The Davis Strait - DCE - Nationalt Center for Miljø og Energi

204
Disturbance can be mitigated by careful planning of the noisy activities in
order to avoid activities in sensitive areas and periods, based on detailed
background studies of the sensitive components of the environment.
Impacts from placement of structures inland is best mitigated by the same
measures as described for activities involving disturbance, i.e. careful planning
based on detailed background studies of the sensitive components of
the environment in order to avoid unique and sensitive habitats.
10.3.8 Conclusions on development and production activities
Drilling will continue during development and production phases and drilling
mud and cuttings will be produced in much larger quantities than during
exploration. If these substances are released to the seabed impacts must
be expected on the benthic communities near the release sites. Therefore
strict regulation based on toxicity tests of the mud chemicals and monitoring
of effects on the sites is essential in order to mitigate impacts.
However, the release giving most reason for environmental concern is produced
water. Recent studies have indicated that the small amounts of oil and
nutrients can impact birds and primary production, and there is also concern
with regard to the long-term effects of radionuclides and hormonedisruptive
chemicals. These effects should be mitigated by regulation, monitoring
of the sites and new technologies to clean the water.
There will be a risk of release of non-native and invasive species from ballast
water, and this risk will increase with the effects of climate change, unless
new regulations, such as the Ballast Water convention, will secure that the
ballast water is cleaned prior to release. The risk of introducing new species
by means of fouling on ship hulls is also likely to increase along with increased
shipping in the Arctic.
Emissions from production activities to the atmosphere are substantial and
will contribute significantly to the Greenland contribution of greenhouse
gases.
Drilling, ships and helicopters produce noise which can affect marine
mammals and seabirds. The most sensitive species within the assessment area
are the colonial seabirds, bowhead whales, narwhals and white whales.
There is a risk of permanent displacement of populations from critical habitats
and therefore for negative population effects.
Placement of structures both has biological and aesthetic impacts. Biological
impacts mainly include permanent displacement from critical habitats –
walrus is highly sensitive and occurs at the northern part of the assessment
area. Destruction of unique seabed communities, such as sponge gardens
and cold water coral reefs, is also a risk. Aesthetic impacts primarily include
impacts on the pristine landscape, which may impact on the local tourism
industry.
The commercial fishery may be affected by closure zones if rigs, pipelines
and other installations are placed in the Greenland halibut fishing grounds.
But the impact on the fishery will probably be relatively low. Fish and seals
that are attracted to artificial reefs created by subsea structures may be exposed
to the contaminants from the release of produced water.