17.9.2.              Criteria for Assessment of Effects

94. The process for determining the significance of effects is a two stage process that involves defining the magnitude of the potential impacts and the sensitivity of the receptors. This section describes the criteria applied in this chapter to assign values to the magnitude of potential impacts and the sensitivity of the receptors. The terms used to define magnitude and sensitivity are based on those which are described in further detail in volume 1, chapter 6 of the Offshore EIA Report.
95. The criteria for defining magnitude in this chapter are outlined in Table 17.6   Open ▸ . The criteria for defining sensitivity in this chapter are outlined in Table 17.7   Open ▸ . In determining magnitude within this chapter, each assessment considered the spatial extent, duration, frequency and reversibility of impact and these are outlined within the magnitude section of each assessment of effects (e.g. a duration of hours or days would be considered for most receptors to be of short term duration, which is likely to result in a low magnitude of impact).

Table 17.6: Definition of Terms Relating to the Magnitude of an Impact

Table 17.7: Definition of Terms Relating to the Sensitivity of the Receptor

96. The significance of the effect upon infrastructure and other users is determined by correlating the magnitude of the impact and the sensitivity of the receptor. The particular method employed for this assessment is presented in Table 17.8   Open ▸ .
97. In cases where a range is suggested for the significance of effect, there remains the possibility that this may span the significance threshold (i.e. the range is given as minor to moderate). In such cases the final significance conclusion is based upon the author’s professional judgement as to which outcome delineates the most likely effect. Where professional judgement is applied to quantify final significance from a range, the assessment will set out the factors that results in the final assessment of significance. These factors may include the likelihood that an effect will occur, data certainty and relevant information about the wider environmental context
98. For the purposes of this assessment:

• a level of residual effect of moderate or more will be considered a ‘significant’ effect in terms of the EIA Regulations; and
• a level of residual effect of minor or less will be considered ‘not significant’ in terms of the EIA Regulations.
  99. Effects of moderate significance or above are therefore considered important in the decision making process, whilst effects of minor significance or less warrant little, if any, weight in the decision making process.

Table 17.8: Matrix Used for the Assessment of the Significance of the Effect

17.10. Measures Adopted as Part of the Proposed Development

100. As part of the project design process, a number of measures have been proposed to reduce the potential for impacts on infrastructure and other users (see Table 17.9   Open ▸ ). As there is a commitment to implementing these measures, they are considered inherently part of the design of the Proposed Development and have therefore been considered in the assessment presented in section 17.11 (i.e. the determination of magnitude and therefore significance assumes implementation of these measures). These measures are considered standard industry practice for this type of development.

Table 17.9: Designed in Measures Adopted as Part of the Proposed Development

17.11. Assessment of Significance

101. The potential effects arising from the construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the Proposed Development are listed in Table 17.4   Open ▸ , along with the maximum design scenario against which each impact has been assessed.
102. An assessment of the likely significance of the effects of the Proposed Development on infrastructure and other users receptors caused by each identified impact is given below.

Displacement of Recreational Sailing and Motor Cruising, Recreational Fishing (Boat Angling) and Other Recreational Activities (Diving Vessels)

103. Installation, construction and maintenance, and decommissioning activities may lead to displacement of recreational sailing and motor cruising, recreational fishing (boat angling) and other recreational activities (diving vessels) due to the presence of the infrastructure safety zones and advisory safety distances in the Proposed Development array area and export cable corridor may result in a loss of recreational resource.

