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4.1.2.5 Colonisation of foundations and cable protection: 34.
The sub‐sea structures (foundations and scour protection and cable protection) are expected to be colonised by a range of species leading to a localised increase in biodiversity. The presence of the structures will also provide habitat for mobile species and for example serve as a refuge for fish. Although potentially viewed as a positive effect, this represents a change from the baseline ecology and may also increase the potential for colonisation by non‐native species. Overall, the area available for colonisation would be low and to date there is no evidence of a clear ‘reef effect’ (OES, 2009, Lindeboom et al, 2011) or significant changes of the seabed beyond the vicinity of the structures themselves.
4.1.2.5.1 Proposed method for assessment: The assessment of this impact will be mostly qualitative
The magnitude of the impact will be assessed by calculating total available area for colonisation and reviewing available literature (for example studies of short term effects of Dutch windfarms (Lindeboom et al. 2011) the monitoring programme at Kentish flats (OES,2009) and studies at the Danish Hrons Rev windfarm (Bioconsult, 2006)) to determine which species are likely to colonise the structures.
• The sensitivity will be assessed by using existing studies to qualify how the surrounding habitats and species may be affected by the induction of new habitat types and subsequent colonisation by foreign species.
4.1.3 Potential impacts during decommissioning 35.
4.1.3.1.1 Proposed method for assessment: 36.
The potential impacts arising during the decommissioning phase are envisaged to be similar to those described for the construction phase.
The methods used for assessing the impacts during decommissioning will be very similar to those used during the construction phase. The operations involved will be slightly different, however it is anticipated that the magnitude of the impacts will generally be less. Each of the impacts considered for the construction phase will also be assessed in the operation phase.
4.1.4 Potential cumulative impacts
4.1.4.1 Windfarms: 37.
Interactions between the East Anglia windfarms and with other offshore windfarms are not expected, given the localised and small scale nature of the impacts on the benthos and the distance to the other planned or proposed windfarm projects in the East Anglia Zone and other windfarms in the region. Although there would be an
Evidence Plan Benthic Ecology Method Statement
East Anglia THREE & East Anglia FOUR Offshore Windfarms