1 Aims, Scope and Format of the Road Map

1.1 Background and Aims

Phase 2 of the former Firth of Forth Zone includes Berwick Bank Wind Farm for which consents and licences (as set out below) are being sought. This Project includes both the offshore wind turbine generators (hereafter referred to as wind turbines) and associated offshore infrastructure, as well as onshore grid connection and associated infrastructure.

The Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map covers assessment in relation to the Berwick Bank Wind Farm, seaward of Mean High Water Springs (MHWS). This Road Map does not consider onshore impacts of onshore infrastructure (landward of MHWS). Consent and licence applications for the onshore and offshore components of the Project are being submitted separately. The offshore components of the Project are hereafter referred to as ‘The Proposed Development’.

Key components of the Proposed Development include:

wind turbines;
wind turbine foundations;
inter-array cables;
offshore substation platforms (OSP)/Offshore convertor station platforms; and
offshore export cables.

The Proposed Development requires the following consents, licences and permissions:

a Section 36 consent under the Electricity Act 1989;
a marine licence under the Marine and Coastal Access Act (MCAA) 2009;
a marine licence under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 for the part of the offshore export cables which is within 12 nautical miles (nm) of the coast; and
planning permission under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 for all infrastructure located landward of Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS) and seaward of MHWS.

The aim of this Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map is to support reached agreement with key stakeholders on the information provided by SSE Renewables (hereafter referred to as “the Applicant”) in relation to benthic subtidal and intertidal ecology, fish and shellfish ecology and physical processes Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Report to Inform the Appropriate Assessment (RIAA), as part of the Section 36 Consent Application and Marine Licence Applications for the Proposed Development. This Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map documents discussions and agreements between the Applicant and the key stakeholders listed in section 2.

This Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map seeks to ensure that the information supplied in the consent Applications listed above is compliant with the requirements of the following regulations, hereafter referred to as the EIA Regulations:

Section 36 consent application: The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017;
marine licence application: The Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 and The Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007; and
a planning application: The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017.
As well as the following regulations, hereafter referred to as the Habitats Regulations:
the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended);
the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended)[1]; and
the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended)1 (which apply to marine licences and Section 36 applications within the Scottish Offshore region.

As part of engagement in the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map process, it was envisaged that the Applicant and key stakeholders would:

provide information in a timely manner;
be transparent and consistent in provision of advice;
provide effective involvement in the stakeholder engagement process;
aim to adhere to the programme of meetings set out in this Road Map (see section 3); and
seek to identify any issues or additional data requirements as early as possible.
The Applicant sought to provide this Road Map as an accurate record of meetings held, discussions undertaken and points of agreement relating to the offshore EIA and Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) benthic ecology, fish and shellfish and physical processes assessments.

Engagement with regard to the Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) process focused primarily on benthic ecology and fish and shellfish, however it was acknowledged there may be overlap of physical processes aspects such as physical processes modelling.

1.2 Scope

The Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map was used as a tool to facilitate early and on-going engagement with key stakeholders, throughout the pre-application phase of the Proposed Development up to the point of Application submission. This included consultation on the developing baseline characterisation, including approaches to data collection for benthic subtidal and intertidal ecology, underwater noise modelling for fish ecology, physical processes modelling, assessment of significance, and development of the final application documentation. This Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map was a ‘live’ document which was used to reach and record points of agreement, for example on scoping impacts out of the EIA, RIAA and Marine Protected Area (MPA) assessment, and agreeing the level of assessment that were presented for impacts scoped in to the EIARIAA and MPA assessment, so that the focus in the assessment documents in support of the Application are on likely significant effects as defined by the EIA Regulations, and Likely Significant Effects (LSE) as defined by European caselaw associated with the Habitat Directive.

The Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map sought to agree the following as a minimum, however additional points of agreement/discussion were required, and these were discussed with key stakeholders and documented within this Road Map:

present evidence base (including site-specific subtidal and intertidal surveys);
baseline datasets;
baseline characterisation (including key marine fish and diadromous fish species and habitats);
impacts and receptors to scoped in/out of the Offshore EIA Report;
HRA screening including agreeing the relevant sites, receptors and phases to be screened into the RIAA;
assessment of effects approach (including sensitivity of receptors, method of quantifying impacts and approach to hydrodynamic and hydro-sedimentary modelling);
MPA assessment; and
initial findings of assessments of effects, appropriate mitigation and monitoring.

For all the above, the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map sought to record key areas of agreement and/or outstanding points of discussion.

1.3 Format

Figure 1.1 Open ▸ outlines the key stages of the offshore EIA and HRA processes, and how the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map proposed to facilitate engagement during key stages. The first stage of the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map process was to agree the aims, scope and format of the Road Map, and the proposed timetable for engagement as set-out in this document.

The remainder of the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map is set out as follows:

section 2: identifies the key statutory stakeholders to the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map;
section 3: outlines the proposed benthic ecology, fish and shellfish ecology and physical processes offshore EIA programme, and the benthic ecology and fish and shellfish ecology HRA programmes for the Proposed Development. It includes a record of meetings that have taken place in relation to the benthic ecology, fish and shellfish ecology and physical processes offshore EIA and the benthic ecology and fish and shellfish ecology HRA assessments;
section 4: provides a summary of discussions, areas of agreement and areas of outstanding discussion in relation to the benthic ecology, fish and shellfish ecology and physical processes offshore EIA and the benthic ecology and fish and shellfish ecology HRA assessments. The aim has been to have as few issues as possible with outstanding discussion at the point of Application submission; and
section 5: summarises the position (agreement/areas of outstanding discussion) at the point of Application submission.

Figure 1.1: Key Stages of the Proposed Development

2 Key Stakeholders

It was proposed that the aims of the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map would be achieved through engagement with the following key statutory stakeholders:

Marine Scotland Licencing and Operations Team (MS-LOT);
Marine Scotland Science (MSS);
NatureScot; and
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).

The aforementioned key stakeholders attended all the meeting held except for JNCC that attended the meetings three and four only.

Table 2.1 Open ▸ sets out the remit, role in the offshore EIA/HRA processes and the key contact for each of the stakeholders listed above.

Table 2.1: Remit, Role and Contact for Key Stakeholders Associated with the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Marine Processes EIA and HRA Road Map

3 Programme

3.1 Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes EIA programme, and Benthic Ecology and Fish and Shellfish Ecology HRA programme for the Proposed Development

Table 3.1 Open ▸ below sets out the programme for key stages of the pre-application process in relation to the Berwick Bank Wind Farm.

Table 3.1: Offshore EIA and HRA Project Programme for the Proposed Development

3.2 Programme of Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map Meeting

Table 3.2 Open ▸ sets out the programme of stakeholder meetings in relation to key aspects of the benthic ecology, fish and shellfish ecology and physical processes technical assessments. These were scheduled to take place at key points of the pre-application phase and were in line with the key deliverables set out in Table 3.1: and the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map process. The meetings listed in are also listed within Figure 1.1 Open ▸ . All meetings were held via conference calls unless otherwise specified. This was due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions throughout the pre-Application phase.

The Applicant has presented an overview of the consenting and Road Map process and the points of discussion that have taken place as part of this Road Map. In addition, an Audit Document for Post-Scoping Discussions has also been provided in volume 3, appendix 5.1, summarising key points of advice received subsequent to receipt of the Berwick Bank Scoping Opinion in February 2022, and how these have been addressed in the Application documents.

Table 3.2: Programme for Stakeholder Engagement: Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes

3.3 Record of Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map Meetings

Table 3.3 Open ▸ records the meetings that have taken place, the attendees and the key discussion points in relation to the benthic ecology, fish and shellfish ecology and physical processes offshore EIA, and the benthic ecology and fish and shellfish ecology offshore HRA assessments. This table (and link to reference material) was updated after each meeting and circulated to all attendees as a record of the meeting and the key points of discussion. Table 3.3 Open ▸ does not record full minutes, however a meeting minute reference is provided for each meeting in this table and meeting minutes have been circulated following each meeting.