Construction Phase

Magnitude of Impact

104. The installation of Proposed Development infrastructure within the Proposed Development array area and along the Proposed Development export cable corridor may displace recreational activities from the footprint of the Proposed Development and from any areas subject to temporary advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances, resulting in a loss of recreational resource.
105. The maximum design scenario is represented by the installation of up to 307 wind turbines, up to ten OSPs/Offshore convertor station platforms, up to 1,225 km of inter-array cables, up to 94 km of interconnector cable and up to 872 km of offshore export cables, with associated advisory safety zones and/or advisory clearance distances, over a period of up to eight years. There may be up to 155 vessels on site within the Proposed Development array area during the construction phase up to 12 vessels on site for the offshore export cable installation activities at any given time (including activities at the landfall), comprised of jack-up barge/DP vessels, tug/anchor handlers, cable installation vessels, guard vessels, survey vessels, crew transfer vessels, and scour/cable protection vessels. The maximum design scenario at the landfall is represented by cable installation via trenchless technique (e.g. HDD), with associated advisory clearance distances. Construction activities may take place over a period of up to eight years ( Table 17.4   Open ▸ ).
106. As described in section 17.7, there are a number of recreational activities occurring in the vicinity of the Proposed Development, although with most activities occurring closer to shore and overlapping with the nearshore sections of the Proposed Development export cable corridor rather than within the Proposed Development array area. General sailing areas are associated with Dunbar Sailing Club and East Lothian Yacht Club. Both sailing clubs are adjacent to the Proposed Development export cable corridor, situated north-west of the infrastructure and other users study area - inner area. General boating areas are located to the south of Elie, covering an area of approximately 23.3 km2 and north of North Berwick, covering an area of approximately 38.04 km2 (NMPi, 2021). Other activities occurring in proximity to the Proposed Development include recreational fishing and diving.
107. The spatial extent of the impact on boating activities will be relatively small in the context of the available sailing and sea angling areas in the vicinity of the Proposed Development. There will be potential for localised displacement of recreational marine craft from the individual 500 m safety zones around the structures being actively installed within the Proposed Development array area. Additionally, there will be advisory clearance distances around installation vessels operating within the Proposed Development array area and along the Proposed Development export cable corridor. The impact of advisory safety zones is mostly reversible as once each structure has been installed and commissioned these will be removed. Advisory clearance distances around cable installation vessels operating along the offshore export cable route will be transient as the vessel progressively installs the cable along the route from the Proposed Development array area to the landfall. The spatial extent of potential displacement will be greater along the Proposed Development export cable corridor compared with the Proposed Development array area, due to most recreational activity taking place along the coastline, although a small number of vessels and sailing events may be displaced from the Proposed Development array area and the immediate vicinity temporarily during the construction phase.
108. As described in Table 17.9   Open ▸ , NtMs will be issued regularly during the construction phase, advising of the location, nature and timing of activities, and information and notices will be posted at the landfall, ensuring that recreational activities can be planned accordingly. The Applicant will also create a database of known users (including local yacht clubs, local dive clubs and local recreational activity centres) to act as a mailing list for direct issue of NtMs.
109. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, short to medium term duration, continuous (Proposed Development array area)/intermittent (offshore export cable routes) and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

110. It is anticipated that recreational boating and sea angling vessels will be able to alter their route or transit past installation activities and associated advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances, given the adequate sea room around the Proposed Development. There are other locations available for sailing, sea angling and diving activities such that alternatives are available if required during installation works.
111. The receptor is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability, and medium value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

112. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

113. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Operation and Maintenance Phase

Magnitude of Impact

114. The presence of Proposed Development infrastructure and/or operation and maintenance activities within the Proposed Development array area and the export cable corridor may displace recreational activities from the footprint of the development and from any areas subject to temporary advisory safety zones or advisory clearance distances, resulting in a loss of recreational resource.
115. The maximum design scenario is represented by the presence of up to 307 wind turbines, up to ten OSPs/Offshore convertor station platforms, up to 1,225 km of inter-array cables, up to 94 km of interconnector cable and up to 872 km of offshore export cables, with associated advisory safety zones and/or advisory clearance distances, over a period of up to eight years. There may be up to 12 vessels on site at any one time during the operation and maintenance phase, associated with routine inspections, seabed surveys, and any repairs or replacements required.
116. As described in section 17.7, there are a number of recreational activities occurring in the vicinity of the Proposed Development, although with most activities occurring closer to shore and overlapping with the nearshore sections of the offshore export cable routes rather than within the Proposed Development array area.
117. The spatial extent of the impact on boating activities will be relatively small in the context of the available sailing and sea angling area in the vicinity of the Proposed Development, with the potential for localised displacement of recreational craft around installed structures or around the individual 500 m advisory safety zones and/or advisory clearance distances temporarily and infrequently established around major maintenance activities. Recreational activity overlapping with the Proposed Development export cable corridor will be able to resume during the operation and maintenance phase, and there will be no long term exclusion of navigation within the Proposed Development array area during the lifetime of the Proposed Development (assessment of impacts on navigation is presented in volume 2, chapter 13).
118. As described in Table 17.9   Open ▸ , NtMs will be issued regularly during the operation and maintenance phases, advising of the location, nature and timing of any maintenance activities, ensuring that recreational activities can be planned accordingly. The Applicant will also create a database of known users (including local yacht clubs, local dive clubs and local recreational activity centres) to act as a mailing list for direct issue of NtMs.
119. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, long term duration, continuous (Proposed Development array area)/intermittent (Proposed Development export cable corridor) and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

