for piling Therefore it is not possible to eliminate piling noise from the project; the focus should therefore be on ‘Reduce – Control – Inform’ measures. 2 Reduce Reduce the noise level either through limiting the noise emission at source, or ensuring minimum effectively reduce the potential noise exposure Use of a temporary Diving Exclusion Zone within 2km (2000m) of any piled location which will be patrolled by guard boats during the pile driving operations; should any dive vessels or divers come within this exclusion piling will be temporarily suspended until they retreat outside the Exclusion Zone. 3 Control Control the noise levels in a manner which allows early warning from lower noise levels to enable individuals to avoid sudden loud noise levels Use of a ‘Soft-Start Piling’ technique; Underwater noise will be audible, although at a lower level, over a greater distance outside the 2km exclusion area, therefore to avoid unexpectedly startling anyone diving during this period outside the exclusion zone, the energy level of the pile driving will be gradually built up over a period of 20 minutes. 4 Inform Ensure that those who may be exposed to the residual hazard are suitably informed from the above measures being implemented, are aware of the hazard and the need to observe the controls put in place i) Appointment of a Diving Liaison Officer (DLO); ii) Implementation of comprehensive Communications Plan with the diving community – including Diver Factsheet/Newsletter and Construction Updates immediately prior to and during construction. General awareness of the Project, construction timescales, and specific notice of when piling will be happening, will ensure the dive community can plan dives appropriately and those who choose to dive out towards the Rampion site will be aware of the likelihood of underwater
Informing and Raising Awareness Prior to Construction A Diver Factsheet/Newsletter will be prepared for circulation to those on the diving community database at least 3 months in advance of offshore construction commencing, to include the following content:- overview the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm; introduction to the issue of piling noise and an explanation of the potential impacts on divers; explanation of construction, including the zoning / phasing of construction within the site, installation of foundations and turbines, duration and frequency of piling operations, construction timetable; health and safety issues, including the Safety Mitigation Plan and an introduction to the proposed mitigation measures including ‘Soft-Start Piling’ and Exclusion Zones; charts illustrating the Rampion site and layout, wreck sites of interest to divers and safe distance recommendations; indication of scheduling of the planned construction works; contact details for the Diving Liaison Officer (DLO) and the Rampion Development Manager, website and telephone hotline number. Articles, press releases and advertisements will also be published at appropriate times during the pre-construction period to seek to maximise awareness of the upcoming works. Face to Face Engagement a local event, designed to inform the local diving community and allow them to discuss their concerns; exhibiting at the National Dive Show; offering presentations to local dive clubs. Construction Phase Updates The applicant and their appointed DLO will communicate information prior to commencement of piling works, and ongoing through the construction phase, to the diving community via:-