Table 3.3: Record of Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Marine Processes Meetings Undertaken as part of the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map

4 Record of Discussions

This section of the Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Road Map documents discussions and areas of agreement and outstanding discussion points following each meeting as set out in section 3. Further details on key aspects of discussion are provided in meeting notes.

The following subsections record associated discussion:

evidence base (including site-specific subtidal and intertidal surveys) - section 4.1;
baseline datasets - section 4.1;
baseline characterisation (including key marine fish and diadromous fish species and habitats) - section 4.1;
impacts and receptors to be scoped in/out of the Offshore EIA Report - section 4.1;
developments to be screened into the Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) - section 4.1;
HRA screening including agreeing the relevant sites, receptors and impact pathways to be screened into the RIAA - section 4.1;
approach to assessment of effects (including sensitivity of receptors, method of quantifying impacts and approach to hydrodynamic and hydro-sedimentary modelling – section 4.2;
MPA assessment – section 4.2;
physical processes modelling approach – section 4.2;
initial findings of assessment of effects, appropriate mitigation and monitoring – section 4.3; and
initials findings of MPA assessment – section 4.3.

4.1 Receptors, Key Impacts and Data Sources

This section aims to document and agree key areas of agreement and outstanding discussion points associated with the benthic ecology, fish and shellfish ecology and physical processes baseline for the Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore EIA, HRA and MPA assessment. These include the following:

evidence base (including site-specific subtidal and intertidal surveys);
baseline datasets;
baseline characterisation (including key marine fish and diadromous fish species and habitats);
impacts and receptors to be scoped in/out of the Offshore EIA Report;
developments to be screened into the CEA; and
HRA screening including agreeing the relevant sites, receptors and impact pathways to be screened into the RIAA.
Table 4.1 Open ▸ summarises the points of discussion, areas of agreement and outstanding agreements in relation to the benthic ecology, fish and shellfish ecology and physical processes baselines for the Proposed Development.

Table 4.1: Summary of Discussion and Agreed Position on Benthic Ecology, Fish and Shellfish Ecology and Physical Processes Baseline Data for EIA and HRA

4.1.1 Additional Detail on Key Discussions

4.1.1.1 Benthic ecology scoping of receptors and impacts

Benthic Seabed Habitats:

No Annex I stony/rocky reef in Proposed Development array area nor Annex I Sabellaria spinulosa reef observed although individuals S. spinulosa present. No Modiolus modiolus beds recorded, although individual M. modiolus present.

Benthic Ecology Scope of Impacts:

No sediment contamination levels exceeding AL1/AL2 and Canadian Threshold Effect Levels (TEL) except five stations, therefore impact suggested to be scoped out by the Applicant.

4.1.1.2 Physical processes evidence base

Monitoring/Field Data:

Berwick Bank surveys: geophysical and metocean (Fugro 2020a, 2020b);
Seagreen Alpha/Bravo surveys: geophysical and metocean (Fugro 2012);
EMODnet: bathymetry and seabed sediment;
MEDIN – bathymetric data;
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas): salinity, temperature and turbidity;
British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC): metocean;
United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO): tidal data;

Reports/Studies:

Baseline Characteristics: Dynamic Coast, Ramsay & Brampton (2009), Forth & Tay offshore wind farms (Inch Cape, Neart na Gaoithe, Seagreen);
Designations & Marine Activities: JNCC & MSS mapping resources;

Models/Simulated Data

Berwick Bank Wind Farm model: tidal current, wave climate, littoral current (sediment transport), particle tracking (sediment releases); and
Model Forcing/Scoping: ECMWF, Met Office, Scottish Shelf Model, Seagreen, models cited in studies.

4.1.1.3 Fish and shellfish ecology baseline characterisation

General habitat and fish assemblage data:

Marine Scotland NMPi maps;
EIA characterisation surveys for Seagreen Alpha/Bravo, Inch Cape and Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Wind Farms;
EMODnet seabed habitats; and
Biotope mapping (benthic ecology).