120. It is anticipated that recreational boating and sea angling vessels will be able to alter their route or transit past installed structures and any maintenance activities, given the adequate sea room around the Proposed Development. There are other locations available for sailing, sea angling and diving activities such that alternatives are available if required during maintenance works.
121. The receptor is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and medium value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

122. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

123. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Decommissioning Phase

Magnitude of Impact

124. As above. The effects of decommissioning activities within the Proposed Development array area are expected to be the same or similar to the effects from construction. At the end of the operational lifetime of the Proposed Development, it is anticipated that all structures above the seabed or ground level will be either completely removed where this is feasible and practicable. Piled foundations will be cut at an agreed depth below the seabed for partial removal. This will be kept under review depending on current legislation and guidance requirements, best practice and other options may be required including cutting structures below the seabed.
125. An assessment has been undertaken on a maximum design scenario of removing all inter-array cables and offshore export cables. The decommissioning sequence will generally be the reverse of the construction sequence and involve similar types and numbers of vessels and equipment. The significance of effect is therefore minor, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

126. It is anticipated that recreational boating and sea angling vessels will be able to alter their route or transit past installed structures and any maintenance activities, given the adequate sea room around the Proposed Development. There are other locations available for sailing, sea angling and diving activities such that alternatives are available if required during maintenance works.
127. The receptor is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and medium value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

128. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

129. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Displacement of Recreational Fishing (Shore Angling) and Other Recreational Activities (Kayaking, Kite Surfing, Surfing and Windsurfing, Scuba Diving and Beach Users)

130. Installation, construction and maintenance, and decommissioning activities may lead to displacement of recreational fishing (shore angling) and other recreational activities (kayaking, kite surfing, surfing, and windsurfing, scuba diving and beach users) due to advisory safety distances in the nearshore and intertidal section of the Proposed Development export cable corridor resulting in a loss of recreational resource.

