certainty



Opt

ion

1

0 IR L



Certainty



Opt

ion

1

0 IR L


Irish Offshore



Chemical Discharges associated with Drilling Includes the following activities included in the draft Plan: Mud, cement and cuttings release from


Discharge of chemicals (non PLONOR substances) during drilling (both permitted and accidental) in all arears included in the draft plan

Chemicals classified as PLONOR are considered to pose no or little risk to the environment. The location of multiple O&G installations in close proximity is not expected to increase the risk associated with PLONOR chemicals as they are generally inert or biodegradable.

Other industries, such as aggregate extraction, port developments and construction works may result in large discharges or disturbance of solids into the water column which would reduce the clarity of the water. These effects may act cumulatively with discharges of drilling fragments if in close proximity, with minor indirect effects on biodiversity.


Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2

0 R H



Discharge of chemicals (non PLONOR substances) during drilling (both permitted and accidental) in all areas of the draft Plan

Non PLONOR chemicals may pose some risk to the environment, e.g. they may be toxic, non-biodegradable, persistent and bioaccumulative. Data from current installations suggests a maximum of 30% of all chemicals used to be non-PLONOR chemicals. Cumulative effects may arise where multiple installations are placed in close proximity. Cumulative effects from other industries are unlikely as chemicals

Opt

ion

1

- R/IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 R/IR M



Table 8.16 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Water Quality from Drilling of this nature are not likely to be used in those industries. Given the potential for these chemicals to be persistent and bioaccumlative, the effects of any discharges may continue for the long term. The ultimate fate of most of these chemicals would be in the sediments. The effects are considered of ‘Minor Negative level’ due to the potential scale of the likely discharges and the regulatory controls in place to reduce use of such chemicals. Consideration of the Vulnerability of the habitats is difficult due to the potential longevity of such chemicals in the environment.


Uncertainties The statistics on contaminant discharges, both permitted and accidental events relates to all Oil and Gas installations. These figures include fixed platforms.

Assumption that other industries, including fishing, aggregate extraction and renewable energy do not use chemicals not listed on the PLONOR list.



Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on water quality are predicted.

8.6 Social and Economic Aspects Following scoping and consultation, the following key environmental topics related to social and economic aspects have been identified as having the potential to give rise to significant effects as a result of draft Plan activities related to drilling:

Economy and material assets; and

Recreation and tourism.



Irish Offshore


8.6.1 Economy and Material Assets Table 8.17 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Economy and Material Assets (including fisheries) from Drilling Activities

Activities being assessed Potential discharges from normal vessel operations


WBM discharge from surface, including payzone cuttings

Well testing (flaring)



Shipping Channels

Fishing Grounds

Subsea infrastructure e.g. cables, pipelines




Certainty

Potential discharges from vessel operations and from commissioning of drill rigs- effects to fish and shellfish stocks

No Option 2 assessment required Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Mud, cement and cuttings release from tophole sections - effects to fish and shellfish stocks


ion

1

0 n/a M

WBM cuttings discharged from surface, including payzone effects to fish and shellfish stocks


ion

1

0 n/a M

VSP/Check shot surveys- underwater noise impacting on fish and shellfish stocks

No Option 2 assessment required

Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Increased vessel presence Increased visible presence of vessels and equipment as a result of surveys/ testing could cause interference with other users of the marine environment i.e. shipping, fisheries.


Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M






Certainty

Physical Presence Increased numbers of rigs and vessels as a result of long term exploration in the IOSEA 5 area could cause interference with other users of the marine environment i.e. shipping, fisheries


Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2 - R M



Certainty

Impact on subsea infrastructure There is potential exploration drilling to impact on sub-sea cables/pipelines many of which interconnect with adjoin nations i.e. sub-sea fibre cables to the UK or US


Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2 - R M

Impact on foreign fishing operations The potential exists to conflict with commercial fisheries in Irish waters many of which are based out of adjoining nations i.e. UK, France


Opt

ion

1 - R M

Opt

ion

2 - R M



Certainty

Impact in fishing grounds Complete loss or restricted access to traditional fishing grounds as a result of cumulative seismic surveys and exclusion zones around vessels, drilling rigs and well heads.

Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a H

Physical presence Increased presence from increase in activities combined with existing or proposed increase in

Opt

ion

1 - R M


Irish Offshore


other users e.g. energy infrastructure, commercial shipping

Opt

ion

2 - R M




Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on economy and material assets are predicted.

8.6.2 Recreation and Tourism Table 8.18 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Recreation and Tourism from Drilling Activities

Activities being assessed Physical presence of the rig and vessels at surface (including any exclusion zones, and light emissions)

Well testing (flaring)


Accidental events (e.g. loss of diesel, chemicals, base oil; worst case scenario - blowout)


Prominent Coastal Locations / Towns / Attractions, Blue flag beaches

Identified recreation locations / activities, e.g. coastal walks, boat tours, cruising, Sailing, diving, angling, locations etc.




Certainty

Physical presence of the rig and vessels Increased visible presence i.e. rigs, boats as a result of surveys/ testing could cause interference with recreation and tourism users of the marine environment such as the Possible closing/restrictions on use of marine area for recreation/tourism activities during survey periods

A minor negative is recorded for Option 1, however no mitigation is considered to mitigate this minor impact so an Option 2 assessment has not been undertaken.

Opt

ion

1

- R M






Certainty

None N/A N/A N/A



Certainty

Potential impact on recreation and tourism, either operating out of or located in adjacent Member State territory particularly Northern Ireland


Opt

ion

1

- R M



Certainty

Increased presence in marine areas in combination with other users e.g. offshore energy projects etc. could have a cumulative impact on recreation and tourism activities


Opt

ion

1

- R M

Uncertainties The nature and extent of the IOSEA 5 study area, in combination with the likely small number of licences for exploration, provides some uncertainties regarding the impact on recreation and tourism which by its own nature can be subjective in addition to being both a formal and informal activity, results in difficulties in assessing specific effects and location however it has been concluded that any effects, other than accidental effects, are likely negligible.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on recreation and tourism are predicted. Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on recreation and tourism are predicted. Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative or transboundary effects on recreation and tourism are predicted.


Irish Offshore


9 Accidental Events 9.1 Introduction This chapter presents the predicted effects resulting from accidental events. A number of potential effects were identified resulting from accidental events associated with seismic and drilling activities, some of which are common to several topics. The types of accidental events that are considered are defined in Chapter 2. The potential effects from accidental events have therefore been presented separately within this chapter, rather than in Chapters 7 and 8, which exclude effects from accidental events and focus on effects arising from seismic (Chapter 7) and drilling activities (Chapter 8) only. This chapter is structured as follows:

Accidental events associated with seismic activities:

- Ecology;

- Physical and Chemical Aspects; and

- Social and Economic Aspects.

Accidental events associated with drilling activities:

- Ecology;

- Physical and Chemical Aspects; and

- Social and Economic Aspects.

9.2 Accidental Events Associated with Seismic Activities

9.2.1 Ecology Table 9.1 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Ecology from Accidental events Associated with Seismic Activities

Potentially Sensitive Receptors/Receptor Groups being assessed

Plankton

Benthos

Fish and Shellfish

Marine Reptiles

Seabirds

Marine Mammals



Table 9.1 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Ecology from Accidental events Associated with Seismic Activities




Certainty

Plankton

Oil lost to sea would represent a short term adverse impact on individual (local) plankton receptors in surface waters, but volumes would be limited (most likely to below some hundreds of litres) and would not be expected to require the use of dispersants since evaporation would be rapid (streamer oil) and natural dispersal effective (fuel oil). Significant population level effects are not expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Benthos offshore areas coastal areas

A kerosene spill from streamer failure is the most likely source of a hydrocarbon spill, but volumes involved are typically small and the likelihood is low. Dispersal in coastal waters may be lower resulting in the slightly higher possibility of detectable effects.

Opt

ion

1 0 (offshore)

– (coastal)

R

R

H

H

Opt

ion

2

- (coastal) R H

Fish and Shellfish Oil lost to sea would represent a short term adverse impact on local receptors in surface waters, but volumes would be limited (most likely to below some hundreds of litres) and would not be expected to require the use of dispersants since evaporation would be rapid (streamer oil) and natural dispersal effective (fuel oil).

Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2

- R H

Marine Reptiles Marine turtles are vulnerable to hydrocarbon spills due to their requirement to surface to breathe, however any spills during seismic activities are likely to be small and localised and disperse rapidly. Additionally animals have the ability to manoeuvre to avoided affected areas.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H

Seabirds Seabirds are particularly vulnerable to hydrocarbon spills owing to their habit of resting on the sea surface; however, any spills during O

ptio

n 1

- R H


Irish Offshore


Table 9.1 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Ecology from Accidental events Associated with Seismic Activities seismic activities are likely to be small and localised.

Opt

ion

2

0 N/A H

Marine Mammals Marine mammals are vulnerable to hydrocarbon spills due to their requirement to surface to breathe, however; any spills during seismic activities are likely to be small and localised and disperse rapidly. Additionally animals have the ability to manoeuvre to avoided affected areas.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H




Certainty

Plankton Only short terms and localised effects would be expected from small volumes of oil if such were accidentally discharged to sea during survey. No persisting long term (or short term population) effects would be anticipated given the dispersal capacity of the marine environment and reproductive capacity of plankton receptors.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Fish and Shellfish

Only short terms effects would be expected from small volumes of oil if such were accidentally discharged to sea during survey. No persisting long term effects would be anticipated given the dispersal capacity of the marine environment and the sensitivity of the fish and shellfish receptors to this impact.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H

Marine Reptiles No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H

Seabirds Any spills during seismic survey are likely to be small and localised and therefore have no long-term effects on seabird populations.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H




Marine Mammals No persistent effects are expected.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H



Certainty

Plankton

No accidental events of a scale that could result in transboundary effects are envisaged.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H

Fish and Shellfish

No accidental events of a scale that could result in transboundary effects for fish and shellfish populations are envisaged.


Opt

ion

1 0 N/A H

Marine Reptiles Marine turtles are vulnerable to hydrocarbon spills due to their requirement to surface to breathe, however any spills during seismic activities are likely to be small and localised within the IOSEA 5 area and disperse rapidly. Additionally animals have the ability to manoeuvre to avoided affected areas.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Seabirds Any spills of hydrocarbon during seismic survey are likely to disperse rapidly but depending on wind direction, may impact seabirds on the open sea and coasts beyond the borders of the IOSEA 5 study area.

Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2

0 N/A H

Marine Mammals Marine mammals are vulnerable to hydrocarbon spills due to their requirement to surface to breathe, however any spills during seismic activities are likely to be small and localised within the IOSEA 5 study area and disperse rapidly. Additionally animals have the ability to manoeuvre to avoided affected areas.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M


Irish Offshore





Certainty

Plankton

It is not expected that accidental discharges of oil or other material from seismic survey could combine with effects of other planned activities to result in significant adverse effects.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Benthos It is not expected that accidental discharges of oil or other material from seismic survey could combine with effects of other planned activities to result in significant adverse effects.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Fish and Shellfish

It is not expected that accidental discharges of oil could combine with effects of other planned activities to result in significant adverse effects.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H

Marine Reptiles The degree of activity predicted to take place under the draft Plan, particularly when set against the oil and gas activity already taking place in Irish and UK offshore waters, is small. Statistics for accidental events indicate that spills and releases from seismic survey are minor and have control measures in place for clean-up and limiting effects. Additionally animals have the ability to manoeuvre to avoided affected areas.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Seabirds

The cumulative effect of accidental releases of

hydrocarbons from rigs, seismic/support vessels

and pipelines within the IOSEA 5 study area, in

combination with chronic oil pollution from other

vessels in the area, would have a Neutral Effect.

For this reason no mitigation is proposed and an

Option 2 assessment has not been undertaken.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A H




Marine Mammals The degree of activity predicted to take place under the draft Plan, particularly when set against the oil and gas activity already taking place in Irish and UK offshore waters, is small. Statistics for accidental events indicate that spills and releases from seismic survey are minor and have control measures in place for clean-up and limiting effects. Additionally animals have the ability to manoeuvre to avoided affected areas.


Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 No significant effects on ecological receptors resulting from accidental events are predicted.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 No significant effects on ecological receptors resulting from accidental events are predicted.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects No significant cumulative and transboundary effects on ecological receptors resulting from accidental events are predicted.

9.2.2 Chemical and Physical Aspects Table 9.2 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Chemical and Physical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Seismic Activities


Water Quality

Landscape, Seascape and Visual Amenity

Marine Heritage and Archaeology

Sediment and Ocean Circulation3

Water Quality




Certainty

3 Sensitive sediments would include those where significant uptake and long-term contamination is more likely

(e.g. areas with smaller sediment sizes), in proximity to important areas for benthic habitats (e.g. protected areas)

and/or where there is risk to human health (e.g. from uptake through the food chain).


Irish Offshore


Table 9.2 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Chemical and Physical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Seismic Activities

Seascape, Landscape and Visual Amenity Accidental events such as loss of cable oil, diesel, equipment or ship collision Accidental events, such as loss of cable oil, diesel, equipment or ship collision, may have a potential impact on seascape / landscape and visual receptors. However, it is considered that such events would be localised, of relatively small scale, and consequently unlikely to represent a significant alteration to the seascape / landscape and visual amenity of the IOSEA 5 study area. Therefore, a neutral effect on seascape/landscape and visual amenity is predicted and no Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 R M


No effects or significant changes to submerged prehistoric landscapes or other buried archaeological materials are anticipated from accidental events as a result of seismic activities. Whilst some very low level effects to historic wrecks may occur, these will be of very limited significance and as such a neutral effect is anticipated. No Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Water Quality Spillages from vessels into Less Vulnerable Areas Spillages from vessels do occur. The probability has not been determined. A possibility exists for this to occur over

Opt

ion

1

- R M



Table 9.2 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Chemical and Physical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Seismic Activities the 5 year period. The volume spilled may range from <1 tonne to many tonnes, although likely at the lower scale. In LVAs, the oil will likely disperse rapidly. Degradation and breakdown will occur in time. Discharges of a greater volume may result in Minor effects on water quality.

By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Chapter 10, the likelihood of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the impact should a spill occur remains the same.

Opt

ion

2

- R M

Water Quality Spillages from vessels into Vulnerable Areas

Spillages from vessels do occur. The probability has not been determined. A possibility exists for this to occur over the 5 year period. The volume spilled may range from <1 tonne to many tonnes, although likely at the lower scale. Vulnerable Areas (VAs) may be more susceptible to the effects of these discharges. By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Chapter 10, the likelihood of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the impact should a spill occur remains the same.

Opt

ion

1

Ranging from - to - -

R M

Opt

ion

2

Ranging from - to - -

R M




Certainty

Sediment and Ocean Circulation Releases of oil from seismic vessels Contamination resulting from large scale (>10 m3) releases of marine fuel oils as a result of an unplanned (accidental) release from a seismic vessel.

There is the potential for sediments to be subject to long-term contamination if a large scale spill incident occurred. However the likelihood of such an occurrence is small and therefore a minor, reversible significance is identified.

Opt

ion

1

-

R

M

Opt

ion

2

- R L


Irish Offshore





Certainty


Any large scale, unplanned releases of marine fuel oils could affect neighbouring state’s waters and coastlines resulting in transboundary effects.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M

Marine Heritage and Archaeology No significant change to baseline conditions for heritage receptors is anticipated from potential transboundary effects as a result of accidental events from seismic activities. No Option 2 assessment is required.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Water Quality Spillages from vessels into the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea Spillages from vessels do occur. The probability has not been determined. A possibility exists for this to occur over the 5 year period. The volume spilled may range from <1 tonne to many tonnes, although records indicate most are at the lower end of the scale. Trans-boundary effects are most likely to occur if accidental vessel discharges occur along the boundaries of the draft Plan in the Celtic and Irish Sea and the volumes discharged are large. These effects could affect UK waters such as, the Bristol Channel, Cardigan Bay and those around the Isle of Man.


Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M






Certainty


The likelihood of cumulative effects occurring (where two unplanned releases coincide both temporally and spatially) is highly unlikely. However, any cumulative incidents would be likely to result in more extensive contamination to sediments than a single incident in isolation.

Opt

ion

1

- - R Highly uncertain /

unlikely

Opt

ion

2

- - R Highly

unlikely/uncertain

Marine Heritage and Archaeology No potential cumulative effects to archaeological receptors are anticipated from accidental events as a result of seismic activity.

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Water Quality Spillages from vessels into Vulnerable Areas

Spillages from vessels do occur. The probability has not been determined. A possibility exists for this to occur over the 5 year period. The volume spilled may range from <1 tonne to many tonnes, although records indicate most are at the lower end of the scale. In vulnerable areas, the oil will be less likely to disperse or may be transported to coastal areas. Degradation and breakdown will occur, however the process is likely slowed down in comparison to other regions. Therefore the indirect effects will be magnified. All industries in the marine environment will utilise vessels and may contribute to cumulative effects. Areas such as the Celtic Sea, for example off the coast of Dublin are subject to high intensity vessel use. Therefore the probability of multiple discharges occurring within close proximity areas is high.

By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Chapter 10, the likelihood of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M


Irish Offshore


Table 9.2 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Chemical and Physical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Seismic Activities impact should a spill occur remains the same.

Uncertainties Data on the risk of spillages from vessel collisions includes multiple assumptions.

Data on vessel numbers, density and time spent on the water has not been obtained.

The data is based on UKCS vessel statistics and are not specific to Irish waters.

Therefore the probability of spillages from vessels has not been able to be calculated.

As stated above it is highly unlikely that unplanned, large scale (>10m3) releases of marine fuel oils would occur other than as a result of grounding or collision events. So, whilst the above table identifies minor, negative effects from such events adherence to normal conventions on vessel safety and design would apply reducing the risk to a very low level with site specific factors being important.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 The following significant negative effect on water quality is predicted:

Spillages from vessels into Vulnerable Areas could result in minor and major negative effects.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 The following significant negative effect on water quality is predicted:

Spillages from vessels into Vulnerable Areas could result in minor and major negative effects.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects The following significant negative cumulative effect is predicted with regards to sediments:

Potential cumulative effects could result from large scale releases of fuel oil. Any cumulative incidents would be likely to result in more extensive contamination to sediments than a single incident in isolation.

9.2.3 Social and Economic Aspects Table 9.3 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Social and Economic Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Seismic Activities


Fisheries

Mariculture



Human Health




Certainty



Table 9.3 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Social and Economic Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Seismic Activities

Fisheries The risk of interaction or collision with another vessel in the IOSEA 5 study area is considered to be low throughout, but relatively higher in the busier areas such as the Irish Sea and areas of more intensive vessel activity such the Atlantic off south and central west Ireland.

However, the increase in offshore traffic due to seismic survey work resulting from the draft Plan would represent a very small increase to vessel traffic.

No Option 2 assessment required

Opt

ion

1

0 N/A M

Mariculture

Quantities of oil spilled into the marine environment during seismic surveys are expected to be low in all but a worst case scenario involving vessel collision. Effects to mariculture from such accidental events are considered to be minimal unless such incidents occur in coastal areas.

Opt

ion

1 0 offshore

- coastal waters

R L O

ptio

n 2

0 N/A L

Economy and Material Assets With increased vessels for seismic surveys the spatial scope for safety risks, e.g. collisions and interference or navigational conflicts for commercial ships, energy infrastructure etc., is increased. Although the likelihood is low, even after mitigation, the potential effects remain as a major negative.

Opt

ion

1 --

R

M

Opt

ion

2

--

R

M

Recreation and Tourism With increased vessels for seismic surveys the spatial scope for safety risks, e.g. collisions and interference or navigational conflicts for recreation and tourism operations in the marine e.g. boating, sailing, diving etc., is increased. Although the likelihood is low the potential effects remain as a major negative.

Opt

ion

1 --

R

H

Opt

ion

2

-- R

H

Human Health Seismic survey is likely to increase the number of vessels within the IOSEA 5 study area by a maximum of 12 each year (see Chapter 2, section 2,3). This is an insignificant number compared to existing vessel activity. Although the likelihood is low, even after mitigation, the potential effects remain as a major negative.

