Abstract
This chapter presents the results of an assessment of the impacts on the benthic and intertidal ecology arising from the construction, Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and decommissioning of the relevant offshore components (namely the array area, OECC and the export cable landfall site) of the proposed Thanet Extension Offshore Wind Farm (Thanet Extension) development.
The following sections of this chapter include:
• A summary of relevant legislation and planning policy;
• A description of the methodology for the assessment, including details of the study area and the approach to the assessment of effects;
• A summary of consultation with stakeholders;
• A review of baseline (existing) conditions;
• Details of the measures proposed as part of the project to avoid or reduce environmental effects, including mitigation and design measures that form part of the project (embedded mitigation);
• As assessment of the likely effects for the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the project, taking into account the measures proposed;
• Identification of any further mitigation measures or monitoring required in relation to likely significant effects; and
• Assessment of any cumulative effects with other proposed developments