Construction Phase

Magnitude of Impact

131. The installation of Proposed Development infrastructure within the Proposed Development array area and along the Proposed Development export cable corridor may displace recreational activities from the footprint of the Proposed Development and from any areas subject to temporary advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances, resulting in a loss of recreational resource.
132. The maximum design scenario is represented by the installation of up 872 km of offshore export cables, with associated advisory safety zones and/or advisory clearance distances, over a period of up to 12 months. There may be up to 129 vessels on site within the Proposed Development array area at any one time during the construction phase and up to 12 vessels on site for offshore export cable installation activities at any given time (including activities at the landfall), comprised of jack-up barge/DP vessels, tug/anchor handlers, cable installation vessels, guard vessels, survey vessels, crew transfer vessels, and scour/cable protection vessels. The maximum design scenario at the landfall is represented by cable installation via a trenchless technique (e.g. HDD), with associated advisory clearance distances. Offshore export cable installation at the landfall may take place over a period of 12 months ( Table 17.4   Open ▸ ).
133. As described in section 17.7, there are a number of recreational activities occurring in the vicinity of the Proposed Development, although with most activities occurring closer to shore and overlapping with the nearshore sections of the Proposed Development export cable corridor rather than within the Proposed Development array area. Specific to the Proposed Development, recreational sea angling occurs to the north and to the south of the of the Proposed Development, with an increase in fishing effort towards the coast and near to the Proposed Development export cable corridor landfall.
134. There were 11 dive sites identified from the desktop review that are located within the broad infrastructure and other users study area - potential increased turbidity area (NMPi, 2021). These diving sites, mentioned in order of distance from the shoreline, are referred to as River Garry, Boyne Castle, U12, Dunbar Harbour, Dove, Dunscore, Sabbia, HMS Pathfinder, SS Grenmar, St. Briac, and Burnstone (NMPi, 2021). Diving generally takes place between March/May and October. Wrecks within and around the broad infrastructure and other users study area – potential increased turbidity area.
135. Popular surfing areas are known to be located at Seacliff in North Berwick and Belhaven Bay in Dunbar, located north of the Proposed Development export cable corridor (NMPi, 2021). South of the Proposed Development, there are surfing locations in Pease Bay near Cove and Coldingham Bay near Eyemouth. The Proposed Development export cable corridor is located in close proximity to Skateraw Beach, and in the vicinity of Thorntonloch beach, Belhaven Bay, Dunbar East and Whitesands beaches to the north and Coldingham beach to the south of the Proposed Development export cable corridor (NMPi, 2021). Skateraw beach is located within the infrastructure and other users study area.
136. The spatial extent of the impact on recreational marine activities will be relatively small in the context of the available shore angling, diving, surfing, kite surfing and wind surfing and beach swimming areas in the vicinity of the Proposed Development, with the potential for localised displacement of recreational activities from the individual 500 m advisory safety zones around structures being installed within the Proposed Development array area and advisory clearance distances around installation vessels operating within the Proposed Development array area and along the Proposed Development export cable corridor. The impact of advisory safety zones is mostly reversible as once each structure has been installed and commissioned these will be removed. Advisory clearance distances around cable installation vessels operating along the offshore export cable routes will be transient as the vessel progressively installs the cable along the route from the Proposed Development array area to the landfall. The spatial extent of potential displacement will be greater along the offshore export cable routes compared with the Proposed Development array area, due to most recreational activity taking place along the coastline, although a small number of marine recreational events (diving) may be displaced from the Proposed Development array area and the immediate vicinity temporarily during the construction phase.
137. As described in Table 17.9   Open ▸ , NtMs will be issued regularly during the construction phase, advising of the location, nature and timing of activities, and information and notices will be posted at the landfall, ensuring that recreational activities can be planned accordingly. The Applicant will also create a database of known users (including local yacht clubs, local dive clubs and local recreational activity centres) to act as a mailing list for direct issue of NtMs.
138. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, short to medium term duration, continuous (Proposed Development array area)/intermittent (Proposed Development export cable corridor) and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

139. It is anticipated that recreational marine activities will be able to alter their location or transit past installation activities and associated advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances, given the adequate sea room and coastal area around the Proposed Development. There are other locations available for recreation, such as sea angling and diving activities such that alternatives are available if required during installation works.
140. The receptor is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability, and medium value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

141. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

142. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect t in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Operation and Maintenance Phase

Magnitude of Impact

143. The presence of Proposed Development infrastructure and/or operation and maintenance activities within the Proposed Development array area and along the Proposed Development export cable corridor may displace recreational activities from the footprint of the Proposed Development and from any areas subject to temporary advisory safety zones or advisory clearance distances, resulting in a loss of recreational resource.
144. The maximum design scenario is represented by the installation of up to 872 km of offshore export cables, with associated advisory safety zones and/or advisory clearance distances, over a period of up to 12 months. There may be up to 12 vessels on site within the Proposed Development array area at any one time during the operation and maintenance phase for offshore export cable installation activities (including activities at the landfall), comprised of jack-up barge/DP vessels, tug/anchor handlers, cable installation vessels, guard vessels, survey vessels, crew transfer vessels, and scour/cable protection vessels. The maximum design scenario at the landfall is represented by cable installation via trenchless technique (e.g. HDD), with associated advisory clearance distances. Offshore export cable installation at the landfall may take place over a period of 12 months ( Table 17.4   Open ▸ ).
145. As described in section 17.7, there are a number of recreational activities occurring in the vicinity of the Proposed Development, although with most activities occurring closer to shore and overlapping with the nearshore sections of the offshore export cable routes rather than within the Proposed Development array area.
146. The spatial extent of the impact on marine recreational activities will be relatively small in the context of the available sea angling, diving, surfing, and swimming areas in the vicinity of the Proposed Development, with the potential for localised displacement of recreational activities around installed structures or around the individual 500 m advisory safety zones and/or advisory clearance distances temporarily and infrequently established around major maintenance activities. Recreational activity overlapping with the offshore export cable routes will be able to resume during the operation and maintenance phase, and there will be no long term exclusion of navigation within the Proposed Development array area during the lifetime of the Proposed Development (assessment of impacts on navigation is presented in volume 2, chapter 13.
147. As described in Table 17.9   Open ▸ , NtMs will be issued regularly during the operation and maintenance phase, advising of the location, nature, and timing of any maintenance activities, ensuring that recreational activities can be planned accordingly. The Applicant will also create a database of known users (including local yacht clubs, local dive clubs and local recreational activity centres) to act as a mailing list for direct issue of NtMs.
148. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, long term duration, continuous (Proposed Development array area)/intermittent (offshore export cable routes) and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

