Consultation scoping SEA for offshore energy

Consultation on scoping strategic environmental assessment for offshore energy acknowledges increasing noise sources in offshore waters

Key summary

The Department for Energy and Net Zero (DENZ) is conducting a scoping consultation.

The scoping consultation aims to identify issues for a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) relating to offshore energy developments.

The draft acknowledges "recent technological developments have introduced many new sources of noise in offshore waters."

Sources of noise mentioned include "seismic exploration, underwater explosions, sonar, pile-driving and some acoustic harassment devices (AHDs)."

"Shipping noise is also of concern."

The report acknowledges potential "noise nuisance and disturbance for communities."

The scoping report aims to provide information for Consultation Bodies and other interested parties.

The consultation is open until March 6th.

Consultation scoping SEA for offshore energy

A scoping consultation is underway by the Department for Energy and Net Zero (DENZ) “to identify issues of concern at an early stage so they can be identified in the strategic environmental assessment (SEA)” for developments relating to offshore energy. The draft acknowledges that recent technological developments have introduced many new sources of noise in offshore waters, that can impact marine life. These include seismic exploration, underwater explosions, sonar, pile-driving and some acoustic harassment devices (AHDs). Shipping noise is also of concern due to its duration and long-range of audibility. It also recognises the potential for noise nuisance and disturbance for communities. The scoping report aims to set out sufficient information to enable the Consultation Bodies and other interested parties to form a view and give feedback on the scope and level of detail of the information to be included in the SEA Environmental Report. The consultation is open until March 6th.

Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment 5 Scoping - GOV.UK