Opt

ion

1 --

IR

M

Opt

ion

2

--

IR

M


Irish Offshore


Table 9.3 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Social and Economic Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Seismic Activities




Certainty

Fisheries None anticipated


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Mariculture None anticipated


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Human Health It is uncertain in what way the exploration activities would continue after 2020. Therefore, for both Options 1 and 2, an uncertain effect is recorded in respect of likely changes as a result of the draft Plan after 2020. However, for Option 2, where mitigation is in place, the significance of an effect is likely to be neutral, as above.

Opt

ion

1 ? IR L

Opt

ion

2 ? IR L

Transboundary effects Significance of change


Certainty



Opt

ion

1

0 n/a H

Mariculture Potential for transboundary effects for mariculture operations at Carlingford Lough, which lies immediately adjacent to the IOSEA 5 study area, and where oyster and mussel cultivation occurs on both southern (Irish) and northern (Northern Irish) shores. However, the degree of activity predicted to take place under the draft Plan, particularly when set against the oil and gas activity already taking place in Irish and UK offshore waters, is small.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M

Human Health The risk of collision between seismic survey vessels and other vessels from other states traversing the IOSEA 5 study area is considered to be low for both Options 1 and

Opt

ion

1 O

ptio

n 2

--

IR

M



Table 9.3 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Social and Economic Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Seismic Activities 2. However, for Option 1, the significance of collisions is potentially major negative. Although the likelihood is low, even after mitigation, the potential effects remain as a major negative. O

ptio

n 2

--

IR

M

Cumulative effects Significance of change


Certainty



Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Mariculture Statistics for accidental events indicate that spills and releases from seismic survey are minor and there are control measures in place for clean-up and limiting cumulative effects.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M

Human Health It is considered unlikely that other developments will increase vessel movements significantly. The majority of vessels within the IOSEA 5 study area are assumed to be commercial shipping, ferries, and fishing vessels. Commercial shipping and fishing activity is not expected to alter significantly between 2015 and 2020. A potential cumulative effect is therefore not identified and an Option 2 has not been assessed.

Opt

ion

1

0 IR M

Uncertainties Potential increases in vessels within the IOSEA 5 study area as a result of other developments such as offshore wind and wave.

Predicted changes in shipping activity within the IOSEA 5 study area have been assumed to be minor.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 The following significant negative effects on economic and social aspects has been identified:

Effects on the economy from vessel collisions and interference or navigational conflicts for commercial ships, energy infrastructure etc.

Effects on recreation and tourism from vessel collisions;

Effects on human health due to vessel collision.


Irish Offshore


Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 The following significant negative effect on economic and social aspects has been identified:

Effects on the economy from vessel collisions and interference or navigational conflicts for commercial ships, energy infrastructure etc.

Effects on recreation and tourism from vessel collisions;


Cumulative and Transboundary Effects The following significant negative transboundary effect is predicted with regards to economic and social aspects:

The effect on human health with regard to risk of collision between seismic survey vessels and other vessels from other states traversing the IOSEA 5 study area. For Option 1, the significance of collisions is potentially major negative. Although the likelihood is low, even after mitigation, the potential effects remain as a major negative for Option 2.

9.3 Accidental Events Associated with Drilling Activities

9.3.1 Ecology Table 9.4 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Ecology from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling Activities


Plankton

Benthos

Fish and Shellfish

Marine Reptiles

Seabirds

Marine Mammals




Certainty

Plankton

The worst case scenario considered is a large scale blowout which, although highly unlikely to occur, would be expected to result in significant adverse effects to plankton receptors. Effects would be expected to be greatest near the coast if the blowout occurred or a slick reached such areas. In addition to direct effects, e.g. from loss of phytoplankton production through reduced light penetration, there is potential for toxic effects from large volumes of dispersants if these are required. Other events would be orders of magnitude smaller and no significant effects are expected. Mitigation can reduce likelihood of effects but the potential for major effects remains.

Opt

ion

1 - - (blowout)

0 (other events)

R L

Opt

ion

2 - - (blowout)

0 (other events)

R L



Table 9.4 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Ecology from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling Activities

Benthos The likelihood of effects, especially major effects, occuring is considered to be low.

Effects on the benthos include acute toxicity and possible organic enrichment. Offshore effects are likely to be minimal, but, the possibility of widescale contamination of deep sea sediments, with possible damaging effects on deep sea communities, cannot be completely ruled out. Shallow inshore areas and the shoreline are susceptible to heavy mortalities if coated with fresh crude oil.

Recovery times are variable, and may be in the region of 1 to 10+ years. Recovery times in deeper habitats may be longer, particularly following major effects.

Overall effects are considered likely to be up to Minor negative, but with potential for Major Negative effects, albeit with very low likelihood of occurrence. Mitigation can reduce likelihood of effects but the potential for major effects remains

Opt

ion

1

up to -- (very low

likelihood) R L

Opt

ion

2

up to -- (very low

likelihood) R L

Fish and Shellfish

The worst case scenario considered is a large scale blowout which, although highly unlikely to occur, would be expected to result in significant adverse effects to fish and shellfish receptors. Effects would be expected to be greatest near the coast if the blowout occurred or a slick reached such areas. Other events would be orders of magnitude smaller and no significant effects are expected.

Opt

ion

1 - - (blowout)

0 (other events)

R L

Opt

ion

2 - - (blowout)

0 (other events)

R L

Marine Reptiles When considering low densities of marine turtles in the IOSEA 5 study area, absence of nesting sites, the low likelihood of a large scale blowout occurring and the rapid dispersal of a smaller spill, with appropriate mitigation, the effects associated with a drilling related accidental event would have the potential for a Minor Negative Effect on marine turtles in the IOSEA 5 study area.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M

Seabirds A spill of hydrocarbons owing to blowout, bunkering failure or pipeline leak is the worst event as a result of the listed activities with respect to seabirds. There is the possibility of high mortality from spilled oil depending on the time of year and weather conditions at the time of spill.

Opt

ion

1

- - R H

Opt

ion

2

- - R H


Irish Offshore



Marine Mammals The worst case scenario considered is a large scale blowout which, although highly unlikely to occur, would be expected to result in significant adverse effects to marine mammal receptors. Effects would be expected to be greatest near the coast if the blowout occurred or a slick reached such areas. Other events would be orders of magnitude smaller and no significant effects are expected.

Opt

ion

1

- - R M

Opt

ion

2

- - R M




Certainty

Plankton A blowout could occur during exploration which, if a major oil spill, could have long term consequences for plankton (recovery taking several years and potentially longer). This only relates to a major blowout which is a very low likelihood event.

Opt

ion

1 - - (blowout)

0 (other events)

R L O

ptio

n 2 - - (blowout)

0 (other events)

R L

Benthos A blowout could occur during exploration which, if a major oil spill, could have long term consequences for the benthos (recovery taking several years and potentially longer). This only relates to a major blowout which is a very low likelihood event.

Opt

ion

1 - - (blowout)

0 (other events)

R L

Opt

ion

2 - - (blowout)

0 (other events)

R L

Fish and Shellfish A blowout could occur during exploration which, if a major oil spill, could have long term consequences for fish and shellfish (recovery taking several years and potentially longer). This only relates to a major blowout which is a very low likelihood event.

Opt

ion

1 - - (blowout)

0 (other events)

R L

Opt

ion

2 - - (blowout)

0 (other events)

R L

Marine Reptiles When considering low densities of marine turtles in the IOSEA 5 study area, absence of nesting sites, the low likelihood of a large scale blowout occurring and the rapid dispersal of a smaller spill, with appropriate mitigation, the effects associated with a drilling related accidental event would have the potential for a Minor Negative Effect on marine turtles in the IOSEA 5 study area in the long term.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M




Seabirds A blowout could occur during exploration which, if a major oil spill, could have long term direct and indirect consequences for seabirds (recovery taking several years and potentially longer). This only relates to a major blowout which is a very low likelihood event.

Opt

ion

1

-- R M

Opt

ion

2

-- R M

Marine Mammals A blowout could occur during exploration which, if a major oil spill, could have long term direct and indirect consequences for marine mammals (recovery taking several years and potentially longer). This only relates to a major blowout which is a very low likelihood event.

Opt

ion

1

-- R M

Opt

ion

2

-- R M



Certainty

Plankton A major well blowout could produce sufficient volumes of oil for transboundary effects to occur with potential for significant adverse effects for plankton receptors if a slick spread to neighbouring countries.

Opt

ion

1

- - R L

Opt

ion

2

- - R L

Benthos Clearly, if there was a major incident, then there is potential for major negative effects over a wide area of adjacent seabed, covering many similar habitats and communities as exist inside Irish waters.

Opt

ion

1

-- R H

Opt

ion

2

-- R H

Fish and Shellfish A major well blowout could produce sufficient volumes of oil for transboundary effects to occur with potential for significant adverse effects.

Opt

ion

1

- - R L

Opt

ion

2


Irish Offshore



Marine reptiles When considering the low densities of marine turtles in the north east Atlantic region, absence of nesting sites, the low likelihood of a large scale blowout occurring and the rapid dispersal of a smaller spill, the effects associated with a drilling related accidental event would be considered to have the potential for a minor negative transboundary effect on marine turtles.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M

Seabirds Depending on the time of year and prevailing weather conditions, spilled hydrocarbon from a blowout, bunkering failure or leak from a pipeline has the potential to affect waters and coasts important to seabirds beyond the IOSEA 5 study area.

Opt

ion

1 - - R H

Opt

ion

2 - - R H

Marine Mammals A major well blowout could produce sufficient volumes of oil for transboundary effects to occur with potential for significant adverse effects.

Opt

ion

1

- - R L

Opt

ion

2

- - R L



Certainty

Plankton It is highly unlikely that volumes of material from other events (e.g. flowline losses) would be sufficient or close enough to other activities for effects to combine. Natural processes would be expected to serve to disperse smaller scale spills from rigs or related vessels.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M




Benthos If there was a major incident, then there is potential for major negative effects over a wide area of adjacent seabed, with potential for cumulative effects with many ongoing effects, notably physical effects from fishing. Overall, however, taking into account the low likelihood of major incidents occurring, the risk of significant cumulative effects from accidental events is likely to be Neutral


Opt

ion

1

0 R H

Fish and Shellfish

It is highly unlikely that volumes of material from other events (e.g. flowline losses) would be sufficient or close enough to other activities for effects to combine. Natural processes would be expected to serve to disperse smaller scale spills from rigs or related vessels.