149. It is anticipated that recreational marine activities will be able to alter their location or transit past installation activities and associated advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances, given the adequate sea room and coastal area around the Proposed Development. There are other locations available for recreation, such as sea angling and diving activities such that alternatives are available if required during maintenance works.
150. The receptor is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and medium value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

151. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

152. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Decommissioning Phase

Magnitude of Impact

153. The effects of decommissioning activities within the Proposed Development array area are expected to be the same or similar to the effects from construction. Decommissioning activities are not anticipated along the Proposed Development export cable corridor as the cables and cable protection will remain in situ.
154. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, short to medium term duration, continuous (Proposed Development array area)/intermittent (Proposed Development export cable corridor) and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

155. It is anticipated that recreational marine activities will be able to alter their location or transit past installation activities and associated advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances, given the adequate sea room and coastal area around the Proposed Development. There are other locations available for recreation, such as sea angling and diving activities such that alternatives are available if required during maintenance works.
156. The receptor is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and medium value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

157. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

158. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Temporary Restricted Access to the Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Export Cable

159. The potential for temporary restriction of access to the NnG offshore export cables is applicable to the construction and operation and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the Proposed Development.

Construction Phase

Magnitude of Impact

160. The installation of Proposed Development infrastructure and associated presence of advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances may restrict access to the planned NnG offshore export cables for repair or maintenance.
161. Any restriction of access to the planned NnG offshore cable with any advisory safety zones or advisory clearance distances around individual vessels carrying out installation activities is considered to be temporary and limited in spatial extent. Cable crossing installations will be coordinated with appropriate personnel and ongoing consultation will ensure close communication and planning between both parties to ensure disruption of activities will be minimised.
162. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, short to medium term duration, intermittent and high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

163. Ongoing inspection and maintenance of the Proposed Development export cable corridor and NnG offshore export cables are crucial to ensuring the integrity of the infrastructure and securing ongoing power supply resulting in prolonged commercial operation.
164. NnG offshore export cable infrastructure is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and high value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

165. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

166. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Operation and Maintenance Phase

Magnitude of Impact

167. During the operation and maintenance phase, major maintenance activities associated with the Proposed Development (for example, component replacement activities, cable repair/burial activities) and associated presence of advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances, may restrict access to the planned NnG offshore export cables for repair or maintenance.
168. Any restriction of access to the planned NnG offshore export cables due to maintenance activities associated with the Proposed Development is considered to be temporary, limited in spatial extent, and infrequent over the lifetime of the Proposed Development. Crossing and proximity agreements will be established between the Developer and appropriate personnel, which will ensure close communication and planning between both parties to ensure disruption of activities is minimised.
169. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, long term duration, intermittent and high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

170. Ongoing inspection and maintenance of the Proposed Development export cable corridor and NnG offshore export cables are crucial to ensuring the integrity of the infrastructure and securing ongoing power supply resulting in prolonged commercial operation.
171. NnG offshore export cable infrastructure is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and high value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

172. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

173. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Decommissioning Phase

Magnitude of Impact

174. The decommissioning of Proposed Development infrastructure and associated presence of advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances may restrict access to the planned NnG offshore export cables during decommissioning.
175. Any restriction of access to the planned NnG offshore cable with any advisory safety zones or advisory clearance distances around individual vessels carrying out installation activities is considered to be temporary and limited in spatial extent. Cable extraction (if undertaken) at crossing points will be coordinated with appropriate personnel and ongoing consultation will ensure close communication and planning between both parties to ensure disruption of activities will be minimised.
176. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, short to medium term duration, intermittent and high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

177. Ongoing inspection and maintenance of the NnG offshore export cables is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the infrastructure and securing ongoing power supply resulting in prolonged commercial operation.
178. NnG offshore export cable infrastructure is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and high value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

179. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

180. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Temporary Restricted Access to the Eastern Link 1 Offshore Export Cables

181. The potential for temporary restriction of access to the planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables is applicable to the construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the Proposed Development.

Construction Phase

Magnitude of Impact

182. The installation of Proposed Development infrastructure and associated presence of advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances may restrict access to the planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables for repair or maintenance.
183. Any restriction of access to the planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables (located approximately 28 km from the Proposed Development array area and 2 km from the Proposed Development export cable corridor), with any safety zones or advisory clearance distances around individual vessels carrying out installation activities is considered to be temporary and limited in spatial extent. Cable crossing installations will be coordinated with appropriate personnel and ongoing consultation will ensure close communication and planning between both parties to ensure disruption of activities will be minimised.
184. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, short to medium term duration, intermittent and high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

185. Ongoing operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development export cable corridor and planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables are crucial to ensuring the integrity of the infrastructure and securing ongoing power supply resulting in prolonged commercial operation.
186. The planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables are deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and high value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

187. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

188. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Operation and Maintenance Phase

Magnitude of Impact

189. During the operation and maintenance phase, major maintenance activities associated with the Proposed Development (for example, component replacement activities, cable repair/burial activities) and associated presence of advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances, may restrict access to planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables for repair or maintenance.
190. Any restriction of access to the planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables due to maintenance activities associated with the Proposed Development is considered to be temporary, limited in spatial extent, and infrequent over the lifetime of the Proposed Development. Crossing and proximity agreements will be established between the Developer and appropriate personnel, which will ensure close communication and planning between both parties to ensure disruption of activities is minimised.
191. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, long term duration, intermittent and high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

192. Ongoing operation and maintenance of the Proposed Development export cable corridor and planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables are crucial to ensuring the integrity of the infrastructure and securing ongoing power supply resulting in prolonged commercial operation.
193. The Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables are deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and high value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

194. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

195. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

Decommissioning Phase

Magnitude of Impact

196. The decommissioning of Proposed Development infrastructure and associated presence of advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances may restrict access to the planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables during decommissioning.
197. Any restriction of access to the planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables with any advisory safety zones or advisory clearance distances around individual vessels carrying out installation activities is considered to be temporary and limited in spatial extent. Cable extraction (if undertaken) at crossing points will be coordinated with appropriate personnel and ongoing consultation will ensure close communication and planning between both parties to ensure disruption of activities will be minimised.
198. The impact is predicted to be of local spatial extent, short to medium term duration, intermittent and high reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of the Receptor

199. Ongoing inspection and maintenance of the planned Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the infrastructure and securing ongoing power supply resulting in prolonged commercial operation.
200. Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables infrastructure is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and high value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of the Effect

201. Overall, the magnitude of the impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which not significant in EIA terms.

Secondary Mitigation and Residual Effect

202. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the likely effect in the absence of further mitigation (beyond the designed in measures outlined in Table 17.9   Open ▸ ) is not significant in EIA terms.

17.11.2.         Proposed Monitoring

203. No infrastructure and other users monitoring to test the predictions made within the assessment of likely significant effects on infrastructure and other users receptors is considered necessary.

