COWRIE report on sediment process monitoring available
April 15, 2010
A study led by ABPmer, that reviewed the sediment monitoring data from built and currently being constructed offshore wind farms, has now been published by COWRIE.
A previous review of sediment monitoring data, “Review of Round 1 sediment process monitoring data – lessons learnt” (SED01) was carried out in 2006/7 which drew together the evidence base of currently available the sediment process monitoring work carried out on Round 1 offshore wind farm developments. The methods, data, results and impacts were reviewed in order to identify lessons learnt and to provide relevant recommendations for monitoring of Round 2 developments.
This latest piece of work, with input from CEFAS and HR Wallingford, has extended this evidence base with more recent information from UK and European offshore wind projects. The reviews have again focussed on suspended sediments, seabed morphology and scour to identify best practice for monitoring techniques with a focus on advising on future offshore wind developments.
Bill Cooper, Director ABPmer, said “These studies come from a recommendation we made to the Research Advisory Group, established by the DTI in 2005, to consider research priorities in relation to the potential environmental impacts of offshore wind farm developments and their impacts on other users of the sea. We are pleased that COWRIE funding has allowed such an important initiative to be updated and trust that this particular piece of research will assist decision-making, environmental monitoring practices and procedures for Round 3.”
A copy of the report and non-technical summary can be accessed from the COWRIE publication website.
ABPmer is a leading marine environmental consultancy in the provision of specialist advice and technical expertise to the offshore wind sector. The organisation has led several strategic level technical reviews for Government and The Crown Estate and its coastal process and metocean analysis expertise has supported the majority of Round 1 and Round 2 offshore wind farm projects and a number of Round 3 preliminary assessments.
Enquiries:
Tracey Hewett
ABPmer Communications
Tel: 02380 711840