Opt

ion

1 0 n/a M

Marine reptiles If there was a major incident, then there is potential for major negative effects over a wide area, with potential for cumulative effects with many ongoing effects. Overall, however, taking into account the low likelihood of major incidents occurring, the risk of significant cumulative effects from accidental events is likely to be Neutral.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Seabirds There are thousands of small spills of hydrocarbon annually in European waters (Camphuysen, 2007) which cumulatively affect large numbers of seabirds. A high proportion of dead auks and gulls that wash up on Europe’s shores are oiled and any spills of hydrocarbon during drilling operations have the potential to add to the overall impact. However, taking into account the low likelihood of major incidents occurring, the risk of significant cumulative effects from accidental events is likely to be Neutral


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M


Irish Offshore



Marine Mammals If there was a major incident, then there is potential for major negative effects over a wide area, with potential for cumulative effects with many ongoing effects. Overall, however, taking into account the low likelihood of major incidents occurring, the risk of significant cumulative effects from accidental events associated with drilling activities of the draft Plan is likely to be Neutral.


Opt

ion

1

0 n/a M

Uncertainties Plankton: There is considerable uncertainty about the nature of any blowout event and subsequent behaviour of oil in the marine environment. For the purposes of SEA it has been assumed that a slick could potentially enter more sensitive coastal waters; however, modelling at EIA level would be appropriate to develop suitable control and emergency response procedures on a project by project basis. The sensitivity of plankton receptors to any major oil spill is also the subject of a high level of uncertainty since a complex range of factors including the timing of any spill, planktonic communities present and sea conditions would combine to influence the resultant effect. Relatively precautionary assumptions have been made here about the likely magnitude of effects.

Benthos: Knowledge of the likely fate of a major oil spill limits ability to accurately assess potential effects for benthos. Further details are included in the water quality section (Annex D, Section 9). Some potential effects are highly unlikely to occur but could be potentially very damaging if they did (major spills/blowouts, landslides triggered by underwater noise) which causes difficulty in assessing effects.

Fish and shellfish: Knowledge of the likely fate of a major oil spill limits ability to accurately assess potential effects for fish and shellfish. Further details are included in the water quality section (Annex D, Section 9).

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 Potential significant effects resulting from accidental events on ecology are:

Major negative effects on plankton from a large scale well blowout;

Major negative effects on benthos from an accidental event including acute toxicity and possible organic enrichment;

Major negative effects on fish and shellfish from a large scale well blowout;

Major negative effects on sea birds from a spill of hydrocarbons owing to blowout, bunkering failure or pipeline leak; and

Major negative effects on marine mammals from a large scale well blowout.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 Potential significant effects resulting from accidental events on ecology are:

Major negative effects on plankton from a large scale well blowout;

Major negative effects on benthos from an accidental event including acute toxicity and possible organic enrichment;

Major negative effects on fish and shellfish from a large scale well blowout;



Major negative effects on sea birds from a spill of hydrocarbons owing to blowout, bunkering failure or pipeline leak; and

Major negative effects on marine mammals from a large scale well blowout.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects Potential significant transboundary effects resulting from accidental events on ecology are:

Major negative transboundary effects on plankton from a major well blowout;

Major negative transboundary effects on benthos from a major incident;

Major negative transboundary effects on fish and shellfish from a major well blowout;

Major negative transboundary effects on sea birds from spilled hydrocarbons from a well blowout; and

Major negative transboundary effects on marine mammals from a major well blowout.

No potential cumulative effects have been identified.

9.3.2 Physical and Chemical Aspects Table 9.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Physical and Chemical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling


Seascape, Landscape and Visual Amenity


Sediments and Ocean Circulation

Water Quality




Certainty

Seascape, Landscape and Visual Amenity Accidental events such as blow outs and spillages The potential for an accidental event to contribute to a significant effect is relatively minimal due to the extent of the IOSEA 5 study area, the number and duration of the wells being drilled, the likelihood of an event occurring and the generally small scale of any spillages or accidental releases. However, where accidental events occur, such as major blowouts or minor spillages, these would have the potential to result in effects to the seascape, landscape or visual receptors identified within the assessment. Depending on the location, nature, scale and extent of the accidental event the magnitude of change and resulting effect would vary, but providing for a worst case scenario the magnitude of change would be High resulting in major negative effects.

As proposed mitigation in relation to seascape, landscape and visual matters is limited to further, more detailed assessment and generalisations

Opt

ion

1

Ranging from 0 to - -

R M

Opt

ion

2


R M


Irish Offshore


Table 9.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Physical and Chemical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling about the potential locations of rigs, there is no change to the levels of effect for ‘Option 2’.

Marine Heritage and Archaeology Accidental events such as blow outs and spillages Accidental events such a major blowouts, or minor spillages may result in effects to historic wreck and heritage sites on the seabed. Buried archaeological deposits and landscapes should remain unaffected. Collated data indicates that the likelihood of a major blowout is very low, and that spillages and accidental releases are normally of a low magnitude. Should blow outs or spillages occur in close proximity to archaeological sites damage will be permanent and irreversible, however any alterations to baseline conditions are anticipated to be of limited significance. As such, and assuming the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures should any events occur, a neutral effect to archaeological receptors from accidental events during drilling activities is anticipated.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

0 N/A M

Sediments and Ocean Circulation Accidental releases from vessels Any accidental releases from vessels is likely to be of a small volume (<1 tonne) but the potential for larger spills to occur is possible. An accidental release from a vessel of any significant scale is considered to be extremely unlikely but major significant effects could result if one were to occur even with mitigation incorporated.

Opt

ion

1

Up to - - R M

Opt

ion

2

Up to - - R M

Sediments and Ocean Circulation Accidental releases from drilling activities As per the potential for accidental releases from vessels predicted releases from drilling activities is considered to be low, especially in relation to larger volume spills. However, if a large scale release did occur the potential effects could be of major significance even with mitigation incorporated.

Opt

ion

1

- - R M

Opt

ion

2

- - R M

Water Quality Spillages occurring from a vessel or a vessel colliding with a drilling installation into a Less Vulnerable Area Likely effects of vessel collisions with other vessels or external structures are discussed in seismic operation. This assessment also considered data on the risk of vessel collisions with Gas and Oil

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M



Table 9.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Physical and Chemical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling installations. By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Table D9.9, the likelihood of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the impact should a spill occur remains the same.

Water Quality Spillages occurring from a vessel or vessel colliding with a drilling installation into a Vulnerable Area Likely effects of vessel collisions with other vessels or external structures are discussed in seismic operation. This assessment also considered data on the risk of vessel collisions with Gas and Oil installations. By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Chapter 9, the likelihood of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the impact should a spill occur remains the same.

Opt

ion

1

Ranging from -to - -

R M

Opt

ion

2

Ranging from -to - -

R M

Water Quality Spillages occurring during drilling event (discharge of oil/chemicals) (small scale event) all regions Records for the UKCS region and Ireland suggest small scale events (<1 tonne) occur at a rate of between 0.8 and 2.5 per installation per year (oil and chemicals). Therefore, it is highly likely multiple events on this scale will occur over the 5 year framework. Records suggest discharges most frequently occur for chemicals with a low hazard classification. The consequences to water quality and associated indirect effects are likely short term. By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Table D9.9, the likelihood of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the impact should a spill occur remains the same. The consequences of such events are unlikely to vary significantly by region.

Opt

ion

1

- R H

Opt

ion

2

- R H

Water Quality Spillages occurring during drilling (discharge of oil) (medium scale event) in Less Vulnerable Areas. Records for the UKCS region suggest medium scale events (>1 tonne, but excluding very high volume discharges on the scale of Deep Water Horizon or equivalent) occur at a rate of 0.07 per installation per year (oil and chemicals) ((Oil and Gas, 2014; OSPAR, 2014). ). A potential scenario on this scale may include well blow outs. It is possible an event on this scale will occur over the

Opt

ion

1

- R M


Irish Offshore


Table 9.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Physical and Chemical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling 5 year framework. Records suggest discharges most frequently occur for chemicals with a low hazard classification. In Less Vulnerable Areas these chemicals/oils are likely to disperse and break down rapidly. The consequences to water quality and associated indirect effects are likely to be short term to medium term (potentially longer and more severe than small scale spills). By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Chapter 9, the likelihood of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the impact should a spill occur remains the same.

Opt

ion

2

- R M

Water Quality Spillages occurring during drilling (discharge of oil) (medium scale event) in Vulnerable Areas. Records for the UKCS region suggest medium scale events (>1 tonne, but excluding very high volume discharges on the scale of Deep Water Horizon or equivalent) occur at a rate of 0.07 per installation per year (oil and chemicals). A potential scenario on this scale may include blow outs during production operations; however, these are generally able to be controlled within a relatively short period of time. Therefore, it is possible an event on this scale will occur over the 5 year framework. Records suggest discharges most frequently occur for chemicals with a low hazard classification. In Vulnerable Areas these chemicals/oils may take a long time to be dispersed and diluted, they may not be subject to strong physical breakdown and may be in close proximity to vulnerable habitats such as coastal areas. The consequences to water quality and associated indirect effects are likely to be short term to medium term (potentially longer and more severe than small scale spills). By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Chapter 9, the likelihood of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the impact should a spill occur remains the same.

Opt

ion

1

- - R M

Opt

ion

2

- - R M




Certainty

Marine Heritage and Archaeology Accidental events such as blow outs and spillages

Opt

ion

1

- IR M



Table 9.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Physical and Chemical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling Accidental events during drilling activities have potential to result in effects to archaeological receptors in the shorter term. Development activities post 2020 are currently unknown, however effects should they occur will all permanent and irreversible. In the longer term and beyond the proposed Plan period to 2020, baseline conditions may be altered without mitigation. However, with the implementation of appropriate mitigation for individual receptors and specific projects, any residual cumulative effects are likely to be insignificant, and therefore a neutral effect may be anticipated.

Opt

ion

2

0 N/A M

Accidental releases (from vessels) Accidental releases from vessels Any accidental releases from vessels is likely to be of a small volume (<1 tonne) but the potential for larger spills to occur is possible. Whilst unlikely effects could be long-term and of up to major significance.