17.12. Cumulative Effects Assessment

17.12.1.         Methodology

204. The CEA assesses the potential impacts associated with the Proposed Development together with other relevant plans, projects and activities within the broad infrastructure and other users study area – potential increased turbidity area (yellow). Cumulative effects are therefore the combined effect of the Proposed Development in combination with the effects from a number of different projects, on the same receptor or resource. Refer to volume 1, chapter 6 for detail on CEA methodology.
205. The projects and plans selected as relevant to the CEA presented within this chapter are based upon the results of a screening exercise (see volume 3, appendix 6.4 of the Offshore EIA Report). Volume 3, appendix 6.4 further provides information regarding how information pertaining to other plans and projects is gained and applied to the assessment. Each project or plan has been considered on a case by case basis for screening in or out of this chapter's assessment based upon data confidence, effect-receptor pathways and the spatial/temporal scales involved. Those projects and plans that have been screened in for Infrastructure and Other Users CEA are summarised in Table 17.10   Open ▸ .
206. In undertaking the CEA for the Proposed Development, it is important to bear in mind that other projects and plans under consideration will have differing potential for proceeding to an operational stage and hence a differing potential to ultimately contribute to a cumulative impact alongside the Proposed Development. Therefore, a tiered approach has been adopted. This provides a framework for placing relative weight upon the potential for each project/plan to be included in the CEA to ultimately be realised, based upon the project/plan’s current stage of maturity and certainty in the projects’ parameters. The tiered approach which will be utilised within the Proposed Development CEA employs the following tiers:

• tier 1 assessment – Proposed Development (Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore) with Berwick Bank Wind Farm onshore grid infrastructure;
• tier 2 assessment – All plans/projects assessed under Tier 1, plus projects which became operational since baseline characterisation, those under construction, those with consent and submitted but not yet determined;
• tier 3 assessment – All plans/projects assessed under Tier 2, plus those projects with a Scoping Report; and
• tier 4 assessment – All plans/projects assessed under Tier 3, which are reasonably foreseeable, plus those projects likely to come forward where an Agreement for Lease (AfL) has been granted.
  207. The specific projects scoped into the CEA for infrastructure and other users, are outlined in Table 17.10   Open ▸ .
  208. As described in volume 1, chapter 3, the Applicant is developing an additional export cable grid connection to Blyth, Northumberland (the Cambois connection).Applications for necessary consents (including marine licenses) will be applied for separately. The CEA for the Cambois connection is based on information presented in the Cambois connection Scoping Report (SSER, 2022e), submitted in October 2022. The Cambois connection has been scoped into the CEA for infrastructures and other users on the basis that Cambois connection will overlap spatially and temporally with the Proposed Development and the project will engage in activities such as cable burial and installation of cable protection which will impact infrastructure and other users receptors.
  209. The range of potential cumulative impacts that are identified and included in Table 17.11   Open ▸ , is a subset of those considered for the Proposed Development alone CEA assessment. This is because some of the potential impacts identified and assessed for the Proposed Development alone, are localised and temporary in nature. It is considered therefore, that these potential impacts have limited or no potential to interact with similar changes associated with other plans or projects. These have therefore been scoped out of the cumulative effects assessment.
  210. Similarly, some of the potential impacts considered within the Proposed Development alone assessment are specific to a particular phase of development (e.g. construction, operation and maintenance or decommissioning). Where the potential for cumulative effects with other plans or projects only have potential to occur where there is spatial or temporal overlap with the Proposed Development during certain phases of development, impacts associated with a certain phase may be omitted from further consideration where no plans or projects have been identified that have the potential for cumulative effects during this period.

Table 17.10: List of Other Development Considered Within the CEA for Infrastructure and Other Users

Figure 17.7: Offshore Energy Agreements Screened into the Cumulative Effects Assessment for Infrastructure and Other Users

17.12.2.         Maximum Design Scenario

211. The maximum design scenarios identified in Table 17.11   Open ▸ have been selected as those having the potential to result in the greatest effect on an identified receptor or receptor group. The cumulative effects presented and assessed in this section have been selected from the details provided in volume 1, chapter 3 of the Offshore EIA Report as well as the information available on other projects and plans (see volume 3, appendix 6.4), to inform a ‘maximum design scenario’. Effects of greater adverse significance are not predicted to arise should any other development scenario, based on details within the Project Design Envelope (e.g. different wind turbine layout), to that assessed here, be taken forward in the final design scheme.