Fish spawning and nursery:

Cefas spawning and nursery grounds (Ellis et al. (2012), Coull et al. (1998));
Sandeels – site specific data; Latto et al. (2013);
Herring – site specific data; Reach et al. (2013); and
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) programme of International Herring Larval Surveys (IHLS) in the North Sea (2007 - 2016);

Diadromous fish:

Fish and shellfish ecology assessment for Seagreen 1 (Seagreen, 2018); and
Rod catch data.

4.1.1.4 Fish and shellfish ecology IEFS (*PMFs)

Marine Fish: plaice Pleuronectes platessa, lemon sole Microstomus kitt, other flatfish species, cod* Gadus morhua, haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus, whiting* Merlangius merlangus, saithe* Pollachius virens, other demersal species, lesser sandeel* Ammodytes tobianus, raitt’s sandeel* Ammodytes marinus, herring* Clupea harengus, mackerel* Scomber scombrus, sprat Sprattus sprattus, basking shark* Cetorhinus maximus, tope Galeorhinus galeus, spurdog* Squalus acanthias, common skate* Dipturus batis, rays
Shellfish IEF: edible crab Cancer pagurus, Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus, European lobster Homarus gammarus, king scallop Pecten maximus, velvet swimming carb Necora puber, other crustaceans, freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera.
Diadromous Fish IEF: sea trout* Salmo trutta, European eel* Anguilla anguilla, sea lamprey* Petromyzon marinus, river lamprey* Lampetra fluviatilis, twaite shad Alosa fallax, allis shad Alosa alosa, Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, sparling/European smelt* Osmerus eperlanus.

4.1.1.5 Berwickshire and North Northumberland SAC identified and screened for consideration of LSE

Site features:

large shallow inlets and bays;
mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide;
reefs; and
submerged or partially submerged sea caves.

Closest distance to:

Proposed Development array area – 34.67 km; and
Proposed Development export cable corridor – 4.12 km.

4.1.1.6 Sites designated for Annex II diadromous fish

For sea and river lamprey:

Tweed Estuary SAC (46.5 km to Proposed Development array area/29 km to Proposed Development export cable corridor).

For Atlantic salmon and freshwater pearl mussel:

River South Esk SAC (51.4 km to Proposed Development array area/76.5 km to Proposed Development export cable corridor); and
River Dee SAC (79.8 km to Proposed Development array area/106.6 km to Proposed Development export cable corridor).

For Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey and river lamprey:

River Tweed SAC (51.6 km to Proposed Development array area/34.1 km to Proposed Development export cable corridor);
River Tay SAC (87.2 km to Proposed Development array area/102.7 km to Proposed Development export cable corridor);and
River Teith SAC (148.1 km to Proposed Development array area/113.8 km to Proposed Development export cable corridor).

4.1.2 Summary Statement of Final Position

The lists of receptors, impacts and relevant sites to be scoped in/out of the offshore EIA report assessment and screened in/out of the offshore RIAA, as well as the evidence base and baseline characterisation, followed the suggestions from the Applicant in Table 4.1 Open ▸ with the inclusion of the following advice from the stakeholders. These have been agreed by the Applicant during Road Map Meetings:

kelp forests to be considered as an IEF in the benthic ecology technical report and offshore EIA chapter (volume 3, appendix 8.1 and volume 2, chapter 8 respectively);
micro-siting considered as a designed in measure in the offshore EIA benthic ecology chapter (volume 2, chapter 8);
FeAST used to inform the sensitivity assessment of the receptor;
impact of EMFs from subsea cabling scoped in the offshore EIA benthic ecology chapter (volume 2, chapter 8);
only the Firth of Forth Banks Complex ncMPA requires to be considered in the MPA assessment;
cumulative effects to be considered in the MPA assessment;
the list of in IEFs and PMFs from section 4.1.1.4, without sparling and river lamprey, are to be considered in the offshore EIA fish and shellfish ecology chapter (volume 2, chapter 9).