Opt

ion

1

Up to - - R M

Opt

ion

2 Up to - - R M

Sediments and Ocean Circulation Accidental releases from drilling activities As per the potential for accidental releases from vessels predicted releases from drilling activities is considered to be low, especially in relation to larger volume spills. However, if a large scale release did occur the potential effects could be of major significance even with mitigation incorporated in the long-term.

Opt

ion

1

- - R M

Opt

ion

2

- - R M

Seascape, Landscape and Visual Amenity Accidental events such as blow outs and spillages It is considered that with current regulations and remedial measures any impact would be reversible in the long term. Therefore there would be no change in the long term.


Opt

ion

1

N/A N/A M

Water Quality Occurring during drilling (large scale) in Vulnerable and Less Vulnerable Areas. In the event of a large scale well blowout, large volumes of crude oil may be spilled. A probability of such an event has been estimated at 1 in 10,000; therefore the likelihoods of this occurring is very low. However, a ‘Major Negative Effect’ may be expected for water quality and may continue in the long term, potentially decades. Long term indirect effects on associated receptors, such as

Opt

ion

1

- - R M

Opt

ion

2

- - R M


Irish Offshore


Table 9.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Physical and Chemical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling biodiversity, mariculture, human health and the economy would be expected. In Vulnerable areas, dispersion, dilution and breakdown of oil is likely to be less than in Less Vulnerable Areas and therefore the recovery process is expected to take even longer. By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Table D9.9, the likelihood of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the impact should a spill occur remains the same.



Certainty

Sediments and Ocean Circulation Accidental releases from vessels

Any accidental releases from vessels is likely to be of a small volume (<1 tonne) but the potential for larger spills to occur is possible. Transboundary effects are possible for larger scale releases dependant on incident location and the prevailing environmental conditions.

Opt

ion

1

Up to - - R M

Opt

ion

2

Up to - - R M

Sediments and Ocean Circulation Accidental releases from drilling activities As per the potential for accidental releases from vessels predicted releases from drilling activities is considered to be low, especially in relation to larger volume spills. Taking in to account the level of activity proposed in the draft Plan timeframe, the size of the area under consideration (and therefore the distance to other jurisdictions) and the unlikely nature of spills (especially at larger volumes) a transboundary effect is predicted of up to major scale.

Opt

ion

1

Up to - - R M

Opt

ion

2

Up to - - R M

Seascape, Landscape and Visual Amenity Accidental events such as blow outs and spillages Trans-boundary effects are most likely to occur if accidental events occur along the IOSEA 5 boundaries in the Celtic and Irish Sea. The potential for an accidental event to contribute to a significant effect is relatively minimal due to the extent of the IOSEA 5 study area, the number and duration of the wells being drilled, the likelihood of an event occurring and the generally small scale of any spillages or accidental releases. However, where accidental events occur, such as major blowouts or minor spillages, these would have the potential to result in effects to the seascape, landscape or visual receptors identified within the assessment. Depending on the location, nature, scale and extent of the accidental event the

Opt

ion

1


R M

Opt

ion

2


R M



Table 9.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Physical and Chemical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling magnitude of change and resulting effect would vary, but providing for a worst case scenario the magnitude of change would be High resulting in major negative effects.


Marine Heritage and Archaeology Accidental events such as blow outs and spillages Accidental events from well blow outs or spillages may have potential to impact upon archaeological receptors where these impact upon sites within an adjacent EEA state. However, the likelihood of either of such a scenario occurring is considered to be low; any effects on archaeological sites will likely be of limited significance and therefore a neutral effect is anticipated.


Opt

ion

1 0 N/A M

Water Quality Discharge from vessel into the Irish and Celtic Sea Likely effects as discussed in seismic operation (Table 7.13)

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M

Water Quality Occurring during drilling (discharge of oil, chemicals) (medium and large scale events) – Irish and Celtic Sea In the event of a well blowout, crude oil may be spilled (at either a medium or large scale). See previous discussion on the probability of these events. A major ‘Major Negative Effect’ may be expected for water quality, with effects expected for years. Longer term indirect effects on associated receptors, such as biodiversity may be expected. Trans-boundary effects are most likely to occur if accidental events occur along the boundaries of the draft Plan in the Celtic and Irish Sea. These effects could affect UK waters such as, the Bristol Channel, Cardigan Bay and those around the Isle of Man.

By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Chapter 10, the likelihood

Opt

ion

1

- - R M

Opt

ion

2

- - R M


Irish Offshore


Table 9.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Physical and Chemical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the impact should a spill occur remains the same.



Certainty

Marine Heritage and Archaeology Cumulative effects from Plan activities may arise from accidental events during drilling and a range of other offshore developments where such activities result in direct or indirect seabed effects. More precise information on the location of these various development activities is currently unknown. Cumulative effects where they occur are likely to be permanent and irreversible. Project specific mitigation measures will reduce the significance of any effects and residual effects are anticipated to be negligible.

Opt

ion

1

- IR M

Opt

ion

2

0 n/a M

Seascape, Landscape and Visual Amenity Cumulative effects could arise where accidental events occur at multiple oil and gas installations located in proximity to one another, although the likelihood of this scenario occurring is very low. The magnitude of cumulative change and resulting effect would vary depending on the nature, scale, extent and interrelation of the accidental events. However, in providing for a worst case scenario of multiple major blowouts the magnitude of cumulative change would be High resulting in major negative effects.


Opt

ion

1


R M

Opt

ion

2


R M

Water Quality Discharge from vessel (Vulnerable Areas) Likely effects as discussed in seismic operation (Table 7.13)

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M

Water Quality Occurring during drilling (discharge of oil, chemicals) (medium and large scale events) Less Vulnerable Area In the event of a well blowout, crude oil may be spilled (at either a medium or large scale). See previous discussion on the probability of these

Opt

ion

1

- R M



Table 9.5 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Physical and Chemical Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling events and the potential consequences for Less Vulnerable Areas.

Cumulative effects could arise where multiple Oil and Gas installations are placed in close proximity, (although the probability of this is very low). Cumulative effects from other industries could arise due to accidental spills from vessels used, e.g. fishing vessels or construction vessels.


Opt

ion

2

- R M

Water Quality Occurring during drilling (discharge of oil, chemicals) (medium and large scale events) Vulnerable Area In the event of a well blowout, crude oil may be spilled (at either a medium or large scale). See previous discussion on the probability of these events and the potential consequences for Vulnerable Areas (VAs).

Cumulative effects could arise where multiple Oil and Gas installations are placed in close proximity, (although the probability of this is very low). Cumulative effects from other industries could arise due to accidental spills from vessels used, e.g. fishing vessels or construction vessels. By putting in place appropriate mitigation measures as detailed in Chapter 10, the likelihood of the events occurring will be reduced, however the significance of the impact should a spill occur remains the same.

Opt

ion

1 - - R M

Opt

ion

2

- - R M

Uncertainties The probability of accidental events resulting in the discharge of oil and chemicals may vary between exploratory and production drilling.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 Potential significant effects resulting from accidental events on physical and chemical aspects are:

Seascape, Landscape and Visual Amenity: where accidental events occur, such as major blowouts or minor spillages, these would have the potential to result in major negative effects to the seascape, landscape or visual receptors identified within the assessment. Short term and long term effects.

Sediments and Ocean Circulation: if a large scale release did occur from drilling or vessels the potential effects from an accidental release of contaminants could be of major significance even with mitigation incorporated.


Irish Offshore


Water quality: major negative effects to water quality from vessel collisions with other vessels or external structures (e.g. drilling rigs).

Water quality: potential major negative effects on water quality from an accidental event occurring during drilling (discharge of oil) (large and medium scale event) in Vulnerable Areas.

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 Potential significant effects resulting from accidental events on physical and chemical aspects are:

Seascape, Landscape and Visual Amenity: where accidental events occur, such as major blowouts or minor spillages, these would have the potential to result in major negative effects to the seascape, landscape or visual receptors identified within the assessment. Short term and long term effects.

Sediments and Ocean Circulation: if a large scale release did occur from drilling or vessels the potential effects from an accidental release of contaminants could be of major significance even with mitigation incorporated.

Water quality: major negative effects to water quality from vessel collisions with other vessels or external structures (e.g. drilling rigs).

Water quality: potential major negative effects on water quality from an accidental event occurring during drilling (discharge of oil) (large and medium scale event) in Vulnerable Areas.

Cumulative and Transboundary Effects Sediment and Ocean Circulation: potential for accidental releases from drilling vessels

resulting in major negative transboundary effects. Options 1 and 2.

Seascape, landscape and visual amenity: potential major negative transboundary effects from spillages or blowouts. Options 1 and 2.

Water quality: Potential major negative transboundary effects on water quality occurring during drilling (discharge of oil, chemicals) (medium and large scale events) in the Irish and Celtic Sea. Options 1 and 2.

Seascape, Landscape and Visual Amenity: Cumulative effects could arise where accidental events occur at multiple oil and gas installations located in proximity to one another. Options 1 and 2.

Water quality: Occurring during drilling (discharge of oil, chemicals) (medium and large scale events) Vulnerable Area. Cumulative effects could arise where multiple Oil and Gas installations are placed in close proximity, (although the probability of this is very low).

9.3.3 Social and Economic Aspects Table 9.6 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Social and Economic Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling Activities


Fisheries


Mariculture




Table 9.6 Summary Assessment Table: Effects on Social and Economic Aspects from Accidental Events Associated with Drilling Activities

Human Health




Certainty

Fisheries Fish exposed to oil may become tainted by oil-derived substances. Fin-fish rarely become tainted in the open environment, as they are able to avoid the affected area. The worst tainting problems may arise with fish, crustaceans, molluscs and algae in aquaculture facilities such as fish cages and, in the case of shellfish, in intertidal beds.

Opt

ion

1 -- (blow-out)

0 (other events)

R L

Opt

ion

2 -- (blow-out)

0 (other events)

R L

Mariculture Oil contamination (with or without the addition of dispersants) of seawater supplies could potentially be extremely detrimental to any hatchery operations or intensive culture operations, whether for shellfish, finfish or seaweeds, which usually depend upon very high water quality. Effects would be exacerbated in coastal waters and areas with high densities of mariculture operations

Opt

ion

1

- - R L

Opt

ion

2

- - R L

Recreation and Tourism With increased vessels and rigs for drilling the scope for risks, e.g. interference or spills as an impact on recreation and tourism operations in the marine e.g. boating, sailing, diving etc., is increased. Although the likelihood is low, the potential effects remain as a major negative, should an accidental event occur.