Table 17.11: Maximum Design Scenario Considered for each Impact as part of the Assessment of Likely Significant Cumulative Effects on Infrastructure and Other Users

17.12.3.         Cumulative Effects Assessment

212. An assessment of the likely significance of the cumulative effects of the Proposed Development upon infrastructure and other users receptors arising from each identified impact is given below.
213. The CEA for infrastructure and other users assesses cumulative effects for all infrastructure and other users receptors considered within the assessment of effects undertaken above. Only the displacement of recreational vessels and recreational activities (as per Table 17.12   Open ▸ ) has been taken forward for assessment at a cumulative level. Potential for damage to NnG and both the Cambois connection and Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables and restriction of access to NnG and both the Cambois connection and Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables resulting from construction, maintenance and decommissioning activities, are specific to the Proposed Development alone assessment presented in section 17.11, with no potential for cumulative effects with other projects and plans.

Displacement of Recreational Vessels

Tiers 2 and 3

Construction phase

Magnitude of impact

214. The installation of Proposed Development infrastructure within the Proposed Development array area and along the Proposed Development export cable corridor, together with the Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects identified in Table 17.11   Open ▸ , may displace recreational vessels, resulting in a loss of recreational resource.
215. Figure 17.7   Open ▸ provides an overview of the location of other projects screened into the cumulative assessment in relation to recreational interests. There are general sailing areas associated with Dunbar Sailing Club and East Lothian Yacht Club. Both sailing clubs are adjacent to the offshore Proposed Development export cable corridor, situated north-west of the infrastructure and other users study area - inner area. General boating areas are also located to the south of Elie. Extensive recreational boating occurs in the area of sea between North Berwick, and Elie and Earlsferry, with motor cruising areas extending to the east towards the Proposed Development array area. Smaller levels of displacement may also occur due to site investigation activities associated with NnG, Inch Cape, Seagreen 1 Cable Corridor, Seagreen 1A Export Cable Corridor, and Cambois connection. Additional displacement may also occur during maintenance activities undertaken at Eastern Link 1 offshore export cables.
216. The spatial extent of the impact on boating activities taking place along the east coast of Scotland will be relatively small in the context of the available sailing, boating and sea angling area in the wider vicinity, with the potential for localised displacement of recreational craft from the individual advisory safety zones and advisory clearance distances around structures and vessels associated with each project. Advisory safety zones will be temporary until each structure has been installed and commissioned, and advisory clearance distances around vessels will be transient as the vessel progressively completes the relevant installation, maintenance, and survey activity. It is unlikely that the activities of all projects would temporally coincide to displace the same recreational vessel on multiple occasions.
217. As described in Table 17.9   Open ▸ , NtMs will be issued regularly during the construction phase of the Proposed Development, advising of the location, nature and timing of activities, ensuring that recreational activities can be planned accordingly. Similar measures are likely to apply at the other offshore wind farm projects as standard practice.
218. The cumulative impact is predicted to be of regional spatial extent, short to medium term duration, intermittent and medium reversibility. It is predicted that the impact will affect the receptor directly. The magnitude is therefore, considered to be low.

Sensitivity of receptor

219. It is anticipated that recreational boating and sea angling vessels will be able to alter their route or transit past installation and survey activities, given the adequate sea room in the vicinity of each project. There are other locations available for sailing, sea angling and diving which are unlikely to be affected by multiple projects at the same time, such that alternatives are available.
220. The receptor is deemed to be of medium vulnerability, high recoverability and medium value. The sensitivity of the receptor is therefore, considered to be medium.

Significance of effect

221. Overall, the magnitude of the cumulative impact is deemed to be low and the sensitivity of the receptor is considered to be medium. The cumulative effect will, therefore, be of minor adverse significance, which is not significant in EIA terms.

Further mitigation and residual effect

222. No infrastructure and other sea user mitigation is considered necessary because the predicted impact in the absence of mitigation is not significant in EIA terms.