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8.5 Existing Environment


8.5.1 Background 60. A number of peer reviewed publications, as well as primary data and grey literature1 have been consulted in order to provide information relating to the current environmental baseline with respect to marine water and sediment quality in the study areas.


61.


The majority of pollutants enter the southern North Sea through direct discharges of effluents or terrestrial run-off. Additional sources thought to be of significant concern include the activities associated with shipping, oil and gas extraction and the dumping of dredged material as well as atmospheric deposition (Jones et al. 2004).


62.


In terms of the near-shore environment, the offshore cable corridor runs through the WFD water body Suffolk (GB650503520002). This is a ‘Heavily Modified’ water body due to the flood and coastal protection works that are present within it and is currently classified as having ‘Moderate Potential’. This classification relates to the status of phytoplankton and the presence of dissolved inorganic nitrogen. In terms of chemical contaminants, this water body is considered to be at ‘Good’ status. The aim for this water body is to achieve ‘Good Ecological Potential’ by 2027 and ‘Good Chemical Status’ by 2015.


63.


There are two designated bathing waters within the WFD water body, Felixstowe North and Felixstowe South; these are located approximately 6km and 8km, respectively, fromthe landfall location. Both of the bathing waters have consistently met the higher standards of the EU Bathing Water Directive (76/16/EEC) since 2008.


64.


Aggregate extraction and marine disposal activities can also influence marine water quality. The East Anglia THREE site does not overlap with any disposal or aggregate extraction sites. However, the offshore cable corridor is located approximately 930m to the south of dredging licence area 430 and the passes through a large former disposal site (Chapter 18 Infrastructure and Other Users, Figure 18.3) which was used between 1987 and 1995 to test oil dispersants by Warren Springs Environmental Research Laboratory.


65.


The Warren Springs disposal site lies within the boundaries of the East Anglia ONE windfarm. Site specific surveys undertaken to support the EIA for the proposed East Anglia ONE project tested for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in five sediment grab samples taken from within the East Anglia ONE site. The analysis found no traces of contamination, therefore, it is likely that historic use of the area


1 Unpublished or un-indexed reports which could include conference proceedings, non-indexed journals, internal reports, and student dissertations and theses.


Preliminary Environmental Information May 2014


East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm


Chapter 8 Marine Water and Sediment Quality Page 21


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