Opt

ion

1

-- R M

Opt

ion

2

- - R M

Human Health The draft Plan proposes a maximum of10 temporary wells being active each year. Based on data from the North Sea, it has been assumed that the collision frequency between passing vessels and supply vessels will be between 0.0022 and 0.046 events per installation per year. The risk of collisions is therefore considered to be low although the significance of a collision in Option 1 is considered to be potentially major negative, should a collision occur. Although the likelihood is low, even after mitigation, the potential effects remain as a major negative.

Opt

ion

1

-- IR M

Opt

ion

2

- - IR M


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Certainty

Fisheries

A blowout could occur during the production phase (equivalent impact to an event during the Plan) while recovery from the effects of a major oil spill would be expected to take several years and potentially longer.

Opt

ion

1 - -(blowout)

0 (other events)

R L

Opt

ion

2 - -(blowout)

0 (other events)

R L

Mariculture Hydrocarbon contaminants could potentially be released in very large volumes in the case of a major collision, or a well blowout leading to catastrophic loss of control of well pressure and uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons. A large scale collision or blowout is therefore considered to represent a possible Major Negative Effect in the worst case scenario. Effects would be exacerbated in coastal waters and areas with high densities of mariculture operations.

Opt

ion

1 - - R H

Opt

ion

2

- - R H

Human Health It is uncertain in what way the exploration activities would continue after 2020. Therefore, for both Options 1 and 2, an uncertain effect is recorded in respect of likely changes as a result of the draft Plan after 2020.

Opt

ion

1 ? IR L

Opt

ion

2 ? IR L

Transboundary effects Significance of change


Certainty

Mariculture Potential for transboundary effects for mariculture operations at Carlingford Lough, which lies immediately adjacent to the IOSEA 5 study area, and where oyster and mussel cultivation occurs on both southern (Irish) and northern (Northern Irish) shores. However, the degree of activity predicted to take place under the draft Plan, particularly when set against the oil and gas activity already taking place in Irish and UK offshore waters, is small.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M




Human Health Collision with drilling rigs could potentially affect shipping from other states. The risk of collision between rigs and supply vessels and with other vessels traversing the IOSEA 5 study area is considered to be low in Option 2 due to the safety systems in place and the low frequency of risk described in Table 5.1 in Annex D. However, for Option 1, the significance of collisions is potentially major negative. Although the likelihood is low, even after mitigation, the potential effects remain as a major negative.

Opt

ion

1

- -

IR

M

Opt

ion

2

- -

IR

M

Cumulative effects Significance of change


Certainty

Mariculture

Statistics for accidental events indicate that spills and releases from exploration drilling are minor and there are control measures in place for clean-up and limiting cumulative effects.

Opt

ion

1

- R M

Opt

ion

2

- R M

Human Health There is potential for the addition of up to 10 wells per year, together with the two existing production platforms within the IOSEA 5 study area. However, these are included within the assumptions about risk of collision identified within the assessments above. No cumulative effect is therefore recorded.

Opt

ion

1

0 IR M

Uncertainties Possible future mariculture developments, for example finfish culture off the south or east coasts, in areas further offshore which may have more interaction with operations.

The risk of collision between drilling rigs and supply vessel and drilling rigs and other vessels in the IOSEA 5 study area has been extrapolated from collision frequency data for the North Sea. However, this is considered to be an overestimation as it is assumed that the exposure to collision risk would be less within the IOSEA 5 study area compared to the North Sea (see Table 5.1).

Summary of Significant Effects - Option 1 Potential significant effects resulting from accidental events on social and economic aspects are:

Effects on fish exposed to oil. These fish may become tainted by oil-derived substances with the risk being highest in fish, crustaceans, molluscs and algae in aquaculture facilities such as fish cages and, in the case of shellfish, in intertidal beds.


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Effects on hatchery operations or intensive culture operations from oil contamination. Effects would be exacerbated in coastal waters and areas with high densities of mariculture operations.

Effects on recreation and tourism from spills. Although the likelihood is low, the potential effects remain as a major negative, should an accidental event occur.


Summary of Significant Effects - Option 2 Potential significant effects resulting from accidental events on social and economic aspects are:

Effects on fish exposed to oil. These fish may become tainted by oil-derived substances with the risk being highest in fish, crustaceans, molluscs and algae in aquaculture facilities such as fish cages and, in the case of shellfish, in intertidal beds.

Effects on hatchery operations or intensive culture operations from oil contamination. Effects would be exacerbated in coastal waters and areas with high densities of mariculture operations.

Effects on recreation and tourism from spills. Although the likelihood is low, the potential effects remain as a major negative, should an accidental event occur.


Cumulative and Transboundary Effects The potential transboundary effects that have been identified are:

The effects on human health from collision with drilling rigs could potentially affect shipping from other states.


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10 Proposed Mitigation and Draft Monitoring Plan 10.1 Introduction Sections 7, 8 and 9 identify the potential significant environmental effects associated with the activities proposed under the draft Plan, for both alternative options 1 and 2 (see section 3.3.1). In order to undertake the assessment of option 2, the mitigation proposed to address the potentially significant effects identified within the assessment of option 1 has been taken into account. This chapter presents the proposed mitigation measures, and provides a draft monitoring plan. It is structured as follows:

The standard operating procedures which must be observed during all seismic and drilling operations are listed in section 10.2;

The mitigation measures proposed in relation to identified significant effects are listed in section 10.3, with further detail provided in Annex G;

Measures proposed in relation to non-significant effects are presented as enhancement measures, within Annex G; and

A draft monitoring plan is presented in section 10.5.

10.2 Mitigation: Standard Operating Procedures The procedures presented in Table 10.1 are implemented as standard practice for all seismic and drilling operations. These are taken from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Rules and Procedures Manual.

Table 10.1: Standard Operating Procedures

General Requirements:

In accordance with the updated version of the Rules and Procedures Manual, an Application for Approval is to be submitted to DCENR 8 weeks in advance of the planned commencement date of any activity.

The Application for Approval should be accompanied by a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and an Environmental Statement, assessing the potential environmental effects of activities in a specific location.

Cumulative effects must be considered within the EIA and permitting process and in line with requirements of the EIA Directive (2011/92/EU) and implementing regulations. Such assessment will require knowledge of other similar activities and DCENR/PAD should provide any information available on other basin wide projects/proposals to each project proponent in order for such an assessment to take place.

Compliance with all international and national conventions, directives and legislation will be required. Appropriate auditing of vessels, any relevant Environmental Management Plans, equipment and records should be undertaken as appropriate.

All operations shall apply best available technologies, best environmental practice and clean technology.

The crew of the drilling installation/ship should undergo environmental awareness and safety training. All equipment used on the rig/ship should have safety measures built in to minimise the risks of any oil spillage.



Ecology

Preliminary site assessment should be undertaken, using surveys if adequate information is not available.

A risk assessment of the impact of seismic survey activities on Annex IV species must be submitted to DCENR at least 21 days in advance of commencement of such surveys.

Visual monitoring for marine mammals in the vicinity of proposed seismic activity is a requirement, including having a marine mammal observer on board to detect species and ensuring cautious vessel operation to reduce the risk of ship strikes.

Physical and Chemical Aspects

Any shipwrecks or objects of potential archaeological interest discovered during works should be reported to the director of the National Museum of Ireland within 4 days. If wreckage found is suspected to be more than 100 years old, the Underwater Archaeology Unit and the Garda Siochana must also be notified within 4 days;

Site specific archaeological assessment may be conducted on any site survey geophysical and geotechnical survey data acquired.

Site-specific seabed characterisation should be undertaken using appropriate resolution seabed data with coverage over a footprint encompassing all potential areas where seabed interaction may occur (e.g. to include anchor spread etc.).

Implementation of an Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (OPEP). The OPEP is designed to assist the decision-making process during an oil spill, indicate what resources are required to combat the spill, minimise any further discharges and mitigate its effects.

Installation of Automatic Identification System (AIS) or radar systems on drilling installations to enable early detection of potential collisions. This is recommended by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP, 2010).

Any oil spill must be reported immediately to the Irish Coast Guard, however small. The level and manner of the required oil spill response will be overseen by the Irish Coast Guard, and determined by the volume and type of oil spilled, and the weather and sea conditions at the time.

Any oil spill likely to have impacts in UK waters will be reported by the Irish Coast Guard to the relevant UK authorities. The Irish Coast Guard has a close working relationship with the UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency (MCA) and the two have a draft Service Level Agreement for co-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.

Social and Economic Aspects

Notification to the Irish Coast Guard if the activity occurs within or near an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) designated Traffic Separation Scheme. Employ the safety measures detailed in 'traffic routeing systems' (IMO) wherever possible to reduce the probability for collisions.

Operators are required to check in advance with the Maritime Safety Directorate, the MRCC of the Irish Coast Guard, and Sea Fisheries Protection Agency of the DAFF that the proposed survey will not be carried out in an area and at a time that would conflict with legitimate shipping and fishing operations.

In the case of a survey planned in an area of intensive fishing, discussions with Sea Fisheries Control of the DCENR shall be initiated as early as possible, and, in any case, at least 45 days before the planned date in order that the implications can be fully considered.

A fisheries liaison officer, with knowledge of fisheries local to the survey area, must consult with local fisheries interests in advance of seismic survey activities and must be onboard seismic vessels during survey work.


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10.3 Mitigation for Significant Effects Additional mitigation, further to the standard operating procedures presented in Table 10.1, has been developed through IOSEA 5 to respond to potential significant effects identified in the assessment of Option 1. These additional mitigation measures are listed below. A summary of the potential significant effect that each proposed mitigation measure is addressing is contained in Annex G.

Seabed habitat information should be obtained, using surveys if necessary, prior to deployment of any equipment on the seafloor in order to assess the potential for damage, and deployment on the most sensitive habitats should be avoided;

Reducing the noise that enters the marine environment in the first instance is the main measure in minimising the impacts of seismic survey operations. Therefore, all seismic operations should use the lowest necessary source levels to achieve the survey objective throughout the survey and only discharge pressure waves into the marine environment when strictly necessary;

During all seismic, site and route surveys, the Operators must ensure that current best industry practices are applied with regard to impact mitigation and monitoring measures;

Multiple surveys in the same area and at the same time, where possible, should be combined into consecutive surveys through appropriate planning and cooperation;

During all seismic, site and route surveys, Operators must ensure that current best industry practices are applied with regard to impact mitigation and monitoring measures including the guidelines entitled “Guidance to manage the risk to marine mammals from man-made sound sources in Irish waters” (DAHG, 2014);

Appropriate site survey and planning, to include determination of the location of any potentially sensitive benthic habitats, along with modelling and assessment of the potential for accumulation and dispersal of cuttings, should be carried out prior to selection of final drilling locations in order to reduce the potential for significant impacts;

A site specific Seascape, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (SLVIA) should be carried out for each licence application located within 25 km of an identified seascape / landscape or visual receptor, to provide a more accurate assessment based on a known location;

The broad strategic nature of the seascape descriptions provided for the SEA of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) 2010 by Aecom & Metoc and referenced in Appendix D.2.1 are insufficient for the purposes of detailed assessment of potential effects of specific proposals. It is understood, however, that a number of the councils are planning to prepare further seascape appraisals. For any future site specific assessment relating to proposals within 25 km of the Irish coast, a more detailed regional or local Seascape Character Assessment should be referenced. If this does not exist for the relevant area then a Seascape Character Assessment should also be carried out to provide a more detailed assessment of the seascape than has been possible at the strategic level.

As the inventory and mapping of the Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes progresses these should also be considered within any future site specific seascape assessment;

Rigs should not be located where they obstruct the entrance to bays / loughs / narrows / sounds or where they split a bay from the open sea;



Where possible rigs should be located as far from the shore / coast as possible;

Where rigs are located within 25 km of the coastline, these should be sensitively sited, with consideration made of the scale and components of the seascape;

Geophysical and geotechnical survey plans and specifications should seek early archaeological input to ensure that archaeological objectives and considerations can be incorporated into the survey design and execution and to maximise the value of the results. Any works should follow the approach detailed in 'Acquisition and interpretation of geophysical survey data for archaeological assessment during oil industry geophysical route and sites surveys in water depths exceeding 50 m' (Quinn, 2005);

Subject to licensing, and prior to any construction activities, an Archaeological Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) may be produced to establish scope of works and methodologies to be employed to assess marine archaeological and heritage resources prior to construction. The WSI should set out options for micrositing of 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;

Carry out potentially hazardous operations under appropriate weather/tide conditions;

Selection of a survey contractor with demonstrable planned preventative maintenance procedures will lead to fewer emissions and equipment failures;

Oil and Gas drilling in areas considered as Vulnerable Areas for water pollution should be avoided wherever possible. This should also include areas where mariculture and shellfish harvesting occurs;

A two-barrier well control policy should be implemented at all times as a minimum. Primary well control (i.e. mud hydrostatic) and secondary well control (blow-out preventers or BOPs) should be maintained throughout the drilling of a well. A full risk assessment should be performed as part of the planning phase of the well.

As the highest risk of diesel spillage occurs during re-fuelling (bunkering) operations at sea, all bunkering should take place during suitable weather conditions, preferably in daylight hours and a continuous watch should be posted during the operations in accordance with IRCG Ship to Ship (STS) 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 the further release of diesel; and

Where sensitive features exist a range of potential design considerations should be considered in the assessment of alternatives part of any EIS. Such considerations should include, but not necessarily 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.

10.4 Proposed Enhancement Measures In addition to mitigation measures put forward to address significant negative effects, a number of enhancement measures have been proposed to minimise minor negative effects and uncertainty identified with relation to the following topic areas:

Seismic


Irish Offshore


Plankton; Marine Reptiles;

Fish and Shellfish;

Marine Mammals;

Marine Heritage and Archaeology;

Sediments and Ocean Circulation;

Economy and material assets.

Drilling

Sea Birds; Marine Mammals;

Marine Heritage and archaeology;

Geology;

Bathymetry and Seabed Features;

Sediments and Ocean Circulation;

Water Quality;

Economy and Material Assets.

The enhancement measures are presented within Table G.3 in Annex G.

10.5 Draft Monitoring Plan Table 10.2 below lists the monitoring measures that are proposed in relation to the effects predicted within IOSEA 5 (both significant and non-significant effects). This constitutes a draft monitoring plan, which will be finalised within the final IOSEA 5 Environmental Report.


ENVIRON2 178 UK18-20707 Issue: 2

Table 10.2: Draft Monitoring Plan

Environmental topic Potential Effect Identified in IOSEA 5 Proposed Monitoring Measure

Ecology

Plankton Seismic - Noise generation from 2D/3D seismic survey operations may affect zooplankton and icthyoplankton at close range to airguns

The Global Alliance of Continuous Plankton Recorder Surveys has developed a global CPR database and produces regular status reports on plankton biodiversity and ensures that methods and standards used in surveys are maintained in surveys conducted (Edwards et al., 2014). Continuation of these studies worldwide to this standard will be a valuable asset on which future studies can be based.

Benthos Seismic - Possible physical damage to sensitive habitats caused during deployment of sea node/sea bottom cables

Data to allow a general characterisation of seabed habitats and associated faunal communities is available through programmes such as INFOMAR, BIOMOR/HABMAP and MES; however, this information is incomplete and of relatively low resolution in areas. It is assumed that repeat work at spatially consistent sites over time through such programmes, potentially including targeted monitoring in relation to individual developments or sites of high interest such as carbonate mounds, would provide the basis for ongoing monitoring.

In relation to coral carbonate mounds the OSPAR QSR report (OSPAR Commission, 2010b) mentions that ‘In situ monitoring is required for sites holding coral carbonate mounds that are Special Areas of Conservation under the EU’s Habitats Directive, such as the NW Porcupine, SW Porcupine, Hovland Mound Province and Belgica Mound Province in Irish waters.’ The report further suggests that monitoring every six years or so would be appropriate in some areas.

Drilling - Possible physical damage to sensitive habitats caused by the use and presence of subsea equipment (including the wellhead, and all associated anchors and chains)

Drilling - Possible effects of disposal of WBM and drill cuttings on sensitive or important seabed communities

Fish and shellfish Seismic - Disturbance to spawning and nursery grounds, and to migration, from noise generated during seismic survey operations

The Marine Institute has conducted groundfish surveys (known as the Irish Groundfish Survey (IGFS)) to determine the distribution and abundance of fish around Ireland since 1990 and, using current techniques, since 2003 from the research vessel R.V. Celtic Explorer. The surveys are undertaken annually between October and December across the area indicated in Figure C.4.1. The Irish Sea is covered by equivalent surveys undertaken by CEFAS on behalf of the UK.

Although the deepwater work is clearly limited compared to the


Irish Offshore



Environmental topic Potential Effect Identified in IOSEA 5 Proposed Monitoring Measure groundfish surveys, it provides indices of shelf edge, slope and deepwater fish communities and biological information on the main deepwater species including length, weight, maturity, sex ratio and feeding. Future repeat surveys within the wider programmes of Irish and UK work will provide valuable information for monitoring in relation to IOSEA 5.

Marine reptiles Seismic- Noise generated during 2D/3D seismic surveys has the potential to affect marine turtles.

Data on the distribution and abundance of marine turtles has been largely generated from sightings, stranding and by-catch records, collated in the TURTLE database. This data is reviewed annually giving a simple account of turtle numbers and locations (Marine Environmental Monitoring British Isles & Republic of Ireland Marine Turtle strandings and sightings annual reports). This database is regularly updated and, should it continue to operate, will provide useful information on marine turtle ecology in Irish waters in the future.

Seismic - Physical presence of survey vessels and towed equipment has the potential to affect marine turtles

Seabirds Drilling - Seabirds are known to be attracted to offshore drilling installations and mortality can occur owing to collisions and exhaustion caused by disorientation.

There are existing databases and monitoring schemes that, should the funding remain available, will continue to inform seabird ecology in the IOSEA 5 study area. This, combined with targeted internationally and nationally driven research and data obtained from industry related survey effort, should help fill existing spatial and temporal gaps.

It is recommended that independent observers to be placed on offshore oil and gas drilling installations to monitor and attempt to quantify the birds affected by these installations (Wiese et al., 2001). In addition, marine mammal observers placed on seismic vessels are often skilled at seabird identification, which may help to fill any data gaps in the IOSEA 5 study area.

Drilling - Where well testing includes flaring of hydrocarbon, there is the potential for an impact on seabirds owing to attraction to the light source

Marine mammals Seismic - Noise generated during 2D/3D seismic surveys has the potential to affect marine mammals, both in terms of disturbance and physical harm.

It is anticipated that, should funding remain available, internationally co-ordinated and funded monitoring and research programmes, such as further SCANS and CODA surveys, in conjunction with ongoing nationally co-ordinated research and data collection would provide substantial and robust information on the status of marine mammals in Seismic - There is a risk of collision with seismic survey

vessels and towed equipment.





Drilling - Noise from VSP checkshot surveys has the potential to have impact on marine mammals

Irish waters in the future

Physical and Chemical Aspects

Landscape, Seascape and Visual Amenity

Drilling - The physical presence of the rig, including the well testing, and potential accidental events, would have the potential to negatively impact upon the seascape / landscape and visual amenity of a number of receptors, including seascape character types, national cycle routes and settlements.

Monitoring of seascape and visual effects associated with operational drilling activities is recommended so that actual and predicted effects can be compared to establish the accuracy of SLVIAs and confirm the extent to which they are being required is appropriate. This would allow the identification, if necessary, of areas within the SLVIAs that could be improved or strengthened, thereby improving the accuracy of future assessments and whether mitigation measures should be adapted or have the capacity to be improved.

Monitoring the preparation and adoption of Regional / Local Seascape Character Assessments carried by the individual County Councils is recommends, to inform whether bespoke seascape character assessments are required as part of the SLVIAs or whether appropriate county seascape character assessment has been carried out and can therefore be used in the SLVIA.

Monitoring the progress of Phase 3 of the ‘Survey of Historic Gardens and Design Landscapes’, as being carried out by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, is recommended, to inform when it is appropriate for the HGDLs to be included in site specific SLVIAs.


Seismic - Sea node/sea bottom cable surveys may affect archaeological receptors

Site specific archaeological assessment should be conducted on any site survey data acquired. Survey plans and specifications should seek early archaeological input to ensure that archaeological objectives and considerations can be incorporated into the survey design to maximise the value of the results. Any work, if required by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht or the EPA, should follow the approach detailed in ‘Acquisition and interpretation of geophysical survey data for archaeological assessment during oil industry geophysical route and

Drilling - Mud, cement and cuttings releases from tophole sections may affect historic wreck and extant archaeological sites and objects on the seabed.

Drilling – drilling activity may affect submerged prehistoric archaeology, landscapes and deposits.


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Drilling – the presence of subsea equipment may affect all archaeological receptors.

sites surveys in water depths exceeding 50 m’ (Quinn, 2005). Data to be archaeologically assessed should comprise data being routinely collected by the industry to allow synergy with other development and monitoring activities.

After establishing the baseline heritage resources and condition in pre-impact surveys, depending on the risks to these resources, periodic monitoring may be appropriate to assess ongoing stability and condition of archaeological sites, particularly after any spillages or in areas where changes to seabed sediment morphology or sediment transport rates are taking place. Post construction or decommissioning surveys may also be undertaken to assess the stability and condition of any archaeological sites and objects where these lie in close proximity to subsea equipment.

Post impact monitoring surveys in the event of any major hydrocarbon spills should include survey and analysis of any heritage sites within the affected area to assess potential impacts to historic wrecks and archaeological resources.

Any archaeological reports produced by the industry in the IOSEA 5 study area should be made more widely available to enable public benefit from the information collected. Subject to resolution of any confidentiality issues, the industry should seek to make their data more widely available through initiatives such the Irish Spatial Data Exchange (ISDE).

Sediment and Ocean Circulation

Seismic - Potential for sediment contamination caused by routine discharges of effluents and wastes to marine waters.

Sediment contamination should be monitored in accordance with OSPAR and Irish national requirements on a case by case basis and pre- and post-development monitoring will be required on a site-by-site basis. Contamination of marine waters and biota may be used as a surrogate for overall environmental contamination but a risk based approach to sediment monitoring should also be undertaken if the potential zone of influence of any activity associated with the plan could potentially affect sensitive sites, habitats, species or human-health dependant on sediment quality.

Drilling – Potential for sediment contamination caused by releases of drilling muds (surface or bottom)




Environmental topic Potential Effect Identified in IOSEA 5 Proposed Monitoring Measure The overarching aim of the MSFD is to protect Europe’s marine waters by applying an ecosystem-based approach to the management of human activities while enabling the sustainable use of the marine environment for present and future generations. Any specific measures detailed as part of the MSFD may require implementation with respect to the activities included in the plan.

Air Quality None identified It is proposed that monitoring should be based on data that is already monitored on an annual basis through the OSPAR CAMP programme, the weather monitoring programme of Met Eireann and the OSPAR Quality Status Report. Such indicators include:

Amount of heavy metals and nitrogen at the Ireland coastal monitoring stations; and

Wind and precipitation results from Met Eireann;

Trends in the volumes of carbon dioxide and methane from the OSPAR Quality Status Report; and

Observed climate changes and predictions from the OSPAR Quality Status Report.

Climate Seismic – negative impact on global climate through increased CO2 emissions from seismic survey vessels

It is proposed that monitoring should be based on data that is already monitored on an annual basis through the OSPAR CAMP programme, the weather monitoring programme of Met Eireann and the OSPAR Quality Status Report. Such indicators include:

Wind and precipitation results from Met Eireann;

Trends in the volumes of carbon dioxide and methane from the OSPAR Quality Status Report; and

Observed climate changes and predictions from the OSPAR Quality Status Report.

Drilling – negative impact on global climate through increased CO2 emissions from vessels and drilling installations

Water Quality Drilling - Potential contaminants to the marine environment from commissioning of drilling installations

Particular emphasis for monitoring should be placed on monitoring aquaculture facilities and bathing waters should drilling activities occur


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Drilling - Mud, cement and cuttings release from tophole sections; WBM cuttings discharged from surface; and drilling activity may give rise to chemical discharges associated with drilling, comprising discharge of chemicals (PLONOR and non-PLONOR substances) and drilling fragments associated with drilling

in close proximity.

Particular emphasis for all monitoring should be placed on contaminants of most concern. These will be chemicals discharged in the greatest quantities via the oil and gas exploration activities and also those of particular environmental concern, e.g. chemicals with persistent, bioaccumulative or toxic classifications and those listed on the OSPAR 2004 List of Chemicals for Priority Action. Targeted monitoring of those chemicals is suggested during drilling exploration.

Where seismic or drilling operations are carried out in areas determined as VAs, water quality monitoring will be more critical. This will include monitoring required via regulatory drivers or via a monitoring programme proposed in conjunction with the draft Plan.

Any specific measures detailed as part of the Marine Strategy Framework may require adaptation of the exploration plans.

Social and Economic Aspects


Seismic - Increased visible presence of vessels and equipment. as a result of surveys/ testing could cause interference with other users of the marine environment i.e. shipping, fisheries

Baseline monitoring indicators include:

Recording of required exclusion zones on any activities including duration – and cross-referenced to nature of plan activity at time

On-going consultations with fishing, shipping, offshore energy, naval service, utility providers, etc, during lifetime of the draft Plan.

Ongoing work by the Marine Institute, BIM and ICES will provide key information on fish and shellfish commercial stocks.

Fishery liaison officers and continued consultation with the industry pre, during and post-plan activities will also provide indicators as to the impacts of the plan on the industry.

Seismic - There is potential for sea node/ sea bottom cable surveys to impact on sub-sea cables/pipelines.

Seismic and Drilling – There is potential for complete loss or restricted access to traditional fishing grounds as a result of cumulative seismic surveys and exclusion zones around vessels, drilling rigs and well heads.

Drilling - Increased visible presence of vessels and equipment as a result of surveys/ testing could cause interference with other users of the marine environment i.e. shipping, fisheries.





Drilling - There is potential for exploration drilling to impact on existing transatlantic cables

Mariculture Seismic – Noise generation from seismic activity may have negative effects on offshore finfish mariculture, should such cultivation be developed in areas within or close to the IOSEA 5 study area, during the period covered by the draft Plan.

Future status reports for aquaculture (i.e. updates to Marine Institute) are expected to be the most appropriate indicators. Within these, summaries of any closures of mariculture or seaweed harvesting operations due, for example, to contamination issues would be useful.


Seismic - Possible restrictions on use of marine area for recreation/tourism activities during survey periods.

Indicators of effects on recreation and tourism as a result of activities as proposed within the draft Plan are likely to be:

Changes in established patterns of activity or use of coastal and / or marine environment;

Tourist / visitor consultations / responses to quality of experience; and

On-going experience of national tourist board / tour operators and industry.

Seismic and Drilling - Increased presence in marine areas in combination with other users e.g. offshore energy projects etc. could have a cumulative impact on recreation and tourism activities

Drilling - Increased visible presence i.e. rigs, vessels as a result of surveys/ testing could cause interference with recreational use of the marine environment

Human health Accidental Events from Seismic and Drilling The following monitoring indicators are proposed:

Number of collisions (and near collisions) with offshore installations and damage due to collision, defined as follows:

Total loss: Total loss of the unit including constructive total loss from an insurance point of view. However, the unit may be repaired and put into operation again.

Severe damage: Severe damage to one or more modules of the unit; large/medium damage to loadbearing structures; major damage to essential equipment.

Significant damage: Significant/serious damage to module and local area of the unit; minor damage to loadbearing structures; significant damage to single essential equipment; damage to


Irish Offshore



Environmental topic Potential Effect Identified in IOSEA 5 Proposed Monitoring Measure more essential equipment.

Minor damage: Minor damage to single essential equipment; damage to more none-essential equipment; damage to non-loadbearing structures.

Insignificant damage: Insignificant or no damage; damage to part(s) or essential equipment; damage to towline, thrusters, generators and drives.

Number of collisions (and near collisions) reported involving seismic survey vessels; and

Reports of any injuries or fatalities involving workers within the oil and gas industry within the IOSEA5 area.


Irish Offshore


11 Next Steps The Environmental Report will now be subject to consultation with statutory bodies and other consultees. Public consultation will take place over 6 weeks (between 6th May and 17th June 2015).

Once consultation responses have been gathered, the DCENR will make changes to the report and a Final Plan and Environmental Report will be issued. The Final Environmental Report will include a Framework for the Management and Implementation of Recommendations. The DCENR will also publish a consultation report detailing responses to submissions.

Once the Final Plan has been adopted, a SEA adoption statement will be published in accordance with the SEA Regulations. The Regulations state that as soon as reasonably practicable after the adoption of the Plan, a statement should be produced and published setting out how environmental considerations and opinions expressed through consultation have been taken into account in the planning process.

The SEA Regulations set out the particulars that should be covered by the statement as follows:

How environmental considerations have been integrated into the Plan;

How the Environmental Report has been taken into account;

How opinions expressed in response to consultation have been taken into account;

The reasons for choosing the Plan as adopted, in the light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt with; and

The measures that are to be taken to monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation of the Plan.

11.1 How to comment on this report This Environmental Report is being published for consultation in accordance with the SEA Directive and Regulations. The consultation will formally seek the views of a wide range of consultees including the statutory consultees; non-governmental organisations; recognised experts; and any other interested parties.

The consultation period will run from 6th May to 17th June 2015. Submissions can be made via e mail or by written submission to the email and postal addresses provided. As well as providing a written response in this way a number of public consultation events are planned and these are outlined in Section 6.



We are seeking responses to the following questions: Do you agree with the conclusions of the Environmental Report with regard to the

likely impacts of the plan? Do you feel there are any significant impacts that have been missed or overlooked? Do you feel that the mitigation measures suggested are sufficient? Do you feel that the monitoring suggested for the SEA is sufficient?

Please send your response by email to Orla Ryan ([email protected]) and Catherine MacKenzie ([email protected]). Or in writing to the following address: Orla Ryan Petroleum Affairs Division Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, 29/31 Adelaide Road Dublin 2, Ireland

irish offshore strategic environmental assessment (iosea

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